I'm planning an 'offshore' trip for May around the DelMarVa Peninsula (that's Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for y'all not from around here). The idea is to head up the Chesapeake, through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, down the Delaware Bay, out past Cape May, turn right and head south coming back in at the bottom of the Chesapeake and back north to home (just south of Annapolis). I figure it should take about 4 days (tricky part is the C&D Canal...currents sometimes run 5+ knots).
I've done some offshore before (Annapolis to Maine, Padanaram to Annapolis) but never on my boat (1982 CD30 #242). Please send me information on the following (off list would be fine) if you are so inclined:
Provisions: How much (2 crusty, relatively immature old men)? What kind (precooked, granola bars...easy yet nutritious)?
Cooking/Heating: I have no stove other than a single burner butane GloMaster and the ubiquitous stern hung propane grill. Would one of those Seacock gimballed propane doohickies be worthwhile?
Fuel: 15 Gallons and my MD7A should be plenty to power around, shouldn't it? Anyone recommend jerry cans for a short trip like this (other than to have separate fuel sources...just in case)?
Sails: With a relatively short offshore portion (18-24 hours) and a decent forecast, should I invest in storm sails or is that overkill?
Safety/Emergency: I'm renting the EPIRB/GPS/VHF/FLARES package from Boat/US and a liferaft. What emergency medical supplies would you recommend?
Charts: My fellow crusty old man is the navigator...he's bought tons of charts. Anyone want to lend me a Yeoman Chart gizmo?!?
Please feel free to bombard me with any/all ideas, experiences, insights.
Thanks.
tadmcd@worldnet.att.net
DelMarVa Peninsula
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Lyn Heiges
Re: DelMarVa Peninsula
Tad and friend(s),
I have a CD27 up there in the northern end of the Chesapeake and you are right about the C&D Canal. You HAVE to motor through there (U.S. Corps of Engineers Regulation) and with the large ships you don't want to do anything other! There is a place at Chesapeake City, Maryland which is about half-way through where you can tie-up at a reasonable fee and a great place to eat, Shaffers. The only other time you will probably need the iron mizzen is down near Norfolk because of the Navy ships, freighters and the current, if you hit it on the ebbing tide (out-flow).
I have a friend who worked at WETA-TV (703-998-2600) by the name of Joe Camp who used to sail in the "Round Delmarva Race" each year. He would be a good guide for necessities. Use my name, Lyn Heiges (I pronounce it Hi-jez rather than the German Hi-Gus) and see what he says. If he has left WETA, ask for Lew Zager and see if he can tell you where Joe is. Both of them worked with (for) me when I was a SVP in the phoney world. Now I have become crusty too and live in the REAL world!! Far more enjoyable!!
I have a Yanmar 2GM20F in my 1981 CD28 (#307) which replaced the Volvo MD7A. It should be sufficient for motion throughout the trip, but you can get information on the currents for the C&D Canal. There is a nice book published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and available at BOAT/US, West Marine, etc. in Maryland which gives charts, routes, currents in the Canal and Bay called "Maryland Waters". It is a great resource and OK for navigation with corrections often not found on the NOAA charts.
Sounds like a great trip! Keep us "posted" as you learn more about what to take, how much, etc.
Warm Regards from St. Pete Beach, Florida,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD - St. Pete Beach, FL
CD27 GUILLEMOT - Middle River, MD
lheiges@compuserve.com
I have a CD27 up there in the northern end of the Chesapeake and you are right about the C&D Canal. You HAVE to motor through there (U.S. Corps of Engineers Regulation) and with the large ships you don't want to do anything other! There is a place at Chesapeake City, Maryland which is about half-way through where you can tie-up at a reasonable fee and a great place to eat, Shaffers. The only other time you will probably need the iron mizzen is down near Norfolk because of the Navy ships, freighters and the current, if you hit it on the ebbing tide (out-flow).
I have a friend who worked at WETA-TV (703-998-2600) by the name of Joe Camp who used to sail in the "Round Delmarva Race" each year. He would be a good guide for necessities. Use my name, Lyn Heiges (I pronounce it Hi-jez rather than the German Hi-Gus) and see what he says. If he has left WETA, ask for Lew Zager and see if he can tell you where Joe is. Both of them worked with (for) me when I was a SVP in the phoney world. Now I have become crusty too and live in the REAL world!! Far more enjoyable!!
I have a Yanmar 2GM20F in my 1981 CD28 (#307) which replaced the Volvo MD7A. It should be sufficient for motion throughout the trip, but you can get information on the currents for the C&D Canal. There is a nice book published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and available at BOAT/US, West Marine, etc. in Maryland which gives charts, routes, currents in the Canal and Bay called "Maryland Waters". It is a great resource and OK for navigation with corrections often not found on the NOAA charts.
