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A simple way to keeping track of the tides



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What is the issue?
Sailing in tidal waters requires constant vigilance and quick maths to make the best use of currents. As the tide times are constantly changing and there are many distractions on a sailing vessel, it is easy to forget the tidal times or make an error of maths.

Why address this?
Not paying attention to tidal conditions, or making an error of judgement on the tide, could prevent you from entering and exiting a harbour or having to slog for hours against a foul tide. It could very well result in the above pictured lean of shame.

How to address this?
A very simple way to keep track of the tides is to make a simple tidal indicator out of cardboard and mount it around the ship's clock. Then just nudge it on each tide cycle.


With this mounted on the clock, as illustrated above indicating high water at 1 pm, it makes it possible to see at a glance what the current status of the tide is. This is a zero cost and very effective guide.

With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession.
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