I recently purchased a 37.5 Hunter that is being stored on the hard for the winter in Harve de Grace Maryland. In the spring I will sail it to my homeport of Burlington Vermont. Can anyone tell me approx. how long the trip is frrom Harve de Grace to the C&D canal? Any advice from others who have made this trip would be greatly appreciated. I have my wife and another couple coming with me. I have saild on Long Island waters for many years. The rest of the crew are very new to sailing. I am trying to make the trip as confortable and as stress free as I can for my new crew.
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Best I remember
As best I can remember, Havre De Grace is about a day from the C&D. Two days down the Deleware Bay, if you don't sail overnight. Some pretty good anchorages about the half way point. The Cape May canal has a couple of bridges that are shown on the charts as 50'. You can sneak under with a 54 or 55' mast, if your careful and make it on a dead low tide.
As best I can remember, Havre De Grace is about a day from the C&D. Two days down the Deleware Bay, if you don't sail overnight. Some pretty good anchorages about the half way point. The Cape May canal has a couple of bridges that are shown on the charts as 50'. You can sneak under with a 54 or 55' mast, if your careful and make it on a dead low tide.
Well I wonder where my post went!! ;{
So I try again. Roy, It is about a four hour run to Chesapeake City if you depart Havre de Grace with the tide. There is an anchorage on the southside of the canal at Chesapeake City. Plans your transit of the canal with the tide and check channel 13 for traffic control. You must plan to motor through the canal sailing is permitted in emergency with permission. You should acquire a copy of Reed's Nautical Almanac. It has a pilot for the east coast and also the tide and current tables.
So I try again. Roy, It is about a four hour run to Chesapeake City if you depart Havre de Grace with the tide. There is an anchorage on the southside of the canal at Chesapeake City. Plans your transit of the canal with the tide and check channel 13 for traffic control. You must plan to motor through the canal sailing is permitted in emergency with permission. You should acquire a copy of Reed's Nautical Almanac. It has a pilot for the east coast and also the tide and current tables.
Reed's Nautical Almanac or Eldridge Tide & Pilot
will give you the times of current change and projected current speed. What Ross implied with his post is that you will want to make it all the way through the canal before the current changes against you (same for Cape Cod Canal and East River pretty much). I am sure you already know you will have to drop your mast at Albany, NY to do the canals to L. Champlain (assuming that is where you will be keeping the boat). Sounds like a fun trip. Enjoy your winter planning this adventure.
will give you the times of current change and projected current speed. What Ross implied with his post is that you will want to make it all the way through the canal before the current changes against you (same for Cape Cod Canal and East River pretty much). I am sure you already know you will have to drop your mast at Albany, NY to do the canals to L. Champlain (assuming that is where you will be keeping the boat). Sounds like a fun trip. Enjoy your winter planning this adventure.
Roy, when are you planning
to do this trip. I just purchased a 40.5 and it's in Oriental, NC and will be bring her up to my home marina somewhere around the middle to end of May, planning to be at my slip sometime around the first part of June. Email me through the listing here and we should talk and perhaps plan to meet on the way up. I have done the trip from Tom's River, NJ to lake Champlain and also once from Peekskill, NY to Lake Champlain. George
to do this trip. I just purchased a 40.5 and it's in Oriental, NC and will be bring her up to my home marina somewhere around the middle to end of May, planning to be at my slip sometime around the first part of June. Email me through the listing here and we should talk and perhaps plan to meet on the way up. I have done the trip from Tom's River, NJ to lake Champlain and also once from Peekskill, NY to Lake Champlain. George
WOW
I did not realize that could be done! I'll have to get out the Atlas. Not much of a lake sailor. Sounds like fun.
I did not realize that could be done! I'll have to get out the Atlas. Not much of a lake sailor. Sounds like fun.
Check the Tides
It's not much of a trip from HavreDeGrace to Chesapeake city in the C&D canal; maybe 4 hours as someone suggested. The current in the canal, typically up to 2to 2-1/2 knots can be a problem ; stay over to the side in shallower water to save 3/4 knot if you are motoring against the current. Leave Chesapeake City about 1-1/2 hours before max flood at Reedy Point on the Delaware (12 mile trip). However,by entering the Delaware at Reedy Point just before maximum high tide will give you the longer trip down the Delaware bay with the tide and it's about a day down to the Cape May canal.
