What Am I Missing?

[tartansailor]

Roosevelt Inlet is in the Delaware Bay leading to the town of Lewes in Delaware.
The prevailing winds are mostly on the quarter, westerly off the land in the AM
and easterly off the ocean in the evening. Perfect sailing, and a breeze compared to
other inlets on the coast. What I don't understand is that almost everyone drops sail
and powers through? I feel that I have substantially more control with full sail and
a power assist. Am I wrong? What say you?
Respectfully,
Dick

[Steve Laume]

I know that inlet. I used to fish out of there with my dad way back in the day.

I have sailed into a few inlets and through the mooring fields, once inside. Block Island is great for that.

The issue is not so much with your control on the way in but the lack of a large basin, once inside. As I recall, there just isn't too much room in there. That leaves you with your sails up and not much space to work with. If you add some boat traffic, things could get dicey. I might leave my jib up as I can quickly furl it with little effort. Unless you have a simple and fool proof method of getting the main down, quickly, then it would be prudent to take it down before entering a constricted area.

If you are running your engine anyway, then it would seem simpler and much safer to take the main down before entering the inlet. In an emergency situation, where you lost power, it might be worth the risk but to do it on a regular basis, doesn't seem like a great idea, Steve.

[tartansailor]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the insight. You're right, there is no basin to speak of.
My concern is control avoiding the rocks, because of the big boats not giving room.
Once inside I can slam on the brakes by going up the Broadkill,
or down the canal, depending on the tide.
Fair winds.
Dick