Would anybody know if Nelsons guys

[Peppermint]

had access to much tidal stream info around the Channel?

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Judging from reading Patrick O'Brians books (which are taken to be very well researched) many times I'd say yes - they had extremely good data.


Magic

 

[Talbot]

most of the warships had very limited ability to windward, thus knowledge of the tides was essential in order to get up the channel. The ships would sometimes anchor when the tide was foul.

 

[Spuddy]

As a follow up ... the information was presumably written up for them. In almanac form ? Anyone know when the Admiralty Pilots were started?

 

[Gunfleet]

I notice you are in Kent. If you are really interested go the National Maritime museum and ask in the library to be shown the charts and pilotage info carried on a ship of Nelson's period ... they'll happily show you. It's amazingly little. Of course they did keep their own notes and share information and the ability to draw a coastline was considered part of a midshipman's education.

 

[peterb]

Not just Nelson. Much of the success in repelling the Spanish Armada came from a knowledge of tidal streams and eddies. At one point one of the Spanish captains is said to have complained that the English must have been in league with the Devil, because they were able to sail against the tide. In fact, they were using a tidal eddy like that near Portland Bill.

Day Skipper stuff, really. "Able to skipper a small boat in familiar waters by day". And boy, were they familiar with the waters!

 

[Zeus]

the Spanish armada was repelled by the elements
Zeus

 

[Bergman]

I think perhaps the fireships helped

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