It's not much of a trip from HavreDeGrace to Chesapeake city in the C&D canal; maybe 4 hours as someone suggested. The current in the canal, typically up to 2to 2-1/2 knots can be a problem ; stay over to the side in shallower water to save 3/4 knot if you are motoring against the current. Leave Chesapeake City about 1-1/2 hours before max flood at Reedy Point on the Delaware (12 mile trip). However,by entering the Delaware at Reedy Point just before maximum high tide will give you the longer trip down the Delaware bay with the tide and it's about a day down to the Cape May canal.
Time to the C&D
As already mentioned time to the C&D will be apx 4 hrs. Don't worry about the tide in the canal. Yes it can run against you but other than losing some speed there won't be any other issues. If you choose to use the anchorage at Chesapeake City be aware it can be crowded and the holding there is poor in any kind of a blow. There's no fuel or pump out but they have a nice bar and resturant. The town itself, which is only a stones throw from the docks, has a couple of other resturants. The go fast boys flock to the place on a warm day. Another option is to continue east in the canal to Summit North Marina. They always have slips open, there's fuel and pump out facilties as well. There's also a resturant on site plus you can get take out food delivered from some of the local pizza shops. It's about a 45 mins run to the Delaware River which will shorten your run to Cape May. No matter where you decide to stay be sure to keep an eye out for commercial traffic. The C&D canal is the 3rd busiest in the world believe it or not. Tugs with barges are prevelant but generally stay in the channel which is well marked. The trip to Cape May from Summit North should take apx 8hrs based on a running at 7kts. Do a search for tides on line or do as others suggest and pick up Reeds. It's always nice to ride the tide down the bay but it's doubtful you'll make Cape May without having it run against you at some point. Just remember Delaware Bay is shallow outside of the channel and any wind blowing against you can create some very nasty seas, especially at the mouth of the bay. Once you get into Delaware Bay and make the turn past Salem Nuclear Pwr Plant line her up on 150 magnetic and it will take you right to the Cape May Canal. Watch out for ferrys on approach or leaving the Cape May Canal. They're big and move fast. The trip through the canal itself is apx 45mins to 1 hr. The tide can have a big swing to it and you may find you'll be more comfortable staying in the center for best depth. Weekends will have a lot of fishing boats running through it. There are two bridges as you approach Cape May, both have a 55' clearance. Just watch for the center channel marks hanging under the bridge as they're less than the 55' mentioned. If you plan on staying at a marina I highly recommend Utchs. You'll find a lot of snowbirds there. It's family owned with a helpful and friendly staff. Nice bath facilties as well. They have fuel but no pumpout. A walk to town takes about 20-30 mins but taxis and trolleys are available, as are rental bikes. If you choose to anchor most folks drop the hook by the Coast Guard Station. Good luck with the trip. It sounds like a lot of fun. Mike
As already mentioned time to the C&D will be apx 4 hrs. Don't worry about the tide in the canal. Yes it can run against you but other than losing some speed there won't be any other issues. If you choose to use the anchorage at Chesapeake City be aware it can be crowded and the holding there is poor in any kind of a blow. There's no fuel or pump out but they have a nice bar and resturant. The town itself, which is only a stones throw from the docks, has a couple of other resturants. The go fast boys flock to the place on a warm day. Another option is to continue east in the canal to Summit North Marina. They always have slips open, there's fuel and pump out facilties as well. There's also a resturant on site plus you can get take out food delivered from some of the local pizza shops. It's about a 45 mins run to the Delaware River which will shorten your run to Cape May. No matter where you decide to stay be sure to keep an eye out for commercial traffic. The C&D canal is the 3rd busiest in the world believe it or not. Tugs with barges are prevelant but generally stay in the channel which is well marked. The trip to Cape May from Summit North should take apx 8hrs based on a running at 7kts. Do a search for tides on line or do as others suggest and pick up Reeds. It's always nice to ride the tide down the bay but it's doubtful you'll make Cape May without having it run against you at some point. Just remember Delaware Bay is shallow outside of the channel and any wind blowing against you can create some very nasty seas, especially at the mouth of the bay. Once you get into Delaware Bay and make the turn past Salem Nuclear Pwr Plant line her up on 150 magnetic and it will take you right to the Cape May Canal. Watch out for ferrys on approach or leaving the Cape May Canal. They're big and move fast. The trip through the canal itself is apx 45mins to 1 hr. The tide can have a big swing to it and you may find you'll be more comfortable staying in the center for best depth. Weekends will have a lot of fishing boats running through it. There are two bridges as you approach Cape May, both have a 55' clearance. Just watch for the center channel marks hanging under the bridge as they're less than the 55' mentioned. If you plan on staying at a marina I highly recommend Utchs. You'll find a lot of snowbirds there. It's family owned with a helpful and friendly staff. Nice bath facilties as well. They have fuel but no pumpout. A walk to town takes about 20-30 mins but taxis and trolleys are available, as are rental bikes. If you choose to anchor most folks drop the hook by the Coast Guard Station. Good luck with the trip. It sounds like a lot of fun. Mike
Trip logs.
