Chesapeake Bay currents

[Tracyandkimo]

In an average tide cycle, disregarding wind affects, does the current run faster in the lower or upper bay. In a typical passage from end to end, 2 cycles will likely pass, so it would seem wise to cross the area of fastest current when it is favorable. I would think given its greater depth and sheer mass of water moving, that the lower would be faster.

[thomm225]

I don't know the upper bay but that area just off Cape Charles inside where the anchored ships area is a spot to either use or avoid.

The water in that channel is as deep as 135'

I can usually hit 7.5 plus knots there in light winds (hull speed on my boat is 5.96) with a favorable current like I had Sunday am returning to Norfolk from 50 miles North

If the tide is against you, it's like you are barely moving.

Point is deep water when you have the tide and shallow water when the tide is against you.

Old racing tactic.

[Tracyandkimo]

Times have change for many when when racing. Now w foiling boats we do the opposite. We always want to be in as much adverse current as possible. The drag is nearly all aero w the hydro providing mostly lift and the faster the adverse current, the quicker we lift off. Crazy times.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Tracyandkimo

Times have change for many when when racing. Now w foiling boats we do the opposite. We always want to be in as much adverse current as possible. The drag is nearly all aero w the hydro providing mostly lift and the faster the adverse current, the quicker we lift off. Crazy times.

Yeah but not too many foiling boats cruising the bay......or cruising in general.

Autopilot might have a tough time keeping the boat up on the foils also after the crew gets tired

That said I do wish we had foiling boards back in the day for my Nacra 17 and for that matter my Nacra 6.0

Photos of my N17 during races in Pensacola, FL probably around 2004 or so

[Tracyandkimo]

👍
Small cats are such a blast. I’ve brought a few dinghy and keel boaters over to the dark side by putting them on an A Cat!

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Tracyandkimo

��
Small cats are such a blast. I’ve brought a few dinghy and keel boaters over to the dark side by putting them on an A Cat!

I had 4 or them and raced on all for about 15 years.

I came really close to buying an an A Class Catamaran in 2005 but instead bought a used Litespeed for $3300 from the factory on Chattanooga, TN then put about 15,000 miles on it in a couple years. It had Mavic Wheels and dura-ace

This video though makes me want an A Cat again though even now. Hard to believe an 18' boat that only weights 165 lbs. My boats were near 300 lbs with same sail area as my 6600 lb Bristol 27.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XO3ENVSuSM