Wind & Tide

[gcwhite]

Applying the debate to my own case.

Voyage from Poole to Torquay. Forecast wind is SW 4. I have the choice to pass Portland Bill and cross Lyme bay in either

a) 0.6 kts of tide at 250 degrees ie wind going in the opposite direction to the tide ( tide with me, wind against me) or

b) 1.2 kts of tide at 90 degrees ie wind with tide (but both against me.)

Which do you think would give the better ride. I will be in a 53ft planing cruiser.

 

[Roy]

If its a sealine of course, then it wont matter a lot, if you are good on the helm!? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BrendanS]

You only really get significant wind over (against) tide effects when you are travelling in an overfall, or where the tide is channelled through a narrow gap.

Wind against you is usually going to be more uncomfortable than wind with you in most boats. You will find things are usually more comfortable offshore, where the waves are more regular and less steep sided than inshore.

 

[jimi]

Re: Wind & Tide

Again I beg to differ, the change in seastate in the channel is quite marked after a change in direction of tide. Id definitely go for wind with tide and accept the small adverse tide, reckon it'll be a lot more comfortable!

 

[stamfordian]

Re: Wind & Tide

53 ft......open or close the throtle to suit,experiment!!!

 

[hlb]

I'd go for B. But in those conditions and your boat either would do. Ive been in realy bad, bad overfalls. But most boats wil cope, just have to go slower and get out of them......Erm Before sinking!!

 

[fireball]

But part the fun of the overfalls is to find a standing wave, get your boat in the bottom of it - stationary ... then wham open the trottle and see if you can get your boat to clear the water !!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif - oh .. don't forget to keep hold of that throttle - cos otherwise your off on a fast ride through largish waves....

SW4 over 0.6knots of tide? What are you moaning about?

 

[CaptainThames]

Interesting discussion, but with 53Ft, must agree with Frogley - not much of an issue. In principle, and particularly with stronger wind and tide would judge that a smoother ride will be achieved with wind and tide together and ignore the disadvantage of the tide against. It might be slightly slower, but a lconfused sea may slow you down anyway and if not, the potentially harsher ride will make it feel like a longer trip regardless.

 

[gcwhite]

Thank you for the advice