When leaving the dock, if the wind or current is toward the dock, which line should you cast off first?

When leaving the dock under conditions where the wind or current is pushing toward the dock, it’s important to consider how to effectively maneuver the boat away from it. In this situation, casting off the stern line first is the most effective choice. The stern line, which is attached at the back of the boat, is critical for controlling the boat's rear movement. By casting off the stern line, you allow the stern to swing away from the dock, aided by the influence of the wind or current. This maneuver helps to ensure that the bow of the boat will follow through and come away from the dock safely.

If the bow line were to be cast off first, it might inadvertently draw the boat sideways towards the dock, potentially leading to a collision or making it difficult to clear the dock. Similarly, the spring line and center line, while they have their purposes, would not provide the immediate advantage needed to turn the boat away from the dock under these specific conditions. Therefore, starting with the stern line promotes better control and helps secure a safe departure from the dock in challenging wind or current scenarios.