Can't think of an answer

[Andrew_Fanner]

Can\'t think of an answer

SWMBO opined that sooner or later things will mean that you will get wind vs tide and have to go through it, no matter how well you plan. Her question, and I must own I've no idea, was: "Which is nastier, going with the wind or going with the tide?"

OK, how long is a bit of string, but assuming F4-F5 and 2 knots of tide dead against. My best guess was go with the tide, then at least you go up the back of the chop.

 

[Aardee]

Re: Can\'t think of an answer

Head for where you want to be...

 

[tcm]

too many variables but...

imho the end issue is "what is the sea state". Wind and tide make a difference, but so do previous conditons (is the wind rising or falling, is the sea getting bigger or already big) and esp is the sea sheltered. We went all the way to west country from solent in 25knot WNW winds, but stayed about .025 -2miless off the whole way, hence ok.

so...it depends. Praps the "have another whisky" applies.

 

[[2068]]

Re: Can\'t think of an answer

Umm, other way round, surely. If you're going with the wind, you're going up the backs of the waves. With the tide, crash, bang, crash etc.

dv.

 

[Aardee]

Re: Can\'t think of an answer

Seriously, things always seem quieter & calmer with the wind behind you. Unless the sea's getting really ugly I'd head downwind.

Graham.

 

[milltech]

Re: too many variables but...

..and of course it depends where you are, what the bottom is like and the strength of the stream and the strength of the wind.

I think the answer is to always choose the tide except when they occur at hot spots like the Needles Channel or Portland.

Though of course the big difference is whether you are moving at 8 knots or 28 knots, a 8 knots you need to work it, at 28 knots you just need to avoid it.

 

[apollo]

Re: Can\'t think of an answer

At least if you a going with the tide, you will get out of it a bit quicker?

 

[jfm]

Re: Can\'t think of an answer

yup, heading downwind is better