Eldridge Tide Book
Over 150 Years of East Coast Navigation Expertise
Few publications in maritime history can claim the longevity and loyalty that the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book has earned since its first edition in 1875. Eldridge is widely known among sailors, fishermen, and coastal cruisers as the mariner's bible — a trusted annual reference that has guided generations of East Coast boaters safely through some of North America's most demanding tidal waters.
A Family Legacy Rooted in the Sea
The story of Eldridge begins with George Eldridge of Chatham, Massachusetts, a celebrated cartographer who published his first pilot guide in 1854. His son, Captain George W. Eldridge, launched the full Tide and Pilot Book in 1875, basing its tide tables on his own firsthand observations along the coast. The book has since passed through six generations of the same family, each steward expanding its coverage, modernizing its production, and deepening its usefulness for mariners of every experience level. That unbroken family commitment is a rare thing in publishing — and it shows in every edition.
What's Inside the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book
Each annual edition is packed with practical, life-safety information that no serious East Coast boater should be without. The book covers tides and currents for ports stretching from Nova Scotia all the way to Key West, with particularly detailed data for the northeastern U.S. coast. Key sections include:
- Tide Tables — Daily high and low tide times and heights for major ports including Portland, Boston, Newport, Bridgeport, The Battery, Sandy Hook, Baltimore, and Miami Harbor Entrance
- Current Tables & Charts — Strength and timing of tidal currents at critical passages such as Cape Cod Canal, Woods Hole, Pollock Rip, The Race, Hell Gate, and Chesapeake & Delaware Canal
- GPS & Electronic Navigation — Practical guidance on AIS, GPS, Racons, VHF, and DSC communications to complement onboard electronics
- Marine Weather — Hurricane precautions, the Beaufort Scale, fog guidance, weather signs, and more
- Federal Regulations & Navigation Rules — Up-to-date rules of the road and compliance information
- Coastal Piloting Tips & Emergency First Aid — Hands-on guidance for real-world seamanship situations
- Nautical Astronomy — Sun and moon tables, moon phases, and planetary data
- Fishing, Maritime Traditions & More — Engaging articles on shoreside currents, barometric pressure fishing, flag etiquette, and the rich culture of the sea
An Essential Backup to Modern Electronics
In an era when chartplotters and smartphone apps dominate the helm, Eldridge serves a vital role as a reliable, battery-free backup. Electronics fail; paper doesn't need a signal. Experienced mariners understand that having a current copy of Eldridge aboard is simply sound seamanship — a cross-check for digital tools and a standalone resource when technology falls short. The book's compact size makes it easy to stow in a chart table, a ditch bag, or a cockpit locker.
Who Uses Eldridge?
From weekend sailors navigating Buzzards Bay to offshore fishermen working the Gulf Stream, Eldridge speaks to everyone who takes the East Coast seriously. Its combination of authoritative data, practical guidance, and genuine maritime storytelling has made it a beloved tradition aboard vessels of all sizes. Whether you're planning a two-week cruise up Long Island Sound or simply trying to time the current through the Cape Cod Canal, the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book gives you the information you need to make smart, safe decisions on the water.