In article , Richard Malcolm
says...

5-Go Slow and if (when) you hit something, there will be no damage

This is one that I have occasionally had trouble with.

I have a Bayfield 29 - which is a full keel sailboat with a 'barn door' rudder.
I have some maneuvering problems, and the trouble is that speed is sometimes a
problem. If I go slowly enough to not cause damage, then I barely have
steerage.

Then once I am clear my slip, I can (usually) turn hard, gun the engine and
swing the bow around with authority. Unless the wind is from the wrong
direction, then it counteracts my swing, and I am now moving TOO quickly towards
the dock and my neighbour!

grump - darn laws of physics!
sdg B29 "Discovery"