Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S-Series LEADERBOARD

Navigating Long Island Sound tides

by Tidetech 24 Apr 2021 07:13 PDT
Long Island Sound © Tidetech Marine Data

At approximately 110 miles long, with a large population base on its' shores and abundant natural beauty, Long Island Sound is a one of the busiest waterways in the United States.

As you can see from the image below most vessels navigating the Sound are recreational, although there are also numerous passenger vessels and fishing traffic.

The tidal currents in this area are significant with speeds up to five knots in places. As a consequence, navigation in and around the many narrow channels, islands and bays can be complex and challenging.

Despite the large marine traffic volumes and the significant tides, mariners have largely relied on local knowledge and basic information of high and low waters. Inhibiting the development of detailed tidal current information has been the lack of quality bathymetric datasets - due to the difficulty of measuring the depth in very shallow water by boat with sonar.

Fortunately, advances in technology have solved this problem and now bathymetric measurements in intertidal locations are made from the air by overflying the area in a light plane equipped with LIDAR.

For our new model several high quality bathymetric sources from NOAA were harmonised, merged and resampled to a 0.001 degree (110m) resolution grid. This is used as one of the inputs to our modelling system which runs on our High-Performance Computers.

The new tidal model

In this post we've included short videos for some of the busiest areas in and around the sound so you can look in detail at the tidal currents in each region and get a better understanding of what to expect. Rest assured we have your area covered as the model extends from New York City in the west to the Rhode Island Massachusetts State border in the east including Narragansett Bay.

As we've mentioned, previously there has been scant information on tidal currents in this region with mariners replying on local knowledge. This model gives every mariner on Long Island Sound their own local knowledge database at their fingertips.

Long Island Sound has a rich heritage of yacht racing, and having a detailed knowledge of the region including which side of the course is favoured and where tidal currents are powerful could make all the difference between a podium finish or not. Cruising sailors can use this knowledge to enjoy a more efficient and safer voyage to their favourite anchorage.

Tidetech's new 110m high-resolution 30 minute forecast tidal model of the region will help unravel these complexities and provide greater opportunities for all recreational marine users to make the most of their time on the water, whether it's competing in sailboat races or catching more fish.

Areas of interest in the Long Island Sound

Narragansett Bay

The Race

The Sluiceway

Plum Gut

If you are interested in checking out global Tidemap for yourself, get full access on a free trial now. Or if you have any specific questions, contact us here.

Related Articles

Picnic days to grand adventures on a Talaria 43
Six grandchildren, endless memories, and a Talaria 43 built for the journey ahead Two-time Hinckley owners share their favorite destinations, the boating tricks they've picked up through the years, and where they're headed next. Posted today at 3:19 pm
Sirena Yachts reveals Sirena 118 interior details
The owner's stateroom dominates the forward section Sirena Yachts has revealed details of the interior for its latest model, the Sirena 118. At below 300 GT, the 36m superyacht represents the birth of the Turkish shipyard's new, larger composite line. Posted on 14 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Six
Episode Six is now live - Are boat shows still relevant? Episode Six - asks the question, 'Are boat shows still Relevant?' We also offer some thoughts on changes and updates. The final episode of Series One is now live Posted on 13 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 15
We left Khutze Inlet this morning just before 6am for our 55nm cruise to Lowe Inlet We left Khutze Inlet this morning just before 6am for our 55nm cruise to Lowe Inlet. Conditions were pretty much like this the whole day...a little wind, occasional chop, some current with us and some current against us. Posted on 13 Jun
Scania, Viking showcase renewable diesel
Mack Attack shows outstanding efficiency without compromise in performance of Scania V8 Engines Scania, one of the world's leading manufacturers of engines, announced today the successful demonstration of the performance and viability of renewable marine diesel fuel in a Viking 48 Convertible powered by twin Scania 1,150 HP DI16-liter V8 engines. Posted on 10 Jun
Introducing the new Oceanwalker S60e
The first power cat is scheduled for delivery in April 2026 Revolution Marine Group introduces the Oceanwalker S60e, a 60-foot solar-electric power catamaran poised to redefine eco-friendly luxury on the water. Posted on 10 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 12
Shearwater to Rescue Bay Our plan this morning was to leave Shearwater between 8:30am-9am. We were hopeful that the fuel barge had come during the night...Shearwater was out of diesel when we arrived! Posted on 10 Jun
Nordhavn 71 Roundtable Discussion
Some of the parent company's masterminds gathered in the saloon recently Recently some of the masterminds behind Nordhavn parent company Pacific Asian Enterprises gathered in the saloon of the brand new hull #3 of the Nordhavn 71 series to discuss the mechanics and nuances of the company's latest luxury model. Posted on 9 Jun
Marine Auctions: June online auctions
Bidding to open on Friday 20th June The Bidding for the June Online Auction will commence on Thursday 20th June and will end on Thursday 26th June at 2pm AEST. Posted on 7 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Five
Episode Five - Shane Subichin, The Boat Works - is now up and running Watch along as we speak with Shane Subichin, GM at The Boat Works about his life from tinnies on Sydney Harbour to leading the team at the premier refit and maintenance yard on the Gold Coast. Posted on 6 Jun
Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts