Totally spooked out by my first ever boat

Things will always go w

No problem. You did not get it as wrong as this:-
The red supply craft had a mechanical failure resulting in engines becoming stuck in reverse. I think they'd even dropped their anchor in an attempt to stop the boat.

Still very sad.
 
How to you avoid berthing in a wind?
No need. If the wind is on the nose, fine. If it's up the chuff, not too bad, but on arrival, a burst of reverse, and securing the stern first, is the answer. Wind blowing you onto the pontoon is an advantage. Wind blowing you off can be handled in a seamanlike way by just arriving in the middle of the space and allowing the (suitably fendered), boat to fetch up alongside the neighbouring boat. It's simple matter to then haul/ winch the boat across to its proper berth.
 
The wind blowing you off scenario is what we dread. There is no boat. Just a shoaling muddy shore 25M away. We go in bows first and winch the stern in, these days. Undignified but non damaging.
 
Take your time.
Get to know your boat, it is the same whether it is a small yacht or an Aircraft carrier. Ok you have to get out of your "parking Place' but then find a bit of clear sea/river and put a fender over the side and spend about an hour approaching it from all directions, it is not a car [the L plated folk chose a empty easy place, [empty Car Park, field] to learn about how to handle it without hitting anything before venturing out] . Your controls are the rudder and gearstick/sails, so learn. After that try manoeuvering around a mooring buoy- and take about 2hours at least to get some idea, competence and also also confidence. It is easier without high tidal flows or strong winds, bu that should come later.
After 65 years I am still learning.
 
Take your time.
Get to know your boat, it is the same whether it is a small yacht or an Aircraft carrier. Ok you have to get out of your "parking Place' but then find a bit of clear sea/river and put a fender over the side and spend about an hour approaching it from all directions, it is not a car [the L plated folk chose a empty easy place, [empty Car Park, field] to learn about how to handle it without hitting anything before venturing out] . Your controls are the rudder and gearstick/sails, so learn. After that try manoeuvering around a mooring buoy- and take about 2hours at least to get some idea, competence and also also confidence. It is easier without high tidal flows or strong winds, bu that should come later.
After 65 years I am still learning.
The OP has a mobo.
He has completed Powerboat Level 2. What he needs to do is get out and practice all the manoeuvres he did on the course. Presumably he still has all the course material. Additionally, he should find out how to spring off when wishing to depart his berth with a crosswind blowing him on.
My best advice to him is to contact the instructor who conducted his course and arrange to have some one-to-one own-boat tuition.
 
I went from an 8m boat to a 11m which pushed up my stress level. I paid for an instructor to show me how to handle her. And again when transferring from Poole to Southampton. Worth every penny.
 
I went from an 8m boat to a 11m which pushed up my stress level. I paid for an instructor to show me how to handle her. And again when transferring from Poole to Southampton. Worth every penny.
The 15 ft prodder on the bow of my 52ft boat stresses my marina berth neighbours much more than me. :ROFLMAO:
 
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