Mastering the art of boat handling is essential for any aspiring skipper, ensuring both safety and confidence on the water.
At Fairview Sailing, we offer an exclusive Boat Handling Course from our base in Port Hamble Marina, designed to equip you with the skills needed to navigate and dock your vessel with ease.
Benefits of the Boat Handling Course
Many skippers understandably feel nervous about parking the boat or leaving the pontoon for the first time. Our course aims to alleviate these concerns by building your confidence in manoeuvring a yacht in close quarters.
By practicing in the busy Port Hamble Marina, we ensure that the situations are as challenging as possible. So after the course, you will know if you can park here—you can park anywhere!
Related article: An introduction to Sailing: What’s the best way to learn how to sail?
Course Content and Process
The course runs from 08:30 to 16:30 and covers a comprehensive range of topics:
Theory of Tide and Wind Effects: Understanding how natural forces impact your vessel’s movement.
Berthing Techniques:
- Bows To, Alongside: Approaching docks head-on and securing the boat parallel to the dock.
- Stern To, Alongside: Reversing into a berth and securing the boat parallel to the dock.
Springing Off Fore and Aft: Using spring lines to maneuver the boat away from the dock.
Prop Walk and Prop Wash: Learning how propeller forces affect boat movement, aiding in tight manoeuvring.
Close Quarter Manoeuvring: Handling the boat in confined spaces with precision.
Shorthanded Berthing Alongside: Techniques for docking with minimal crew assistance.
Throughout the day, you’ll practice parking in and leaving finger pontoons, as well as mooring alongside, under the guidance of a commercially endorsed instructor.
The course utilises a Beneteau Oceanis 37, providing a realistic experience on a well-equipped yacht.
Ease of Completion
Our Boat Handling Course is designed for sailors of varying experience levels. The hands-on approach ensures that participants can grasp the techniques effectively, regardless of prior experience.
With a focus on practical application, you’ll find that mastering these skills is both straightforward and enjoyable. The course fee includes all mooring fees, a packed lunch, and the use of professional wet gear (available for hire), ensuring a hassle-free learning environment.
Find out more
Investing a day in this course will not only enhance your boat handling abilities but also boost your confidence, making your sailing experiences more enjoyable and safe.
Join us at Fairview Sailing and take the helm with assurance. Contact the team today to find out more.
