PAGE 24 • SUMMER 2008 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
INSTRUCTOR TIP
By Capt. Paul Mirenda
Know your currents when cruising inland waterways
W
hen sailing near buoys be aware of the
effects the current will have on your
vessel’s position. When sailing in narrow
channels or near coastal areas such as ocean
inlets, be aware of the current’s direction (set) and
speed (drift) and keep a good distance from fixed
objects on the water. Tidal currents can alter your
relative position to these objects and present the
risk of collision when you least expect it.
Before leaving the dock you should know the tidal
currents for your specific area. You can use a
number of resources to determine this information
such as a tide clock, tide/current tables or a chart
plotter that can display tides and currents for your
local area.
As you sail past buoys, you should be fully aware
of the current’s set and drift to avoid the chance of departure, taking into
collision, running aground or being forced to tack account the effects of
unexpectedly near other boats in high traffic areas. these forces on your
vessel, you can safely
For example, you are sailing near an ocean inlet during plot a course to stay in
an ebb (outgoing) tide with an inlet channel buoy on safe water.
your port side. Since you are on a beam reach with good
boat speed, you believe you are sailing a straight line An inexpensive tide
clear of the buoy. You expect you will safely round the clock can be a valuable
buoy to enter the inlet. However, as you get closer, it asset on board your
As your vessel rounds a stationary
becomes obvious your vessel has drifted to port and may vessel. Refer to your
object such as a buoy, being aware of
strike the buoy or be forced out of the inlet into shallow tide clock often.
currents can save time and trouble.
water.
Paul Mirenda has been a USCG Licensed Captain since 1992
If you are aware of the current’s set and drift before your and ASA Certified Sailing Instructor since 1988.
AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 12079, MARINA DEL REY, CA
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