When performing manoeuvres in confined spaces, always go with the motions the boat will naturally perform.

All boats have handling characteristics which make some actions easy and others nearly impossible.

You will frequently see people attempting to force the boat into a manoeuvre that is very difficult.

Instead, it is far less stressful to spend some time learning how the boat naturally turns with a variety of wind strengths and directions, then use this knowledge to handle turns in difficult spaces.

Essential knowledge includes:

Which way the propeller effect will turn the boat in reverse.

How fast will the bows blow down wind.

What is the minimum speed at which you can still steer the vessel?

 

 

 

 

Additional Resources: