Fellow Cape Dorians--my beloved CD27 Lady Jane has found a new home and I have purchased, pending survey, a CD36. Now I seek your help. My new to me CD is located near Annapolis, MD and I need to bring her home to Hyannis, MA. Not only is the CD36 new to me but, so is the Chesapeake / Delaware area. I plan to start this trip shortly after Memorial Day weekend and need to complete it ASAP.
Based on a very brief look at the charts I'm guessing a one day sail North to the Chesapeake Delaware channel, Spend the night someplace (?), thru the channel the next day and south down the Delaware to the Cape May Channel, spend the night and then out the Cape May Inlet.
Questions so far:
(1)What is the mast clearance height for a CD36?
(2)Best cruising guide for sailing not sightseeing information about the Chesapeake / Delaware area? I'd like to sightsee but I'm on a schedule.
(3)What are the currents like in the Chesapeake Delaware channel and what is the best information source?
(4)Whats the story with the Cape May Channel, is it a good alternative to going out around Cape May? Bridge clearances? How much water?
(5)Are my time frames realistic--assuming the weather cooperates.
After that, depending on crew and weather, I'll either go outside to Block Island or north via NY harbor and Long Island sound to Block Island. The outside route is about 200nm so I'm guessing 2 days and nights. Inside would be longer, I think, due to the need to time the tidal changes and utilize conveint anchorages. Those of you that have been here please tell me all about it. Especially all the things I should have asked but didn't.
Thanks in advance,
Mike Thorpe
mthorpe@capecod.net
Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Jerry Axler
Re: Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
I have a 36 near Annapolis and I make this very trip every year as part of my vacation. The mast height is 47' and the bridge clearances are a minimum of 55' for your trip. I would get an Eldridges for the current and tide caculations that you will need for your trip. The trip from Annapolis to Engineers Cove at Chesapeake City in the C&D is about 7 hours depending on winds and tides. Then leave Chesapeake City at High tide which will give you a fair tide all the way to Cape May about 11 hours away. The only caveat is , if the wind is blowing strongly out of the south or southeast, it is better to run against the tide. You can do this by staying in the shallows. The reason is when the wind is against the tide, the Delaware Bay throws up a real mean and uncomfortable chop.(throw up is a good choice of words)Mike Thorpe wrote: Fellow Cape Dorians--my beloved CD27 Lady Jane has found a new home and I have purchased, pending survey, a CD36. Now I seek your help. My new to me CD is located near Annapolis, MD and I need to bring her home to Hyannis, MA. Not only is the CD36 new to me but, so is the Chesapeake / Delaware area. I plan to start this trip shortly after Memorial Day weekend and need to complete it ASAP.
Based on a very brief look at the charts I'm guessing a one day sail North to the Chesapeake Delaware channel, Spend the night someplace (?), thru the channel the next day and south down the Delaware to the Cape May Channel, spend the night and then out the Cape May Inlet.
Questions so far:
(1)What is the mast clearance height for a CD36?
(2)Best cruising guide for sailing not sightseeing information about the Chesapeake / Delaware area? I'd like to sightsee but I'm on a schedule.
(3)What are the currents like in the Chesapeake Delaware channel and what is the best information source?
(4)Whats the story with the Cape May Channel, is it a good alternative to going out around Cape May? Bridge clearances? How much water?
(5)Are my time frames realistic--assuming the weather cooperates.
After that, depending on crew and weather, I'll either go outside to Block Island or north via NY harbor and Long Island sound to Block Island. The outside route is about 200nm so I'm guessing 2 days and nights. Inside would be longer, I think, due to the need to time the tidal changes and utilize conveint anchorages. Those of you that have been here please tell me all about it. Especially all the things I should have asked but didn't.
Thanks in advance,
Mike Thorpe
You can layover in Cape May harbor , but there is very limited anchorage for a 5' draft. You would be better off taking a slip.From Cape May I always go outside to Martha's Vineyard and I leave at night inorder to make landfall at Day break 2 days later. If you plan to stop at Block Island, a morning departure is wiser, since you will arrive at midday 30 -35 hours later.
