Tip For Docking with Wind

Much like a previous post where I mentioned that you will someday have to dock in foul weather, you will also have to someday dock in a strong wind.

Here is a tip that I learned to keep your boat from getting scratched at the dock.  ALWAYS TRY TO DOCK ON THE LEEWARD SIDE OF THE DOCK!

So I know what you are thinking, what in the hell does this mean, I don't speak sailor.  Well, its simple, there are two sides to the dock when the wind is blowing.  The windward and the leeward sides.  The diagram below will show the difference.

If you are docking in a strong wind, docking on the windward side would be much easier, just line up and let the wind push you in until you hit the dock.  But in some cases, that is not always the best way to do it.  If you are docked on the windward side, your boat will constantly be hitting the dock due to the wind.  

On the other hand, docking on the leeward side can be a bit more difficult, its kind of like trying to go out for a jog in the middle of a hurricane, it can be done, but its difficult, though in the end, this difficult few minutes will pay off.  If you are able to dock on the leeward side of the dock, your boat will constantly be pushed away from the dock, if the boat isn't touching the dock, it cant get scratched!