You may wish to consider (if you don't already) having a cleat amidships on whichever side you dock. I have a docking line on mine, and the midpoint of the line is on a boathook. When I approach the dock I slip the line around a slip pole/pillar and then simply pull the line taunt to bring the boat...

Very interesting post. I had my first docking today with my newly acquired 26m. It is 2004 model and bit of crossover between 26X and 26M of latter designs. Docking was interesting to say at least. Nothing hit and thanks to my wife boat is safe on dock now. After first solo (no instructor or help) l...