Very High Astronomical Tides on the Way

For those of you hoping to go sailing during these first weekends of Autumn this Notice to Mariners might be of interest. If you are moored in London there is also the planned annual closure of the Thames Barrier taking place on Sunday so don't get caught out by it! Many dinghy sailors make use of the lack of tide caused by the Barrier Closure to enjoy some pleasant racing in still water held by Greenwich Yacht Club.

NOTICE TO MARINERS No.17 of 2015 - 21 September 2015 - Port of London Authority

HIGH ASTRONOMICAL TIDES

Mariners are advised that due to the natural 19 year astronomical cycle there will be a number of exceptionally high tides throughout the period of September 2015 to January 2016.

Mariners should also be aware that the increased tidal ranges will also affect the low water period and subsequently the available water over these periods is predicted to be much less than on normal spring tides. In addition to the enhanced tidal range there will also be a risk of increased tidal flows.

Weather conditions will continue to play a dominant role in whether tides meet predictions, therefore mariners are advised to pay particular attention to observed heights especially during low water periods where there may be a risk of a negative tidal surge.

The dates where the most notable high tides are expected are;

27th – 30th September 2015
27th – 30th October 2015
25th – 27th December 2015
11th – 14th January 2016

Tidal predictions and observations can be found at the following links.

http://www.pla.co.uk/Safety/Tide-Tables
http://www.pla.co.uk/hydrographics/ltoverview.cfm

For the latest information contact London VTS on VHF Channel 68/14 or by telephone on 01474 560311.

....and for goodness sake don't get neeped!