Watch yourself off the Jersey coast and crossing the shipping lanes near Long Island. The barge and freighter traffic is very heavy in those areas, not to mention the fishing fleet.
The trip is usually a run, so a drifter or a cruising chute would be your primary sail for this trip.
If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me. The trip is a great experience in the well founded 36 and I wish you fair winds and following seas.
Jerry Axler
cutter36@erols.com
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Bob Pence
Re: Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
Made the trip 1/2 dozen times. Mast height 47' plus light & antenna, bridges at Cape May no problem. C & D Canal current not a consideration. Day 1 Annapolis to 1/2 way C & D, stay marina on stbd. Day 2 Long day to Cape May,must have tide and wind with you, plan on anchoring in Cohansey River on N.J. side 2 bends upriver current swift but holding good. Day 3 Cape May. Day 4 Atlantic City, Absecon Inlet follow the sea buoys up the coast or sail just offshore, watch the bar at Ocean City, keep a lookout for floating nets, stay Harley State Marina at Trump's. Day 4 Long day to round Sandy Hook, then look on chart for Great Kill harbor on Staten Island, call RCYC for mooring, they have launch service, mention my name I was a long time member. Day 5 24 to 30 hours outside to Block. If weather forces you to use L.I. Sound , add a day. Do Hell Gate on the East river near high or low tide, not when running full. Will crew for you if not tied up. You can borrow my charts.Mike Thorpe wrote: Fellow Cape Dorians--my beloved CD27 Lady Jane has found a new home and I have purchased, pending survey, a CD36. Now I seek your help. My new to me CD is located near Annapolis, MD and I need to bring her home to Hyannis, MA. Not only is the CD36 new to me but, so is the Chesapeake / Delaware area. I plan to start this trip shortly after Memorial Day weekend and need to complete it ASAP.
Based on a very brief look at the charts I'm guessing a one day sail North to the Chesapeake Delaware channel, Spend the night someplace (?), thru the channel the next day and south down the Delaware to the Cape May Channel, spend the night and then out the Cape May Inlet.
Questions so far:
(1)What is the mast clearance height for a CD36?
(2)Best cruising guide for sailing not sightseeing information about the Chesapeake / Delaware area? I'd like to sightsee but I'm on a schedule.
(3)What are the currents like in the Chesapeake Delaware channel and what is the best information source?
(4)Whats the story with the Cape May Channel, is it a good alternative to going out around Cape May? Bridge clearances? How much water?
(5)Are my time frames realistic--assuming the weather cooperates.
After that, depending on crew and weather, I'll either go outside to Block Island or north via NY harbor and Long Island sound to Block Island. The outside route is about 200nm so I'm guessing 2 days and nights. Inside would be longer, I think, due to the need to time the tidal changes and utilize conveint anchorages. Those of you that have been here please tell me all about it. Especially all the things I should have asked but didn't.
Thanks in advance,
Mike Thorpe
Mike Thorpe wrote:
sixpence@dmv.com
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Richard Feffer
Re: Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
Mike,
Seems as though most of your questions have already been answered. So I'll just add my two-cents worth.
Day one is Annapolis-Chesapeake City at the western end of the C&D Canal. There is a small basin on the south side of the canal. If there is room you can anchor there. (Holding is not great!. Make sure anchor is well set!! If winds are strong, make other arrangements.) If not you can tie up to the bulkhead at the marina (Shaeffer's?) right in the canal. I don't like that option because of the currents in the canal.
From Chesapeake City to Cape May is a long day. The Cohansey River is a good anchorage if conditions are not right to continue on to Cape May. Strong currents in here. Watch your swinging room. Definetly enter Cape May through the canal. You can anchor off the Coast Guard station. I spent three days there waiting out a blow! Try Utches Marina if you don't want to drop the hook.
Next stop is Atlantic City. Farley State Marina is good if you want to spend some time in the casino, restaurants, people watching, etc. However, the cost at the marina on the other side of the basin is much less. (Forgot the name, but if you need it, I'll look it up.) There is also an excellent anchorage directly across the main channel (north side) just before the bridge. The charts don't show much water across the entrance, but it is deep enough for your boat and once inside, there is protection from all directions.
