GL: Tidal Currents

[Randy Pickelmann]

Mike & Tammy,

My advice is that you should pay attention to the times of high and low tides
but don't sweat the current.  Eventually it will start to make sense.  Our
experience is that you will have favorable current for a while and then it
will be in your face for a while.  It will all come out in the wash.  You will
have the current under you, making 9 or 10 knots as you approach an inlet only
to "hit the wall" and slow to 5 knots as you pass the inlet.

The only two exceptions I can think of are where knowing the current important
are Hell Gate on the East River in New York City and Delaware Bay.  If you
take a trip out to Long Island Sound from the Hudson River carefully read the
Waterway Guide and Skipper Bob's advice on timing the currents of the East
River and your passage through Hell Gate will be pleasant and interesting.  If
not, you are gonna have one hell-of-a sea story to tell!  Delaware Bay is
shallow with a strong current and has the potential to build up a nasty chop.
Its worth waiting for a favorable current/wind combination.  You can buck an
unfavorable current if the wind is OK.  If the wind and the current are both
against you its gonna' be a mighty long day.

Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR
lying in Clearwater, FL
www.morningstar.talkspot.com