Take the stress out of docking with proven techniques, clear strategies, and confidence-building instruction designed for real-world conditions.
For many sailors, docking is the most nerve-wracking part of the day. Add a crosswind, current, or a busy marina and even experienced skippers can feel the pressure rise. This online class takes the mystery out of docking and gives you step-by-step approaches, practical tips, and the confidence to dock smoothly in a variety of situations.
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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW
This online class is designed to help sailors of all levels handle docking like pros. You’ll learn techniques that make every approach safer, smoother, and less stressful — whether you’re single-handing, working with a crew, or maneuvering into a tight slip. By focusing on the details that matter, you’ll walk away with the confidence to bring your boat in under control, no matter the conditions.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is ideal for sailors who want to take the anxiety out of docking and sharpen their boat-handling skills. Whether you’re a recent graduate from ASA 101/103, preparing for your first bareboat charter, or a cruiser looking to refine your docking finesse, this class is for you.
What Will I Learn?
In this online class, you’ll gain practical knowledge and repeatable techniques to make docking a stress-free experience. Learn how to anticipate challenges, control your boat in close quarters, and communicate clearly with your crew.
List of Topics:
- Step-by-step docking approaches
- Understanding wind and current effects
- Single-handed and short-handed docking techniques
- Approaching slips and side ties with confidence
- Docking with spring lines
- Managing prop walk and prop wash
- Crew communication strategies
- How to recover gracefully from a misstep
Take the stress out of docking
From Stress to Seamanship
For many sailors, docking is the most nerve-wracking part of the day. Add a crosswind, strong current, or the watchful eyes of a crowded marina and even seasoned skippers can feel their pulse quicken. This online class takes the guesswork out of docking by giving you structured, repeatable techniques and practical tips that transform stressful arrivals into smooth, confident maneuvers. With expert guidance and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to bring your boat in with control, no matter the conditions.
Smart Docking for Real Sailors
This online class goes beyond theory to deliver hands-on approaches sailors can actually use. You’ll break down docking into simple steps, learning how to assess wind and current, use spring lines to your advantage, and adjust to tight slips or unfamiliar harbors. Whether you’re single-handing, short-handed, or coordinating a full crew, the online class equips you with strategies that keep everyone calm, capable, and in control.
A Must for Cruisers, Charterers, and Everyday Sailors
Perfect for recent ASA 101/103 graduates, first-time charterers, or experienced cruisers looking to refine their skills, this online class helps sailors of all levels eliminate anxiety and build confidence at the helm. If you’ve ever dreaded docking at a busy marina, struggled with prop walk, or simply wished you could handle close-quarters maneuvers with ease, this is your chance to master the techniques that make docking second nature.
YOUR HOSTs
TERESA & BEN CAREY
Teresa Carey and Ben Eriksen Carey are seasoned maritime professionals and co-owners of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a renowned coastal and offshore sail-training program.
Teresa is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, educator, and accomplished media producer. Her experience includes captaining diverse vessels—schooners, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and even a lobster boat—and teaching for sea programs like Outward Bound. Teresa’s solo offshore sailing and her work as a science journalist, and experience teaching high school, college, and on-the-water enrich her teaching with practical and scientific insights.
Ben holds a 200 Ton US Coast Guard Master's License and a 500 Ton Mate of Towing credential. His extensive maritime career spans schooners, tugboats, sailing and motor yachts, with expertise as captain, mate, and beyond. A lifelong waterman and marine biology graduate, Ben brings a deep understanding of seamanship and safety to his instruction.
Together, Ben and Teresa have sailed thousands of nautical miles, co-founded Morse Alpha Expeditions, and produced engaging sailing media including podcasts, like the Morning Muster Sailing Podcast, and documentaries. Their combined hands-on experience and passion for education make them exceptional instructors for this navigation rules online class.
ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
Regular Price
$39
ASA Member Price
$29
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.
ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT
American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!
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