Sandy Hook next stop. A long day, but okay if favorable conditions. Good anchorage at extreme south end just before going into the Shrewesbury River. (I think I got that one right.) Do not go into Barnegat Inlet! Manesquan or Shark River are okay if you can't make Sandy Hook.
If you are not too pressed for time, I would recommend the trip up through New York Harbor. If you have never done it, don't miss it! It's quite an experience sailing past the Statue, Governor"s Island, the Seaport, Manhattan's East Side. Get a copy of Eldridge and plan to take advantage of the currents through the East River and Hell Gate. If you're taking this route, your stop would be either City Island or Manhasset Bay (Port Washington.)
From that point, there are lots of options which I won't go into now.
If you are planning to go offshore, you should have crew. It's a heavily area and you need to stay alert for traffic.
I've done the Annapolis-LI Sound route several times. Offshore Sandy Hook to Block once. If you need crew I might be available.
Hope I've been of some help. Will you be going to the Fleet Rendezvous?
Happy Sailing. Good luck with the new boat.
Richard
RichFef@Prodigy.net
Seems as though most of your questions have already been answered. So I'll just add my two-cents worth.
Day one is Annapolis-Chesapeake City at the western end of the C&D Canal. There is a small basin on the south side of the canal. If there is room you can anchor there. (Holding is not great!. Make sure anchor is well set!! If winds are strong, make other arrangements.) If not you can tie up to the bulkhead at the marina (Shaeffer's?) right in the canal. I don't like that option because of the currents in the canal.
From Chesapeake City to Cape May is a long day. The Cohansey River is a good anchorage if conditions are not right to continue on to Cape May. Strong currents in here. Watch your swinging room. Definetly enter Cape May through the canal. You can anchor off the Coast Guard station. I spent three days there waiting out a blow! Try Utches Marina if you don't want to drop the hook.
Next stop is Atlantic City. Farley State Marina is good if you want to spend some time in the casino, restaurants, people watching, etc. However, the cost at the marina on the other side of the basin is much less. (Forgot the name, but if you need it, I'll look it up.) There is also an excellent anchorage directly across the main channel (north side) just before the bridge. The charts don't show much water across the entrance, but it is deep enough for your boat and once inside, there is protection from all directions.
Sandy Hook next stop. A long day, but okay if favorable conditions. Good anchorage at extreme south end just before going into the Shrewesbury River. (I think I got that one right.) Do not go into Barnegat Inlet! Manesquan or Shark River are okay if you can't make Sandy Hook.
If you are not too pressed for time, I would recommend the trip up through New York Harbor. If you have never done it, don't miss it! It's quite an experience sailing past the Statue, Governor"s Island, the Seaport, Manhattan's East Side. Get a copy of Eldridge and plan to take advantage of the currents through the East River and Hell Gate. If you're taking this route, your stop would be either City Island or Manhasset Bay (Port Washington.)
From that point, there are lots of options which I won't go into now.
If you are planning to go offshore, you should have crew. It's a heavily area and you need to stay alert for traffic.
I've done the Annapolis-LI Sound route several times. Offshore Sandy Hook to Block once. If you need crew I might be available.
Hope I've been of some help. Will you be going to the Fleet Rendezvous?
Happy Sailing. Good luck with the new boat.
Richard
RichFef@Prodigy.net
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Andy Denmark
Re: Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
Hi Mike,
This is a nice run. I do it on deliveries up and down. Going up, my usual route is to Cape May and then outside to points north.
I would suggest a favorite anchorage after the days run up from Annapolis. Although Shaeffer's is further along, I found the holding there poor and disturbance from waterway traffic fairly severe (several trys). Doesn't make for a good night's rest before what will be a long next days run to Cape May.
A much better anchorage is Bohemia River just south of CD canal. My GPS waypoint reads 39d 28.7m N / 076d 55.0m W. I try to schedule stops here when headed either way. For me, the peaceful anchorage is well worth the extra time (going north). Navigation to CD Canal is a piece of cake from here so pre-dawn starts are easy.
Hope this helps. Have a good trip.
