T&T: Hudson tides

[LRZeitlin@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/1/07 12:00:53 AM, Dan DeBruin asked...


> 
> 
> Could the list help me with the effects of tide/current between NYC and
> Troy.
> How much does the current increase in the early spring? I would like to try
> to
> get here as soon after the Canal opens May 1. I know that the weather can be
> extremely variable that early in the season and I may end up stopping at a
> marina to leave the boat if the weather is exteme. Any suggestions that are
> safe and relatively cheap if I had to leave it somewhere on the upper Hudson
> for a few weeks?
> 
A tide and current chart is essential for sailing or trawler cruising on the 
Hudson. The tidal range is only about 3 feet but the tidal flow generally 
overwhelms the fresh water discharge from upstate. Current flows in both 
directions following the ebb and flood of the tide. "Muhheakantuck", the Indian name 
for the river, can be translated as "the river that flows both ways." 

The tidal current in the more constricted portions of the river can reach 
almost 3 knots. The speed of the ebb and flow currents are so nearly matched that 
it would take a bottle dropped in the river at Albany nearly half a year to 
reach New York City, 150 miles downstream. If you time it right, you can get a 
tidal lift for several hours in either direction. Indeed, 18th century 
sailboats often used the tidal flow to make progress against unfavorable winds. They 
would ride the current in the direction they wished to travel, then anchor and 
wait until the next tide The tidal crest moves up river at about 15 miles an 
hour, high tide at Albany occurring 10 hours after high tide at New York's 
Battery.

However don't sweat the details too much. Looking out the window now, the 
river is calm. A trip up the Hudson, from the Battery to Troy, should only take 
you about three days. It is easy to get a relatively good weather window that 
long. If you have enroute Internet access, Boating on the Hudson 
(www.boatingonthehudson.com) publishes tide times and heights for all areas between NYC and 
Albany. Call the NYS Canal Commission (1-800-4-CANAL-4) for the exact opening 
day of the Canal. It may be held up because of the heavy snows of the last 
winter.

Larry Z







**************************************
 See what's free at http://www.aol.com.