Roy - We made the trip from Buffalo, NY to Charleston, SC in 2005. I would be happy to e-mail a copy to you if you think it woould be helpful. Contact me off list at CDickhut2@aol.com
Roy - We made the trip from Buffalo, NY to Charleston, SC in 2005. I would be happy to e-mail a copy to you if you think it woould be helpful. Contact me off list at CDickhut2@aol.com
Great question Roy
The info supplied is really helpful for me since i'll be going the other way next spring from the Delaware to HdG. Only 4 hours from Chesapeake City to HdG? What kind of average speed are we talking here? Sounds like it's going to be a great trip up to Vermont! Manny
The info supplied is really helpful for me since i'll be going the other way next spring from the Delaware to HdG. Only 4 hours from Chesapeake City to HdG? What kind of average speed are we talking here? Sounds like it's going to be a great trip up to Vermont! Manny
Trip times
Manny FYI the trip from Riverside, NJ to Chesapeake City is about 55 miles. Running at 7 kts it takes apx 8hrs. Catch the tide and it can be done in 6hrs. With a 27' boat you'll probably run closer to 5kts and could expect it to take closer to 11hrs. Ride the tide!!! It's a fun trip and if the wind is right you just may be able to sail a good part of it. Just stay to the edge of the channel so you're out of the way of the big boys coming through. Be sure to wave to all the airliner passenegers
BTW for anybody entering the cut into Chesapeake City; check the tide before entering! The currents through the canal can really rip and if you don't anticipate you can be swept right past the entrance in a blink of an eye. It's a rather risky move if you're not prepared for it. Mike
Manny FYI the trip from Riverside, NJ to Chesapeake City is about 55 miles. Running at 7 kts it takes apx 8hrs. Catch the tide and it can be done in 6hrs. With a 27' boat you'll probably run closer to 5kts and could expect it to take closer to 11hrs. Ride the tide!!! It's a fun trip and if the wind is right you just may be able to sail a good part of it. Just stay to the edge of the channel so you're out of the way of the big boys coming through. Be sure to wave to all the airliner passenegers
BTW for anybody entering the cut into Chesapeake City; check the tide before entering! The currents through the canal can really rip and if you don't anticipate you can be swept right past the entrance in a blink of an eye. It's a rather risky move if you're not prepared for it. MikeThe best advice I can offer...
is to completely shake down the boat BEFORE you leave. A new-to-you vessel, stored on the hard, will more than likely have a few quirks that you can only find by using it. Before you jump off, go down a few days early, take the boat out and stay on in an anchorage. Leave the anchorage and daysail it, then return to the anchorage and drop the hook. You want to use the systems; electrical, plumbing, water, engine, rig,everything, before your newbie crew arrive. Do this for at least three, five is better, days. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. The worst thing you can do is arrive the day before departure, throw the groceries aboard and take off. Things will bite you in the butt.
is to completely shake down the boat BEFORE you leave. A new-to-you vessel, stored on the hard, will more than likely have a few quirks that you can only find by using it. Before you jump off, go down a few days early, take the boat out and stay on in an anchorage. Leave the anchorage and daysail it, then return to the anchorage and drop the hook. You want to use the systems; electrical, plumbing, water, engine, rig,everything, before your newbie crew arrive. Do this for at least three, five is better, days. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. The worst thing you can do is arrive the day before departure, throw the groceries aboard and take off. Things will bite you in the butt.