Sounds like a great trip! Keep us "posted" as you learn more about what to take, how much, etc.
Warm Regards from St. Pete Beach, Florida,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD - St. Pete Beach, FL
CD27 GUILLEMOT - Middle River, MD
Tad McDonald wrote: I'm planning an 'offshore' trip for May around the DelMarVa Peninsula (that's Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for y'all not from around here). The idea is to head up the Chesapeake, through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, down the Delaware Bay, out past Cape May, turn right and head south coming back in at the bottom of the Chesapeake and back north to home (just south of Annapolis). I figure it should take about 4 days (tricky part is the C&D Canal...currents sometimes run 5+ knots).
I've done some offshore before (Annapolis to Maine, Padanaram to Annapolis) but never on my boat (1982 CD30 #242). Please send me information on the following (off list would be fine) if you are so inclined:
Provisions: How much (2 crusty, relatively immature old men)? What kind (precooked, granola bars...easy yet nutritious)?
Cooking/Heating: I have no stove other than a single burner butane GloMaster and the ubiquitous stern hung propane grill. Would one of those Seacock gimballed propane doohickies be worthwhile?
Fuel: 15 Gallons and my MD7A should be plenty to power around, shouldn't it? Anyone recommend jerry cans for a short trip like this (other than to have separate fuel sources...just in case)?
Sails: With a relatively short offshore portion (18-24 hours) and a decent forecast, should I invest in storm sails or is that overkill?
Safety/Emergency: I'm renting the EPIRB/GPS/VHF/FLARES package from Boat/US and a liferaft. What emergency medical supplies would you recommend?
Charts: My fellow crusty old man is the navigator...he's bought tons of charts. Anyone want to lend me a Yeoman Chart gizmo?!?
Please feel free to bombard me with any/all ideas, experiences, insights.
Thanks.
lheiges@compuserve.com
-
Paul
Re: DelMarVa Peninsula
Hi,
I keep my CD 28 at a mooring here in Lewes, Delaware...right at the mouth of Delaware Bay...after you come down the bay, stop in at Lewes, We have some good anchorage behind the inner breakwall at Cape Henlopen. If you catch the tide right you will fly through the CD canal...get it just when it begins to turn...with this timing, when you enter Delaware bay, the tide will at first be against you but it should turn soon and then you will make real good time down to the lower bay...by then the tide will probably begin to turn against you and slow your progress. Let me know if you plan to stop in Lewes before proceeding out into the ocean.
Paul
rfurman@dmv.com
I keep my CD 28 at a mooring here in Lewes, Delaware...right at the mouth of Delaware Bay...after you come down the bay, stop in at Lewes, We have some good anchorage behind the inner breakwall at Cape Henlopen. If you catch the tide right you will fly through the CD canal...get it just when it begins to turn...with this timing, when you enter Delaware bay, the tide will at first be against you but it should turn soon and then you will make real good time down to the lower bay...by then the tide will probably begin to turn against you and slow your progress. Let me know if you plan to stop in Lewes before proceeding out into the ocean.
Paul
rfurman@dmv.com
-
Matt Cawthorne
Re: DelMarVa Peninsula...Take your time.
Tad,
I have done the trip that your are planning. With a short handed crew I would recommend stopping to rest. The Delaware and Chesapeake bays are busy with commercial traffic. At the start of any trip it is difficult to get into the watch rotation. You will soon be fighting fatigue. Ships lights don't always show up well against a lighted background. Mistakes become easy to make. I have crossed the Atlantic on a short handed boat as well as a coastal delivery from Delaware to the Carribean. I consider the loop around the Delmarva penninsula more dangerous than either of the other two. You are close to help, but also close to danger. Take time to stop and rest. You will enjoy the trip much more.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
I have done the trip that your are planning. With a short handed crew I would recommend stopping to rest. The Delaware and Chesapeake bays are busy with commercial traffic. At the start of any trip it is difficult to get into the watch rotation. You will soon be fighting fatigue. Ships lights don't always show up well against a lighted background. Mistakes become easy to make. I have crossed the Atlantic on a short handed boat as well as a coastal delivery from Delaware to the Carribean. I consider the loop around the Delmarva penninsula more dangerous than either of the other two. You are close to help, but also close to danger. Take time to stop and rest. You will enjoy the trip much more.
Matt
Tad McDonald wrote: I'm planning an 'offshore' trip for May around the DelMarVa Peninsula (that's Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for y'all not from around here). The idea is to head up the Chesapeake, through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, down the Delaware Bay, out past Cape May, turn right and head south coming back in at the bottom of the Chesapeake and back north to home (just south of Annapolis). I figure it should take about 4 days (tricky part is the C&D Canal...currents sometimes run 5+ knots).
