Learn how to Ferry Glide
Mastering Tidal Precision for Sailing and Motoring
Ferry gliding is a brilliant technique that harnesses the tide’s power to move your boat smoothly across the water without battling the current head-on. It’s a vital skill for mooring under motor or sail, navigating tight spaces, working with (rather than against) the elements.
What is Ferry Gliding?
When you ferry glide, you angle the boat’s bow across the tide, allowing the current to push the keel and carry you sideways across the water. You’re not moving directly towards or away from your target; instead, you’re holding a steady angle so the tide does the work.
Think of it like drifting diagonally across a fast-moving river – you don’t point straight across or straight into the flow; you set an angle and let the current move you sideways.
How does Ferry Gliding Work?
The Keel’s Role in Ferry Gliding
The keel is crucial in ferry gliding because it acts like a wing in the water. When you angle the yacht’s bow into the tide, the keel is set across the tidal stream, creating lateral resistance.
This resistance means:
The stronger the tidal stream, the more your keel’s angle and depth help you ferry glide smoothly and predictably, without losing control or being swept off course.
Why Use Ferry Gliding?
Ferry gliding is a great technique for boaters and skippers who need precise control when manoeuvring across moving water, especially in rivers, tidal estuaries, or busy harbours. By angling the boat against the current or tide, you can move sideways without being swept downstream, allowing you to approach pontoons, moorings, or docks with confidence—even in strong flows. Ferry gliding is invaluable when you need to hold position, avoid obstacles, or make a controlled approach in challenging conditions. Mastering this skill not only enhances safety and control, but also reduces stress and ensures you can make landings and departures look effortless, whatever the tide is doing.
The 3 Stages of Ferry Gliding
Stage 1 – Hold Station
Pick two clear objects to use as transits in line with your intended position. Engage gear at minimum speed and use just enough throttle to balance the tide. Keep the helm steady, and monitor your transits for any movement—ease the throttle if you’re creeping ahead, or increase it slightly if you start drifting astern.
Stage 2 – Test the impact
Make a small heading adjustment—about 5 degrees—to port or starboard and observe how the tide affects your position. Watch your wake for changes and increase throttle if needed to hold station on the transit. Test both directions, as your boat may respond differently each way. Use these adjustments to build a feel for how your vessel handles the stream.
Stage 3 – Glide Sideways
Once you understand the tide’s effect, set your bow at an angle to the stream and use gentle throttle to control your speed. Use your transit to your destination and maintain alignment as you ferry glide sideways. Make small steering and throttle adjustments to keep on course, moving steadily across the tide towards your target.
Practice Makes Perfect
Ferry gliding takes practice and patience, but once you master it, you’ll have a whole new level of control and confidence in strong tides. It’s a powerful technique that turns tidal challenges into opportunities for graceful, precise handling.
Next time you’re out, set up a practice run with a mooring or mark, find your transit, and let the tide do the hard work!
