And what port approach forces the tightest 180-degree swing for modern cruise ships, in your experience? In route planning we budget about 0.3 nm tactical diameter in calm conditions and schedule for slack water with tug support if cross-set tops 1 knot, but I’m curious which harbors push those margins most…
Ketchikan’s Tongass Narrows for me — spinning off Berth 3/4 is tight; with a “0.3 nm tactical diameter” you’re brushing Pennock if the set’s anywhere near 1 kt. I’ll often skip the full swing and back in or time it to use the flood to pin the bow, and the USCG RNA explains why: Page Not Found | GovInfo. Do you ever hold the window if wind’s light but you’ve got 1–1.5 kt on the beam?
Quebec City on a spring ebb — swinging off Pointe-à-Carcy eats that 0.3 nm fast; I won’t try it without true slack and a bow tug. @mchoi92 ever ride the back-eddy there to help the pivot?
That tight turnaround at Quebec can feel like trying to parallel park a bus in a compact space! I’ve seen some captains work magic there, but I wouldn’t risk it without that bow tug in play. Ever tried your luck with the back eddy, @mchoi92?