Talk: "Close Quarter Manoeuvring" by Colin McLean

Talk: "Close Quarter Manoeuvring" by Colin McLean, Friday 23rd January 2026

Colin McLean is the Assistant Manager at Haslar Marina and an experienced sailor. He has kindly offered to come and explain the techniques that he and the berthing staff often use to move boats around in the marina. Close quarter manoeuvring requires focus, precise use of throttle and steering, an understanding of wind and current and planning, using techniques like short bursts of power, anticipating boat pivot points and utilising thrusters or, more likely, prop wash (prop walk) to navigate safely in marinas and narrow channels.

If this sounds rather complicated then this is the talk for you! Come along and join us and Colin will describe the practicalities of patience and speed control to avoid collisions and damage.

It's sometimes said that the most difficult parts of a journey are "un-parking and parking" so this is a chance to hear how Colin and the berthing  staff have mastered these techniques, how they practise them and how they manage to make it look so easy. Bring along details of a tricky situation you've found yourself in and hear how Colin and his berthing team would tackle it.

The talk will take place in The Fabrosa Room at The Hornet Services Sailing Club. 

There is now increased security at The Hornet and only those who book can attend and you must bring either your driving licence or your passport to show as ID for the Security Guards.

Those who wish to have a meal from the bar menu before the talk will be able to order one in the Hornet Clubhouse from 18:00.

The itinerary for the evening is:

         18:00                     Clubhouse bar open at The Hornet for drinks and meals at members own cost

         19:30 - 20:15         Talk in the Fabrosa Room

         20:15                     Q&As

         18:00 - 23:00          Bar open throughout the evening

Last updated 6:26am on 10 January 2026