Leaving the Dock: The spring line exit that keeps you off the neighbor

When departing in crosswind, the first 10 seconds decide everything. If the bow gets pushed into the wrong place, you spend the next minute recovering—often too close to other boats.

The spring line exit (basic idea)

• Keep one spring line on (often the one that controls the boat’s pivot point).
• Use it briefly to hold position while you create the movement you actually want.

Why it works

• The line becomes a controlled “hinge.”
• You can create a predictable pivot without immediately drifting sideways.

What to watch

• Keep fenders working until you’re truly clear.
• Don’t rush the line release—release when the boat is already doing the right thing.

Log note

Departures fail because we try to “go” before we’ve built control.
A spring line gives you a moment of control to start clean.