On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 08:51:35 GMT, Daniel
wrote:
I remember all of them very well: entering with nonchalance her narrow
berth while I am struggling with her backing that makes her wander to
all places except the right one!

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I've found that the secret to backing a sailboat is to give it a quick
burst of reverse power while still in open water. Get enough speed in
reverse, usually 1 or 2 knots will suffice, that you have water
flowing over the keel and rudder. At that point, take the engine out
of gear and let the boat coast backward under its own momentum. It
should now respond to steering just as if you were moving forward.
Practice, practice, practice...