Congestion in Marina Entrance Channels Due to Sailboats

Overcrowding of marinas has caused traffic congestion in many entrance channels, primarily because of the diagonal tacking patterns of sailboats in the presence of axially moving powerboats. This problem is analyzed on the basis of probability of interference of imaginary blockading areas surrounding the boats as they traverse the channel. The relationships of the various parameters that enter into this analysis are evaluated mathematically, and a congestion index is derived in terms of probable interferences per acre of navigable channel during peak-hour traffic. It is suggested that values for this index be computed for an extensive sampling of marinas in different parts of the country to assess its general validity.