Waxing Crescent

A Waxing Crescent is the lunar phase immediately after the New Moon, when a thin, increasing crescent of the Moon becomes visible after sunset. In maritime use, it helps describe expected night-time illumination and where the lunar cycle sits in relation to tides and tidal streams.

For boaters, a Waxing Crescent usually means limited early-evening moonlight, so deck work, pilotage, and identifying unlit marks may still require careful use of lights and instruments. It also follows the New Moon, when Spring Tide effects are often strongest, before ranges generally ease toward neaps. Always check local tide tables and Tidal Stream predictions for harbour entry, bar crossings, anchoring depth, and current-assisted passages.

In PredictWind, moon phase is best considered alongside wind, wave, rain, and tide information when assessing a departure window. For coastal passages or offshore legs, combine lunar awareness with forecasts, tidal charts, and Departure Planning to optimise timing, visibility, and current use.