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Wilbur Hubbard[_2_] Wilbur Hubbard[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Aug 2007
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Default Maine Passage - Successes and failures, Moving On...


"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message
...
snip We believe we can know where we are and where we're going. However,
we *don't* have access to the sites which show actual and forecasted
*currents* - which will allow us to maximize any benefit or minimize any
detriment, if possible. See my 7-28 Float Plan post for those links.
Useful info, including that through today and tonight, and into tomorrow
(by which time we should be there), the currents are generally favorable
along our route to Cape Cod. Not that we could avoid it - but we could
take into account, were they going the other way, that we'd have a heading
current, rather than a boosting one (not much, but we'll take any
assistance we can).

More snipped


Don't expect to ever be able to quantify currents. They are by their very
nature quite variable. Plot a course with only their general application in
mind.

Instead of worry about predicting currents with great accuracy prior to the
fact, simply use your GPS's cross track feature and other features such as
speed over ground to make the best use of currents as they exist locally
during your passage. Tide current tables in the ditch, which you'll probably
be using on the return trip can be quite helpful.

In other words, plan for average currents but adjust for specific current
currently. Got it?

Wilbur Hubbard