Tangier & Smith Islands

[rgranger]

Hey All

Your sage advice is requested

I'm trailering my Mac V22 to Ingram Bay next Friday for a 4-day weekend and hope to sail to Smith Island & Tangier Island. This will be my first trip to these destinations.

I have a question about current and tides in the area. According to the tide table, the tide will be running until 2:00 PM on the 29th. And I have to head up the Chesapeake Bay approx. 12 nm to reach Smith Island (and I'll have to sail east 7 nm). Will the combination of tide and current overwhelm my progress? I'm making plans with an estimated average boat speed of 4nph so I'm wondering if I'll need to sit tight until the tide floods in order to make good on my destination (my boat will sail faster than that but... the prediction for the wind that day is only 5 mph so 4nph is still a stretch).

The other option would be for me to go to Tangier Island first, explore the island on the morning of the 30th and sail on the flood tide to Smith in the afternoon.

Also, what is a typical current in that part of the bay?

And if you can think of anything else that would make the trip extra special, please pass it on.

Fair winds,

r

 

[dparilla]

Chesapeake tides and currents tend to be pretty mild. Entry into the harbors due to depth vs. draft is often the only issue. But on your Mac, you should be pretty good. The current only runs 1 or so knots except in more narrow channels. Your route may see about 1.6 max ebb or flood. So nothing like the Potomac or Delaware river etc.

 

[s sauer]

You should find the specific information and timing you need from : www.tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov, and going up the Bay on a risiing tide and down the bay on the falling tide would be preferable to the opposite. Water moves faster in the deeper channels and slower in the shallows, so if you must 'buck' the tidal flow, try to do so in the shallows and not the channel.

 

[rgranger]

Thanks guys,

Your awesome as usual.

r

 

[catsailor]

In a small boat, FWIW, I would sail on the east side when going between Smith and Tangeir. It is more protected, the approach channels are plenty deep enough, and it would make a beautiful circle. I've gone that way in my Stiletto several times.

Chrisfeild would also make for some excellent exploration, around the east side of Janes Island. You should be able to get close, unlike big boats. A very nice place.

As you know, the mouth of the Potomac can get right snotty when things are wrong. Other than that, enjoy!

 

[rgranger]

In a small boat, FWIW, I would sail on the east side when going between Smith and Tangeir. It is more protected, ...

Thanks Cat Sailor

I'll look at that route ... does seem like a nice option.... and I'm a big fan of scenic