Sailing Principles - Effects of Tides in Sailing

• It is crucial to know the height of the Tide.
  Knowing the height of the Tide is important in Anchoring. In addition, Tidal information is helpful in accurate Navigation work.



• Tidal streams affect the Sailboat's speed, direction, and course.
  Also called Tidal current, a Tidal stream is the horizontal flow of water caused by rising and lowering Tides. In Navigation work, you need to know the direction and strength of the Tidal current at a particular time.If the Wind is blowing together with the Tide, it will result to a calm condition. On the other hand, there is greater friction between the Wind and the water if the Tide is against the Wind. Expect waves in this kind of situation.



• Tidal range may or may not help you when you Run Aground.
  It depends on the situation. Consider yourself lucky if the Tide is rising when you run aground. You do not have to take further actions. Just wait for the water depth to increase and you will be set free. The situation becomes serious if the Tide is falling. You need to take quick actions to free the Sailboat.



• Tide atlas, almanac, and other sources will aid you in determining relevant Tidal information.


• Tide atlas - shows the direction of the Tidal stream and rate of flow


• Nautical almanac - provides information on the times and heights of Tides. It gives daily Tidal information of each standard port for a year.


• Tidal calculator - calculates the time and height of the Tide at a given time for a particular location