LOCKS and tides

In most ports of Ireland the locking system at ports is necessary so that they don’t left without water.

The difference between high and low tide is over 5.2 meters. The shallow estuaries of the entries, about 15 to 20 feet, require ports to have a system of doors or locks, which prevent the boats were left without water at low tide.

The port is the responsable for opening and closing. Two hours before high tide, they open to allow water exchange within the port. In the next two hours are filled by advancing high tide.

When high tide arrive, they close again to retain the tide and the boats can be floating, otherwise they left without water and stranded on the mud. This system alows to stay in port without  movement, avoiding hangovers.

The only disadvantage is that to depart or arrive at the port you have to check the tide times. At first, it costs a bit, but finaly, you get used to count with it.

Sailing with tides is a step back to ancient times, when only “they” and the wind determinte the boat’s departure or arrival. We like to think that something is still not in our hands, and yes on the moon and the Sea.