Tidal Race

A fast, turbulent tidal stream, often concentrated by seabed or coastal features.

Tidal races form where large volumes of water are forced through narrow channels, around headlands or over abrupt changes of depth. Eddies, overfalls and steep waves may develop, especially near the strongest part of the stream.

Conditions can deteriorate sharply when wind opposes tide and may vary across a short distance or with the stage of the tide. Passage planning should use current tidal information, charted warnings and allowances appropriate to the vessel and weather.