Why do I get so scared?

I really need to get comfortable docking. But every time boss offers, I find an excuse not to. Today just before we got here, a boat ran aground because they didn’t plan high tide right. YB says get up here and take over, you are going to maneuver around this shit and go into the inlet, once inside, you’ll have yachts all around you. You’ll need to turn completely around, so that you can dock in your side of the boat.

I said ok and took over the helm. Made it passed the stranded boat and into the entrance. I saw what room I had to deal with trying to spin her around. As long as wind a current don’t bother me, it’s doable.

I start my spin. Very slowly. He stands next to me and offers advice if he sees I’m not taking action quick enough and tells me when I’ve made a good decision. I get us spun completey around without hitting anyone. Now I’m trying to go sideways to the dock, while the fuel attendant is patiently waiting. Another boater snuck in and crowded me so he could get fuel. Then I think he saw I was learning so he backed out. Once GF gave lines to fuel attendant, and gigi was secure, people at the restaurant started clapping. Had no idea I had an audience. YB yelled up to them “her first time!”

I apologized to attendant. He said no worries, you did exactly what you should have done, nice and slow!

Then after fueling I had to spin back around to head to our slip. YB jokingly said, you’re doing a good job, we might get there next Tuesday!

Ha ha. I’m glad I practiced. That’s the only way I’ll learn