I've done some offshore before (Annapolis to Maine, Padanaram to Annapolis) but never on my boat (1982 CD30 #242). Please send me information on the following (off list would be fine) if you are so inclined:
Provisions: How much (2 crusty, relatively immature old men)? What kind (precooked, granola bars...easy yet nutritious)?
Cooking/Heating: I have no stove other than a single burner butane GloMaster and the ubiquitous stern hung propane grill. Would one of those Seacock gimballed propane doohickies be worthwhile?
Fuel: 15 Gallons and my MD7A should be plenty to power around, shouldn't it? Anyone recommend jerry cans for a short trip like this (other than to have separate fuel sources...just in case)?
Sails: With a relatively short offshore portion (18-24 hours) and a decent forecast, should I invest in storm sails or is that overkill?
Safety/Emergency: I'm renting the EPIRB/GPS/VHF/FLARES package from Boat/US and a liferaft. What emergency medical supplies would you recommend?
Charts: My fellow crusty old man is the navigator...he's bought tons of charts. Anyone want to lend me a Yeoman Chart gizmo?!?
Please feel free to bombard me with any/all ideas, experiences, insights.
Thanks.
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
-
Lyn Heiges
Re: DelMarVa Peninsula
Paul,
Maybe I'll "rattle your cage" sometime when I get to Lewes!
We live in St. Pete Beach, Florida, but still maintain our house in Bethany Beach, Delaware. I tell everyone that my address is "Beach" either St. Pete or Bethany!!
Our kids use the place year-round up there and we still love Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Delaware in general!
Warm Regards from St. Pete Beach, Florida,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT (Essex, MD)
lheiges@compuserve.com
Maybe I'll "rattle your cage" sometime when I get to Lewes!
We live in St. Pete Beach, Florida, but still maintain our house in Bethany Beach, Delaware. I tell everyone that my address is "Beach" either St. Pete or Bethany!!
Our kids use the place year-round up there and we still love Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Delaware in general!
Warm Regards from St. Pete Beach, Florida,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT (Essex, MD)
Paul wrote: Hi,
I keep my CD 28 at a mooring here in Lewes, Delaware...right at the mouth of Delaware Bay...after you come down the bay, stop in at Lewes, We have some good anchorage behind the inner breakwall at Cape Henlopen. If you catch the tide right you will fly through the CD canal...get it just when it begins to turn...with this timing, when you enter Delaware bay, the tide will at first be against you but it should turn soon and then you will make real good time down to the lower bay...by then the tide will probably begin to turn against you and slow your progress. Let me know if you plan to stop in Lewes before proceeding out into the ocean.
Paul
lheiges@compuserve.com
-
CR
Re: DelMarVa Peninsula
Tad - The only recommendation I can offer is regarding the idea of investing in a storm sail. Given your relative proximity to shore I would strongly suggest that if the forecasted weather would require the use of a storm sail - Get In! A general rule of thumb is that if you have any doubt about making a safe port, turn and head out to gain "searoom". The limited maneuverability which your route provides would suggest that you use any bad weather days to enjoy the restaurants and shopping which the shorefront may provide. I have found my CD330 to be able to handle conditions which I have found less then enjoyable. I am sure your CD30 will perform with equal brilliance, but why push? Enjoy the trip!
Tad McDonald wrote: I'm planning an 'offshore' trip for May around the DelMarVa Peninsula (that's Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for y'all not from around here). The idea is to head up the Chesapeake, through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, down the Delaware Bay, out past Cape May, turn right and head south coming back in at the bottom of the Chesapeake and back north to home (just south of Annapolis). I figure it should take about 4 days (tricky part is the C&D Canal...currents sometimes run 5+ knots).
I've done some offshore before (Annapolis to Maine, Padanaram to Annapolis) but never on my boat (1982 CD30 #242). Please send me information on the following (off list would be fine) if you are so inclined:
Provisions: How much (2 crusty, relatively immature old men)? What kind (precooked, granola bars...easy yet nutritious)?
Cooking/Heating: I have no stove other than a single burner butane GloMaster and the ubiquitous stern hung propane grill. Would one of those Seacock gimballed propane doohickies be worthwhile?
Fuel: 15 Gallons and my MD7A should be plenty to power around, shouldn't it? Anyone recommend jerry cans for a short trip like this (other than to have separate fuel sources...just in case)?
Sails: With a relatively short offshore portion (18-24 hours) and a decent forecast, should I invest in storm sails or is that overkill?
Safety/Emergency: I'm renting the EPIRB/GPS/VHF/FLARES package from Boat/US and a liferaft. What emergency medical supplies would you recommend?
Charts: My fellow crusty old man is the navigator...he's bought tons of charts. Anyone want to lend me a Yeoman Chart gizmo?!?
Please feel free to bombard me with any/all ideas, experiences, insights.
Thanks.