What action should be taken when backing away from the dock with the wind pushing toward it?

When backing away from the dock with the wind pushing toward it, turning the wheel hard toward the dock is the correct action. This maneuver helps to counteract the wind's force, preventing the boat from being blown back into the dock. By turning the wheel toward the dock, you can use the boat's forward momentum to create a vector that helps push the bow away from the dock, thus allowing for a smoother and more controlled departure.

While casting off both bow and stern lines might be necessary to free the boat from the dock, it does not address the immediate issue of the wind pushing the boat. Shifting into reverse gear too quickly without proper steering can lead to a loss of control. Additionally, increasing speed suddenly can make it harder to maneuver and could lead to collisions or accidents, especially in confined spaces like docks. Therefore, resolving the situation effectively requires steering the boat appropriately to navigate the wind.