Full Moon

A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun and its near side is fully illuminated. In boating, it is important mainly because this alignment of Sun, Earth, and Moon increases tidal range and often coincides with stronger tidal movement around coasts, estuaries, bars, and harbour entrances.

For passage planning, a full moon can mean higher high waters, lower low waters, and faster streams, so under-keel clearance, anchoring depth, and timing through narrow channels need extra attention. It is closely associated with Spring Tide, and should be considered alongside local Tidal Current information and a Tidal Atlas when selecting a departure or arrival window.

The brighter night can improve lookout and deck work, but it does not replace proper navigation, radar, AIS, or lights. In PredictWind, checking tidal charts, tidal stream maps, and weather routing around full moon periods helps identify favourable currents, avoid wind-against-tide conditions, and choose safer anchorages.