Atlantic City

[Randy Mathura]

I am going to Atlantic City next month via the C&D canal, down the Delaware Bay and outside to Cape May (too tall for the Cape May Canal) and then back outside to Atlantic City. Any local knowledge tips on the two inlets and rounding the Cape, would be much appreciated.

 

[Rich]

We did that trip a few weeks ago. We sailed up the Chesapeake and then motored half-way thru the c and d. You can drop the hook at the hole in the wall cove at Cheapeake city or a little further down is the Summit North Marina. Try to go with the tide down the Delaware. If the wind is anywhere out of the south you are in for a rough and wet ride. The Delaware is very choppy.Get a good chart as there are a lot of shoals in the Delaware Bay. Be very aware of where you are because you are in 5o ft of water one minute and 3 ft in just a short distance. It is a long day going down the Delaware Bay with nowhere to hide so watch your weather window. You can go in behind the breakwater on the Lewes side which is very well protected. Then you can proceed north and go into Cape May via the inlet which is very wide and is quite easy to enter (even with 8-10 ft following seas and 25 knots of wind). You can go around to the port after you enter and drop the hook in front of the coast guard station in about 9 ft of water for a nice stop or go further in to the marinas. Good LuckRichEnchantress c34

 

[Bob La Salle]

Atlantic City Inlet

The AC inlet is wide, deep and well-marked. Once inside, make the first left turn (you'll see the Coast Guard Station) to go to the huge and well-appointed Trump Marina (Farley State Marina, about $1.50/foot overnight with water and power). Call in advance for reservations, especially on Summer weekends. I was there last August and several times before. There is a pool, Trump Marina Casino, restaurants, live bands on the dock, buses to the Boardwalk hotels and casinos, walking distance to Harrah's Marina Hotel & Casino, fuel, marine services, every possible amenity. Or you can go under the bridge directly in front of you as you enter the inlet and tie up at Harrah's Marina Resort (check your chart for bridge clearance, about 55 feet as I recall). I did the Chesapeake Bay, C & D Canal, Delaware Bay trip many years ago, but we went through Cape May Inlet, so I can't offer any advice about rounding Cape May. We spent one night tied up in the Canal at Chesapeake City. Watch shipping traffic on Delaware Bay and follow your charts & GPS religiously. I can give you more specific information if you want, post on this forum or e-mail me at: robertclasalle@cs.com. Have fun and good luck!

 

[Randy Mathura]

Thanks Rich

Thanks for the prompt response. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. Your info is much appreciated. Did you lay over for the night at Lewes? If not, how long did it take you to make Cape May from Chesapeak City? By the way, I have been to Bowley's a number of times and found it very pleasant.

 

[Randy Mathura]

Thanks Bob

Thank you also for the prompt reply. Sounds like a reasonable inlet. Maybe that's why NOAA doesn't do current data for it. Feel free to contact me if you ever need any local knowledge on the Chesapeake.