Any Delaware Bay Sailors out there?

[Bill5763]

Hey Skippers,

Anyone out there sail the Delaware Bay?

I am wondering specificially about the Maurice River area, normal wind conditions, places to go, restaurants to sail to.

I currently sail out of Banegat on the bay, but am considering moving for some new scenery.

Thanks,

Capn. Bill

 

[jknappsax]

I've considered it, but...

My O'Day 32' CC is currently in Rock Hall, and the sailing on the Chesapeake is pretty nice. I've considered moving to the Delaware, but a lot of my friends have boated on the Delaware, and cited too much debris coming downstream, and a strong tide current (5-7 knots) during flood and ebb. Most sailboats couldn't fight that motoring, and would have to anchor to keep position, then wait for the tide change to continue. I've sailed with a friend upriver in Riverside, NJ, and that's not too bad, but it's way upstream.

 

[Guest]

Del Bay

Capn, I'll reply later. I'm on the Del Bay.

 

[Bill5763]

Still looking for Delaware Bay Sailing Info.

Any Delaware Bay Sailors out there?

 

[RichH]

The Maurice River is waaaaaaay off the beaten track, principally a river used by commercial fisherman, canoeists and kayakers. The area is the southern limit of the 'pine barrens' and if you are looking for solitude and 'nature' this is the place.
Ive not been there in over 20 years; but, its doubtful that 'development' has yet spoiled this almost pristine area. Bugs are a real problem due to the vast salt marshes.

http://www.cumauriceriver.org/pages/maurice.html

The Delaware Bay is not considered to be good cruising area for sailboaters ... very few harbors (Lewes, Cape May, Cohansey, Maurice .... thats it), little to no support services, 'snotty' water (tremendous 'chop') when there is bad weather, bugs and more bugs, vicious thunderstorms in summertime, shallow water, high current / tidal flow when the upper sections of the Del. River are receiving a lot of rain. Most sailboaters who live in this area keep their boats on the upper Chesapeake.