Larry....Good advice
When I purchased my new to me boat it was 1200 miles away. I made i think it was 3 or 4 2400 mile round trips before movinbg the boat. I saqiled it, motored it and ran all of the systems for a wek or 2 at a time. We fixed all minor items and finaslly ready for the 1200 mile journey across the gulf of mexico. First day out, actually motoring out of Tampa Bay, the engine quit. We had fuel system problems...not the fuel but the system. Fortunately, NiceNeasy was onboard and he kept it running. Between head winds, no winds and the Gulf Loop Current,we needed the engine more than I would have guessed. Second day out....the refrigeration system crapped out...$500 worth of food. Anyway, with all of the 'testing out' things still happened. Tony B
When I purchased my new to me boat it was 1200 miles away. I made i think it was 3 or 4 2400 mile round trips before movinbg the boat. I saqiled it, motored it and ran all of the systems for a wek or 2 at a time. We fixed all minor items and finaslly ready for the 1200 mile journey across the gulf of mexico. First day out, actually motoring out of Tampa Bay, the engine quit. We had fuel system problems...not the fuel but the system. Fortunately, NiceNeasy was onboard and he kept it running. Between head winds, no winds and the Gulf Loop Current,we needed the engine more than I would have guessed. Second day out....the refrigeration system crapped out...$500 worth of food. Anyway, with all of the 'testing out' things still happened. Tony B
I'm with the last 2
The last thing you want to do is think it's ready or it'll be OK. As with Tony, as we pulled out with my "new boat" the fuel system was a problem, then the cooling system, then the batteries couldn,t hold a charge, then.... Makes for a very tough trip especially after you get hung up a few days fixing. Then the hurried feeling starts so you can plan on misery. MAKE SURE all's well way ahead of departure date.
The last thing you want to do is think it's ready or it'll be OK. As with Tony, as we pulled out with my "new boat" the fuel system was a problem, then the cooling system, then the batteries couldn,t hold a charge, then.... Makes for a very tough trip especially after you get hung up a few days fixing. Then the hurried feeling starts so you can plan on misery. MAKE SURE all's well way ahead of departure date.
I am confused
Ok so i am a little embarrassed here but how does one get from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chaplain. Best I can tell lake champlain has no outlet. What am i missing????
Ok so i am a little embarrassed here but how does one get from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chaplain. Best I can tell lake champlain has no outlet. What am i missing????
I did the exact trip - details
A few years ago I purchased a trawler near and brought it up to Malletts Bay from Arnold MD. Traveling at seven knots by motor it took me eight and a half days but some were long days using all the daylight in July for travel. Day 1 got me throught the C&D canal where I stayed in Delaware City. Day two got me to Cape May where I stayed in another marina. Day three was long but I got from Cape May to Manasquan (spelling?) inlet. Went outside the full lenght of NJ. Stayed in about 20' of water all the way up to Sandy hook. Day four I made it up the Hudson to Havastraw Bay. Day five I was in Catskill Creek about thirty miles south of Albany Day six I hung around Albany waiting for crew to help me through the locks. Day seven got me all the way through the locks to Whitehall where I spent the night. Day eight I partied with friends in Westport NY. Day nine I was home. Play to pull you mast in Catskill Creek or use the hand operated crane at Caselton on the Hudson if you want to save a buck and do it yourself. I didn't plan with the tides but just traveled when there was daylight.
A few years ago I purchased a trawler near and brought it up to Malletts Bay from Arnold MD. Traveling at seven knots by motor it took me eight and a half days but some were long days using all the daylight in July for travel. Day 1 got me throught the C&D canal where I stayed in Delaware City. Day two got me to Cape May where I stayed in another marina. Day three was long but I got from Cape May to Manasquan (spelling?) inlet. Went outside the full lenght of NJ. Stayed in about 20' of water all the way up to Sandy hook. Day four I made it up the Hudson to Havastraw Bay. Day five I was in Catskill Creek about thirty miles south of Albany Day six I hung around Albany waiting for crew to help me through the locks. Day seven got me all the way through the locks to Whitehall where I spent the night. Day eight I partied with friends in Westport NY. Day nine I was home. Play to pull you mast in Catskill Creek or use the hand operated crane at Caselton on the Hudson if you want to save a buck and do it yourself. I didn't plan with the tides but just traveled when there was daylight.
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