What is pilot's foot?
Visit pilot's foot it's simply a safety margin applied to water level calculations. It allows you to anticipate inaccuracies in the calculations, a swell dip, silting of the bottom... or simple human error. In short, it's a self-imposed "little reserve" to avoid sailing at the limit of what's possible.
Use to cross a weir or harbor at low tide
Imagine you want to enter a harbor at low tide. Visit draft of your boat is 1.80 m. Calculating the available water height gives exactly 1.80 m. Will you pass? No! add a pilot foot this is usually between 30 and 50 cm, depending on conditions. This ensures that you won't scrape the bottom in the event of a depression, swell or probe inaccuracy.
This pilot's foot varies according to circumstances:
- Rocky or muddy bottoms
- Chart accuracy
- Weather conditions (barometric tide)
- Frequented or isolated area
The more uncertain the conditions, the more the pilot's foot must be generous .
Pilot's foot for air draft
But pilot's foot isn't just about depth! It also applies to above the mast when passing under a bridge. If your sailboat has a air draft of 16 m and the bridge deck is rated at 16.20 m at the current tide... again, a margin is required.
The slightest swell movement, inaccurate measurement or reading error can have... spectacular consequences. We often advise 50 cm minimum margin in this case, or even more in rough seas.
A wise sailor's reflex
The pilot's foot is a sign of caution. It fits into the on-board risk management the same goes for wearing a lifejacket or using a harness in uncertain weather conditions. It's not a luxury, it's the habit of a good sailor.
In a nutshell
The pilot's foot is a a simple but essential tool for safe sailing. Whether below the waterline or above the mast, this margin can absorb the unexpected and protect the boat and crew. Would you like to learn more about these concepts? Nothing beats practice and the right reflexes learned during a course or training session. You need to learn how to sail calmly!
