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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

875.0. "Info on Annapolis to Jamestown" by JINGLE::BERGLUND () Thu Jun 23 1988 19:28

    I'll be crewing on my friend's 36' Crocker ketch next week as we
    sail north from Annapolis, Md to Jamestown, R.I.  We will sail up
    the Cheseapeak, through the C & D canal, around Cape May, up the
    Jersey coast, up the East River, through Hell's Gate and into the 
    L.I. Sound.  
    
    I'm doing some research on public moorings along the way and also
    am looking for any tips/advice that anyone familiar with this trip 
    might have. 
    
    What is the availability of mooring facilities in these ports? 
    Any recommendations on particular facilities at: 
    
    Harve de Grace
    Delaware City (on the Delaware River)
    Cape May, New Jersey
    Sandy Hook, New Jersey
    
    Barnegat Bay is a refuge if we get some weather.  Does anyone have
    info on sailing up through the inland waterway there?  We draw 5.5'
    and the charts we have aren't clear on the depths there.
    
    If anyone can offer some advice on the East River to L.I. Sound
    leg, that would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks in advance for your help!
                                    

T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
875.1info on Cape MayRANGLY::BELTON_TRAVITravis BeltonFri Jun 24 1988 08:5230
    Have done the Chesapeake to New England route several times.  We
    always had a full crew and sailed thru the night with only a stop
    in Cape May.
    
    If your mast height is under 55', you can get into Cape May from
    Delaware Bay via the Cape May Canal; otherwise it is a long trip
    out the Bay and into Cape May Harbor.
    
    We have stayed overnight on the dock of a yacht club there twice.
    Very friendly, no questions about reciprocal membership or anything.
    Sorry, but I can't recall their name, but if you want it I can probably
    get it.  Also used the South Jersey Marina.  Nice folks, though
    they do cater to the sport fishing crowd--big, mega machines.
    
    For breakfast, motor over to the Lobster House and tie off outboard
    of the old schooner at their pier.  The coffee shop attached to
    the restaurant has fresh squeezed orange juice, and after tanking
    up you'll be ready to make the jump.
    
    Beware the inlet--it has jettys on either side and when the wind
    is off the ocean, the waves really build up.  I imagine it is impassible
    in a storm.  The rest of the Jersey coast strikes me the same way,
    that is, it will be difficult to get into a harbor if it's really
    nasty outside.  That's one reason we went straight up to Block Island,
    Newport, Nantucket, etc.  Forty-fifty hours sailing time.

    Have a great time!
    
    Travis Belton

875.2Did it onceCSSE::COUTUREAbandon shoreFri Jun 24 1988 11:1523
    Did the trip once myself.  There are two wonderful Marinas at either
    end of the Cape May canal.  Also, Harrah's in Atlantic City wasn't
    really very expensive and not to be believed as far as one fancy
    marina facility . . . room service to your boat - Something to
    be experienced at least once in your life.  
    
    The intercoastal above Cape May isn't much as far as deep water
    goes.  You're much better off to go up on the outside . . . better
    still to make a straight shot to Block from Cape May.  You're
    about 90 miles offshore at the furthest point and it's about a
    two-day sail.  If there's a big high pressure system on the
    east coast, you're all set.
    
    I agree with .1 about Barneggat Bay.  I watched the big breakers
    roll in and wouldn't want any part of that action.
    
    Also, keep in mind that North of Atlantic City you're getting
    into MAJOR shipping channels and it often gets foggy in the
    area.  A radar reflector is a must and radar would have added
    years to my life, or at least given me fewer gray hairs.
    
    Encore

875.3.2 continuedCSSE::COUTUREAbandon shoreFri Jun 24 1988 11:185
    I forgot to mention.  There's a nuclear power plant in Deleware
    Bay, right outside the C&D canal.  We came through there at
    night and got really confused because all of the lights from
    the power plant obliterated the lighted aids to navigation.

875.4GRAMPS::WCLARKWalt ClarkFri Jun 24 1988 13:379
    Ive sailed both sides of Long Island on trips from RI to NYC.
    
    You will probably find better sailing south of Long Island than
    in Long Island Sound.  Unless you plan to stop over several places
    in the sound, avoiding NY harbor, Hell's Gate and LIS will get you
    to Jamestown sooner.
    
    Walt

875.5BMT::PLAUTRobert Plaut (NY) dtn 352-2403Mon Jun 27 1988 09:113
    If you do go through the East River, remember the tidal slack occurs
    approximately one and one half hours after high and low tides.