Rick R.
Contributing Partner
I know how treacherous navigating an inlet with opposing winds and tide can be. Waves that are normally three feet are now six feet and in short periods.
The other day we were returning from offshore after a five day trip. When we arrived at Pensacola Pass the sea breeze kicked up to 17kts from the south with an outbound tide.....it was rough.
I planned to motor sail in so that we would have a way out should the engine die. Just as we were about to enter the channel (about a mile out), a huge wave caught us and nearly broached the boat. I also quickly discovered that the waves were making it dangerous to attempt to have sails up so we dropped all canvas and motored in.
We made it in after about 40 minutes of nearly standing still against the current.
I should have sailed further offshore to allow enough time for the tide to go slack, which would have happened in about five hours.
How do you fellow ocean sailors deal with inlets with opposing wind and tide conditions?
The other day we were returning from offshore after a five day trip. When we arrived at Pensacola Pass the sea breeze kicked up to 17kts from the south with an outbound tide.....it was rough.
I planned to motor sail in so that we would have a way out should the engine die. Just as we were about to enter the channel (about a mile out), a huge wave caught us and nearly broached the boat. I also quickly discovered that the waves were making it dangerous to attempt to have sails up so we dropped all canvas and motored in.
We made it in after about 40 minutes of nearly standing still against the current.
I should have sailed further offshore to allow enough time for the tide to go slack, which would have happened in about five hours.
How do you fellow ocean sailors deal with inlets with opposing wind and tide conditions?
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