Tides & Currents
with Teresa Carey & Ben Eriksen Carey


Understand how tides and currents are vital for safe, comfortable, and efficient sailing trips

90 Minutes English Unlimited Access

This online class on tides and currents will enhance your sailing skills and confidence. We simplify the complexities of tidal navigation, offering practical insights essential for all sailors. You’ll learn important seamanship skills like reading tide tables, planning routes, and managing set and drift in real-world scenarios.

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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW

Who is this online class for?

This online class is designed for all sailors since tides and currents should always be considered when setting sail. For those who have experience with tides and currents, the class offers a deeper understanding of the cause and effect, plus practical tips on how to make corrections for tides and currents. Using tide predictions can help boost confidence and we show you how to make playing the tidal puzzle fun! The class also covers real-world examples from our expeditions in Maine – where tidal ranges are 10-15’. By the end of the class, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the intricacies of tides and currents while ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort.

List of Topics:

  • Tidal theories
  • Tidal variations
  • The Rule of Twelfths
  • How to read tide & current tables
  • Making your own predictions
  • Passage planning
  • Calculating set & drift
  • Ferry angles
  • Anchoring with tides
  • Why the depth can be lower than the chart datum
  • What currents do to help and hinder
  • What books and apps are best for tide and current predictions

SCENARIOS WHERE TIDES/CURRENTS CAN RUIN YOUR DAY

Running Aground at Low Tide
If you miscalculate the tide and enter shallow waters at low tide, you risk running aground, leaving your vessel stranded until the next high tide.
Increased Swell & Choppy Waters
Strong tidal currents meeting opposing winds or swell can create rough, uncomfortable conditions, making for an unpleasant and potentially dangerous day at sea.
Anchoring Failures
Anchoring without accounting for the changing tides can cause your boat to drift or the anchor to drag, putting you and nearby vessels in danger.
Struggling Against Strong Currents
Strong tidal currents meeting opposing winds or swell can create rough, uncomfortable conditions, making for an unpleasant and potentially dangerous day at sea.

Your Instructors

TERESA CAREY

Teresa Carey is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, writer, and educator. Teresa is the co-owner of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a coastal and offshore sail-training program in the Atlantic. She has worked aboard a variety of sail and power boats like schooners, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and even a lobster boat — as the captain, educator, delivery crew, and charter boat captain. She taught for sea programs such as Outward Bound and has also been a Marine Science educator. Teresa lived aboard a 27-foot boat and sailed the northern Atlantic solo for a few years. She has given inspiring talks, such as her 2011 TED talk and 2012 National Women’s Sailing Association Keynote Speaker Address. She is also a science journalist and podcast producer, and she writes for NPR, Buzzfeed, The Smithsonian, and more.

BEN ERIKSEN CAREY

Ben Eriksen Carey holds a 200-ton US Coast Guard Master’s License, and a 500-ton Mate. He is co-owner of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a coastal and offshore sail-training program. He has worked aboard schooners, tugboats, sailing, and motor yachts — as captain, mate, and even dishwasher. Ben has a long list of maritime certifications including safety, firefighting, medical, etc. He began his sea life as a clammer in Stonybrook Harbor, NY. Ben pursued a degree in Human Ecology from Connecticut College with a focus on marine biology. In 1992 Ben attended the Sea Education Association (SEA) program, which sparked his love for sailing. He lived aboard Elizabeth, his 28ft cutter while chasing his girlfriend Teresa’s 27ft sloop, Daphne for several years. It worked because now they are married. He is excited to teach cruising and sailing again this summer with Morse Alpha Expeditions.