Berthing Checklist
Before your visit, please ensure that you have completed the following steps so that we can confirm a spot on the Wharf and provide access if needed:
Wharfage Booking Form Completed and Approved email confirmation from berthing@qcyc.org.au
All bookings made on Try-booking via the website
Wharfage Payment Processed via Try- booking
All visiting vessels have sent their Insurance policy documents to berthing@qcyc.org.au
Insurance Certificate provided and up to date on Revolution Sport the Portal QCYC uses for all membership details or sent to:
QCYC Berthing Guidelines
It is a requirement to berth with your bow facing south, which will mean a port-side tie, so prepare for this before entering the cut with fenders and lines ready on the port side.
If you have a fender board with you, it should be ready to drop over onto the fenders if it becomes apparent that you will be against the wharf.
The fender board is not normally required if you are directed to raft alongside another boat.
The location you are directed to, either against the wharf or rafted up to another boat, will depend upon:
1. Size: generally, the larger vessels will be against the wharf, with the smaller to the outside.
The is at the discretion of the wharfing Manager or officer of the day
2. Time of year: Summer is always a challenge, and skippers will be directed by the Officer of the Day
When paying for your berthing further details will be forwarded to you from our Berthing Manager.
All bookings payable via Try-booking
Detailed instructions are contained in the Club Induction Handbook
Tips for Berthing with Confidence at QCYC
Use these seven simple steps to dock your boat smoothly and easily with a single spring line.
You will boost your docking skills and gain the confidence to bring your boat in under power wherever in the world you choose to cruise.
1. Assemble the Spring Line
Make a Long Spring Line Make up a long docking line 1 to 1½ times the length of your boat. Find a cleat between the bow and midships (maximum beam point).
Spring lines work best when attached to a cleat closer to midships. Your winch on your cabin top amidships will also do the job.
Attach one end of the spring line to the boat cleat. Coil the other end. Pass the coil under and back over the lifelines or bow pulpit to avoid obstructions.
2. Assign a Roving Fender.
This will depend on whether you are on the wharf or rafting up and whether there is a fender board on board. Appoint one crew member to walk (rove) the boat with a fender to cushion any point of contact between your hull and the wharf or other boat.
Use a roving fender in addition to any other fenders you hang alongside. This technique will save your hull from scratches, dings, and dents.
3. Approach to the Wind and Current
This is always desirable but only sometimes possible at QCYC, as boats are required to berth facing south, so a port-side tie-up is the norm.
When berthing elsewhere, choose the docking side based on the wind or current direction.
Always approach a pier with your bow facing the wind and/or current if possible. This gives you the most boat control and helps slow the boat as you get near the pier.
4. Looping the Spring Line
Loop the Spring Line and Tie It Off Slow the boat in good time but retain some forward motion.
Standing as far forward as possible, loop the spring line over a cleat or bollard as close to the estimated stern resting position as feasible (this is ideal, but a short spring can be just as effective in the initial tie-up) and tie the end back to the boat cleat.
5. Come Alongside.
Use a Wheel or Tiller to Come Alongside. When the spring line is attached, turn your wheel away from the wharf. Push the tiller handle toward the Wharf if you use a tiller or outboard. Both actions position the boat’s rudder so that it helps the boat come alongside the pier.
6. Shift Your Engine to Idle Ahead.
Place the shifter ahead at the minimum throttle. This tensions the spring line and works in concert with the rudder to bring the boat alongside the pier. Keep the shifter ahead with minimum throttle and the rudder turned so your boat maintains this position.
Position your fenders so that they protect your hull. Placing the fenders horizontally will work best if you must fetch a fender board from shore.
7. Attach the Rest of Your Docking Lines.
Tie off the rest of your docking lines at your leisure. If you maintain the combination of throttle and rudder position described above, your boat will stay flush next to the wharf unless a strong wind or tide is taking you away from the wharf. When you finish tying up, ease the throttle back to neutral. Secure your engine. Place your wheel or tiller amidships (centred), and you're done!