How much tidal range do you deal with when sailing? Is it insignificant, something you seldom think about... or does it impact your course and choice of anchorage? What aspect of sailing is most effected by the tides? Anchoring, docking, navigation, or other? Share the highs and lows of your cruising grounds here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Tim
Go With the Flow
In the Seattle/Puget Sound area, the tide can vary beyond 13ft from low to high, and in some of the narrower passages, that can mean some serious current. I've had the "pedal to the metal" and indicated 6 knts on the knotmeter, and actually been moving backward per the GPS (and my eyeballs). Can be scary at times. It can really pay to have, and know how to use your current tables (Go with the flow!) The tide itself makes a big difference in where you choose to anchor - or navigate. Most folks who spend any time in these waters have stories of seeing the occasional "Bayliner" (OK, it's a stereotype) high and dry on some rock that must have been a couple of feet under water when the tide was high. We also are aware of the large areas of mud flats that get covered by only a few feet of water, and expose daily with the tide fluxuation. Both make for some embarassing pictures.
In the Seattle/Puget Sound area, the tide can vary beyond 13ft from low to high, and in some of the narrower passages, that can mean some serious current. I've had the "pedal to the metal" and indicated 6 knts on the knotmeter, and actually been moving backward per the GPS (and my eyeballs). Can be scary at times. It can really pay to have, and know how to use your current tables (Go with the flow!) The tide itself makes a big difference in where you choose to anchor - or navigate. Most folks who spend any time in these waters have stories of seeing the occasional "Bayliner" (OK, it's a stereotype) high and dry on some rock that must have been a couple of feet under water when the tide was high. We also are aware of the large areas of mud flats that get covered by only a few feet of water, and expose daily with the tide fluxuation. Both make for some embarassing pictures.
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Robert Fischer
New York
I keep my boat on the south shore of Long Island where the tide range is about 1 foot. I crew on a friends boat on the north shore of Long Island, 20 miles away and the tidal range is 7 feet. The tide runs at 2-3 knots on the north shore.
I keep my boat on the south shore of Long Island where the tide range is about 1 foot. I crew on a friends boat on the north shore of Long Island, 20 miles away and the tidal range is 7 feet. The tide runs at 2-3 knots on the north shore.
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Myrna Antonich
Use or lose
For any trips other then taking a day said in the sound, in front of the Seattle Harbour, we always check for tides and currents. We have found that if we time our trips so that the tides/currents are pushing, we can pick up 3-5 knots of speed in some areas and make considerably better time. The opposite is true also. Bucking the tides can really set you back, like the previous person stated. Then with the Catalina 380/tall rig you definitely have to pay attention to your depth at low tide. We have a 7' draft, so don't want to wake up on the side one morning and there are lots of areas that shoal pretty good. Happy sailing!
For any trips other then taking a day said in the sound, in front of the Seattle Harbour, we always check for tides and currents. We have found that if we time our trips so that the tides/currents are pushing, we can pick up 3-5 knots of speed in some areas and make considerably better time. The opposite is true also. Bucking the tides can really set you back, like the previous person stated. Then with the Catalina 380/tall rig you definitely have to pay attention to your depth at low tide. We have a 7' draft, so don't want to wake up on the side one morning and there are lots of areas that shoal pretty good. Happy sailing!
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John J
On an inland lake our tidal flow is determined by the Corp of Engineers. So far this summer the "tide" is down about 10 feet. It is a long tide though, we expect it to come back in around Christmas
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the Pirate of Sha-lin
Tidal Ranges
The Delaware River at the Bensalem/Phila line is about 7 feet, give or take. It depends on the wind, moon cycle, and time of year. The currents are also strong, although I don't have it in knots. There are several places near me, out of the strongest currents, where you can anchor, picnic or swim. Maybe I'll see you on the river!
The Delaware River at the Bensalem/Phila line is about 7 feet, give or take. It depends on the wind, moon cycle, and time of year. The currents are also strong, although I don't have it in knots. There are several places near me, out of the strongest currents, where you can anchor, picnic or swim. Maybe I'll see you on the river!
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Kurt
Tides in Shallow Channel
The tide in our Marina at the inlet to Barnegat Bay, NJ varies about 3ft as it does in the narrow and shallow channel we mst navigate to get out to the bay. In the bay itsef, there's much less fluctuation. Since the channel is notoriously hazardous for run-agrounds, we always check the tide charts and go out with favorable water beneath us. This is especially true at both monthly spring tides (the low tide can be so low we sit aground in our slip). Happy sailing!
The tide in our Marina at the inlet to Barnegat Bay, NJ varies about 3ft as it does in the narrow and shallow channel we mst navigate to get out to the bay. In the bay itsef, there's much less fluctuation. Since the channel is notoriously hazardous for run-agrounds, we always check the tide charts and go out with favorable water beneath us. This is especially true at both monthly spring tides (the low tide can be so low we sit aground in our slip). Happy sailing!
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CO Editorial
Final Results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 8/28/2000: What's the tidal range where you sail? 33% Under 2' 30% 3' to 6' 19% 7' to 10' 12% 11' plus
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 8/28/2000: What's the tidal range where you sail? 33% Under 2' 30% 3' to 6' 19% 7' to 10' 12% 11' plus
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