Andy Denmark
CD-27 "Rhiannon"
Oriental, NC
trekker@coastalnet.com
This is a nice run. I do it on deliveries up and down. Going up, my usual route is to Cape May and then outside to points north.
I would suggest a favorite anchorage after the days run up from Annapolis. Although Shaeffer's is further along, I found the holding there poor and disturbance from waterway traffic fairly severe (several trys). Doesn't make for a good night's rest before what will be a long next days run to Cape May.
A much better anchorage is Bohemia River just south of CD canal. My GPS waypoint reads 39d 28.7m N / 076d 55.0m W. I try to schedule stops here when headed either way. For me, the peaceful anchorage is well worth the extra time (going north). Navigation to CD Canal is a piece of cake from here so pre-dawn starts are easy.
Hope this helps. Have a good trip.
Andy Denmark
CD-27 "Rhiannon"
Oriental, NC
trekker@coastalnet.com
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Michael Stephano
Re: Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
I have done this run on more occasions than I can recall. I would leave Oxford at night and run straight thru taking breaks at the c&d for the tide if needed and straight down the Delaware skipping Cape May and running the mouth of the bay to what ever point in New England (Usually Buzzards Bay and surrounding destinations). With a crew of three (relativly experienced) this is a fairly easy trip to knock out. I did not usually have time for the scenic route up the coast and through the L.I. Sound. Pick a nice weather window and pack plenty of snacks and quick food for watches. Since I was doing mostly delivery I would try to plan a 5 knt average which meant the engine had quite a few assistance hours on it. The time you lose waiting for tides etc. does not even come close to making up the distance travelled you could have covered. The key is to pick a nice weather window and go for it because they do not last long.
Good luck with your new boat
mundo@visi.net
Good luck with your new boat
mundo@visi.net
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Chris Reinke
Re: Annapolis,MD to Hyannis,MA
Mike - All of the previous postings give you some great advise. I would offer one additional thought. I have made the trip on several occasions up to Cape Cod. If I am travelling with a less experienced crew or weather is an issue I set my schedule to arrive at NYC around mid to late afternoon. I then head up the East River to Hell's Gate and out into Long Island Sound. I then run the Sound at night and arrive at Fischer’s Island around dawn.
This is just an alternative I offer without knowing the experience of the crew and how comfortable they would be with a night run offshore on a new boat.
Enjoy the Trip,
Chris Reinke
CD330 Innisfail
This is just an alternative I offer without knowing the experience of the crew and how comfortable they would be with a night run offshore on a new boat.
Enjoy the Trip,
Chris Reinke
CD330 Innisfail
Mike Thorpe wrote: Fellow Cape Dorians--my beloved CD27 Lady Jane has found a new home and I have purchased, pending survey, a CD36. Now I seek your help. My new to me CD is located near Annapolis, MD and I need to bring her home to Hyannis, MA. Not only is the CD36 new to me but, so is the Chesapeake / Delaware area. I plan to start this trip shortly after Memorial Day weekend and need to complete it ASAP.
Based on a very brief look at the charts I'm guessing a one day sail North to the Chesapeake Delaware channel, Spend the night someplace (?), thru the channel the next day and south down the Delaware to the Cape May Channel, spend the night and then out the Cape May Inlet.
Questions so far:
(1)What is the mast clearance height for a CD36?
(2)Best cruising guide for sailing not sightseeing information about the Chesapeake / Delaware area? I'd like to sightsee but I'm on a schedule.
(3)What are the currents like in the Chesapeake Delaware channel and what is the best information source?
(4)Whats the story with the Cape May Channel, is it a good alternative to going out around Cape May? Bridge clearances? How much water?
(5)Are my time frames realistic--assuming the weather cooperates.
After that, depending on crew and weather, I'll either go outside to Block Island or north via NY harbor and Long Island sound to Block Island. The outside route is about 200nm so I'm guessing 2 days and nights. Inside would be longer, I think, due to the need to time the tidal changes and utilize conveint anchorages. Those of you that have been here please tell me all about it. Especially all the things I should have asked but didn't.
Thanks in advance,
Mike Thorpe