Dodd Narrows

Dodd Narrows has tidal currents to 9 knots and because my boat has a maximum speed of 5.5 knots, I have to pick the right time to go through. Even the larger power yachts wait until slack tide because they can get caught up in the eddies and get pushed around. Slack (current at .2 knots) was at 10:20 on the day I went through - this information is available from tide and current tables either in books or the internet. Many boats on both sides were waiting for this slack period including a tug pulling a log boom. There really is only room for one boat at a time. Here is the procedure for going through - it really is quite organized.

On VHF channel 16

"Securite, Securite, this is the 25 ft sailboat Kato II entering Dodd Narrows southbound. Two other small sailboats are going through with me. Any concerns please advise on channel 16."

After our 3 boats, I saw a power boat go through quite fast with no radio announcement, and someone called him up on the radio to let him know what an $&%*&* he was. The tug with the log boom made sure everybody knew what he was doing but one sailboat thought he might beat the tug through. Bad idea. He changed his mind once he saw the tug in the narrows. All very interesting.