As a continuation of the previous article, we specifically considered how our boat handles and understood how the elements (wind and tide/stream) affect our vessel. The final part of the assessment phase is to look at the berth we are interested in and determine how these factors affect the approach to that specific berth.

If you are interested, you can read these two previous articles:

"Basics and Recommendations for Driving a Yacht at Low Speeds"

"How to Leave the Dock Elegantly and Confidently?"

Let's take a look at the following five marina berths to assess the issues we might encounter when approaching certain berths, so that we can formulate an "effective plan for returning and docking."

As we determined in the previous article, a motorboat will only "stop turning" when it is head to wind ("sideways into the wind"). This means that for many motorboats with a lighter bow and a heavier stern, the bow can rotate very quickly from head to wind to lying broadside.

Therefore, for Berth A, we need to watch the bow carefully, because as we approach the berth bow into the wind, the bow will naturally rotate towards the pontoon, or to the port side, allowing another boat to potentially moor. Entering from the port side of the marina also means the berth is "open" to us, so we have a completely clear view. Approaching from this angle allows us to carry power onto the berth, but we need to be careful not to overdo the throttle.

As we approach "A", we need to time stopping the throttle so that we don't overshoot the berth. Knowing when to turn requires understanding your boat and plenty of practice. In short: slow down, time your turn, find a suitable angle on the pontoon, and control the bow.

Berth B is obviously very similar to A, but from our direction of approach, the berth is "blind" or closed to us. There is no absolute right or wrong way to approach, but a good method is to drive straight past, turn to get a good approach angle, and enter the berth. The remaining considerations are the same as for A.

Berth C is an easy berth to enter if you line it up correctly. Motorboats generally don't require much effort to keep the "stern into the wind," so as long as you turn at the right time, you can gently let the stern enter the berth first. As you approach the berth, we tend to leave a little more space and stay slightly to the left ("upwind" side) of the channel to give ourselves some turning room and ensure you aren't blown onto the boats on the right ("danger side").

The image shows an initial small turn to the right and then reversing upwind, but it can work just as well without turning right by turning left (to port) first, then reversing to initiate the turn and arrest forward motion all at once. Try both and see what you think.

At first glance, entering Berth D seems simple because the wind is behind you, but care is needed for a few reasons. In the example shown, the yacht drives straight into the berth. Another option is to pass the berth, turn around, and the berth becomes "open". However, be careful when turning; if you get caught broadside, you could be blown onto other boats very quickly. Additionally, it is easy to enter the berth too fast, so get the stern into the wind to hold position, and then back in slowly.

Berth E can be a slightly tricky berth. The problem with this berth is that you need to keep the bow into the wind while reversing into the berth. As we have already determined, the wind will push the bow to the left or right, so we need to back up into the wind, potentially increasing our power, and keep the bow under control.

This is exactly where a bow thruster proves its value. Whether you have a thruster or not, you need to be well-fended and time it right before approaching the berth so you don't have to reverse too far down the berth.

Remember, for any of these berths, good skippers know when to abort the maneuver and start again.

For E, going bow-first might be more efficient, or hovering by the marina and moving ahead into the berth at a good moment, shifting the boat when the wind drops. Whichever you decide to do, remember two things:

1) It is no big deal to decide not to approach a berth under the circumstances you face;

2) Boats are made of plastic and can be repaired—keep hands and legs clear. Only use fenders to cushion the impact.

For any approach and berth, consider following this process:

• Assess the effects of wind, tide, depth, and other vessels
• Plan the approach considered in this assessment
• Execute the approach, but ensure you have also planned an escape route to abort the docking attempt

As we have said many times, you cannot get good at this without practicing. Start with multiple 180° turns, then find a long, straight pontoon and practice coming alongside well at an angle.

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