Isn't there a way to get to the Atlantic after you go thru the C&D Canal without going down and around Cape May? I was trying to follow the charts on line and ran aground in Trenton.
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- Thread starter Broke sailor SV Marcell
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Actually yes it will. The Cape May Canal runs from (West) Delaware Bay into Cape May Harbor from there you can run out to the (East) Atlantic Ocean. BTW you'll actually be facing South when you exit Cape May Inlet. There are 3 bridges in the canal, 2 fixed bridges each with a 55' limit at MHH Tide plus a railroad swing bridge which is normally open. Taking the canal, if you fit under the bridges, saves you a couple of hours versus running outside around the shoals. If you take the canal be cautious as they're dredging it. Also keep an eye on what's approaching from behind as the power boys fly through there. Although most everyone slows for the railroad bridge due to the narrow channel.
Mike
West to the Atlantic
Mike
After responding to your post I realized your likely looking for a way to avoid running all the way down Delaware Bay. If that's the case the answer is no. Unfortunately you'll have to make the run south on Delaware Bay and then, depending on mast height, either take the Cape May Canal or run around the point into the Atlantic. From the C&D to Cape May Harbor via the Cape May Canal takes approximately 7 hrs at 7kts. Add more time if you need to run outside. Best to time the tides down Delaware Bay. Catch them and you can see speed over the ground in the 10kt range. Miss them and you'll feel like you're crawling. In most cases it's difficult to run the tide the entire way. Still good to make the effort though.
Mike
Cape May Bridge Height
Not going to look it up, but I as I remember it, the two bridges are listed at 50'. Been a couple of years though since I came through there. I do know that I have a 55' mast, and I drug the antenna on both bridges, coming under at low tide.
Not going to look it up, but I as I remember it, the two bridges are listed at 50'. Been a couple of years though since I came through there. I do know that I have a 55' mast, and I drug the antenna on both bridges, coming under at low tide.
Cape May Canal Bridges
Been through many times with the previous boat and they're both 55'. The charts also list them as such. Prior boat had a 50' stick and we always cleared w/o a problem.
You're too late!
There was a way about 150 years ago. It is called the Delaware - Raritan Canal and it had swing bridges so that ships of virtually any size back in the day could pass as long as draft was less than 8'. It has an interesting history. It linked the Delaware River near Trenton to the Raritan River near New Brunswick. From there, access to the Atlantic and New York Harbor via Raritan Bay was possible.
http://www.canalsocietynj.org/dnr0.html
There was a way about 150 years ago. It is called the Delaware - Raritan Canal and it had swing bridges so that ships of virtually any size back in the day could pass as long as draft was less than 8'. It has an interesting history. It linked the Delaware River near Trenton to the Raritan River near New Brunswick. From there, access to the Atlantic and New York Harbor via Raritan Bay was possible.
http://www.canalsocietynj.org/dnr0.html
I did this run last year in my B393. Couple of comments:
1. The bridges in Cape May canel are 55' MHW. My mast is 51.5' plus the 3 ft antenna. Went thru 1 hour before high tide. No problem.
2. The canal has some very shallow areas. Be careful.
3. On the west end is where the big ferry boats dock, and come and go. Again, be careful.
4. Current in the Delaware Bay is strong. Time it wrong and it's an all day 12+ hour trip. Time it right and you can do it in 7-8 hours.
5. No, you can't go straight from the C&D east to the Atlantic, at least not by boat.
Have fun.
Paul
1. The bridges in Cape May canel are 55' MHW. My mast is 51.5' plus the 3 ft antenna. Went thru 1 hour before high tide. No problem.
2. The canal has some very shallow areas. Be careful.
3. On the west end is where the big ferry boats dock, and come and go. Again, be careful.
4. Current in the Delaware Bay is strong. Time it wrong and it's an all day 12+ hour trip. Time it right and you can do it in 7-8 hours.
5. No, you can't go straight from the C&D east to the Atlantic, at least not by boat.
Have fun.
Paul
I think that it all depends on where on the Atlantic you plan to go. You can certainly get to the ocean from the C&D canal without going near Cape May. If you wish to sail up the Jersey coast then Cape May enters your plans.
So the OP implies he is heading north. Exactly how do your get from the C&D to the Atlantic without passing by Cape May?
Tim I was wondering myself.... I think this topic has been more than answered by now. Go around the Cape or you can shave off a couple of hours by going thru the Cape May Canal.
A look at the charts shows that rounding Cape May is not needed to enter the Atlantic, passing Cape May and Cape Henlopen are the only ways to leave Delaware Bay but you may not see either of them on your way out.
Edit to add : Check my first post.
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