Does anyone out there sail the Delaware river & bay?I have located a ramp on the Christina river that is the closest spot for me to launch.Any & all advice/input appreciated.
Delaware River & Bay
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Ditto on the strong current......
...especially if there has been a lot of rain in the upper Delaware basin (NE PA, NY, etc.). You can get an idea of the magnitude of the 'flow' by going to one of the River 'gage sites' such as http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=rgln4&view=1,1,1,1,1,1 and coordinating that with the normal tidal flow. If you have a major 'drainage' going on due to heavy rains PLUS an outgoing tide ... the Del. River can be 'fun' (not).
...especially if there has been a lot of rain in the upper Delaware basin (NE PA, NY, etc.). You can get an idea of the magnitude of the 'flow' by going to one of the River 'gage sites' such as http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=rgln4&view=1,1,1,1,1,1 and coordinating that with the normal tidal flow. If you have a major 'drainage' going on due to heavy rains PLUS an outgoing tide ... the Del. River can be 'fun' (not).
Delaware Bay
We sail the Chesapeake but every Labor day weekend bring boats thru the C&D canal and down the Delaware to sail a weekend regatta with friends in Greenwich. Then, obviously, we sail back up the river, motor thru the canal and sail back down the Delaware. The current IS a little stronger, but we always stay over to the side if running aginst the current , or ride the tide up whan going north. It's not as picturesque as some areas of the Chesapeake, but it's not a threatening situation at all. Now if you are talking a day sailor with a small or no motor, you'd better understand the current better. If you have a 25 to 27' boat with at least a 9.9 HP or an inboard diesel just watch out for the extremes of tidal flow.
We sail the Chesapeake but every Labor day weekend bring boats thru the C&D canal and down the Delaware to sail a weekend regatta with friends in Greenwich. Then, obviously, we sail back up the river, motor thru the canal and sail back down the Delaware. The current IS a little stronger, but we always stay over to the side if running aginst the current , or ride the tide up whan going north. It's not as picturesque as some areas of the Chesapeake, but it's not a threatening situation at all. Now if you are talking a day sailor with a small or no motor, you'd better understand the current better. If you have a 25 to 27' boat with at least a 9.9 HP or an inboard diesel just watch out for the extremes of tidal flow.
Sailed to Cape May
Did a long sail to Cape May and back Found Del Bay rather bleak and uninteresting Nuclear plant on one end and really open to ocean fetch on the other With wind and tide adainst can have serious 4-6 ft chop will rattle your fillings also severe tidal changes in feeding rivers current a real factor Also very large tanker traffic I would hands down find a marina on the Chesapeake you are close to both Never run out of places to sail to each litle town has its own charms no such thing on Del Bay. Probably long strethes look no diffeent than 300 yrs ago t
Did a long sail to Cape May and back Found Del Bay rather bleak and uninteresting Nuclear plant on one end and really open to ocean fetch on the other With wind and tide adainst can have serious 4-6 ft chop will rattle your fillings also severe tidal changes in feeding rivers current a real factor Also very large tanker traffic I would hands down find a marina on the Chesapeake you are close to both Never run out of places to sail to each litle town has its own charms no such thing on Del Bay. Probably long strethes look no diffeent than 300 yrs ago t
Thanks for the info.I have a 76 Mac Venture 25 w/ 6hp seahorse the was inherited with the boat.Have her to the point that stepping the mast is my biggest problem now.Have been on the river once in a 10'pennant and got carried downstream about a mile before I could recover and get back to the Delaware City ramp.Scary as heck etc. Just looking for a ramp in close proximity to New castle as i must trailer each time.Oh well! Thanks again,Walt
"Popeye"...
Follow Tony's advice and drive a little farther to the Chesapeake Bay. Anchor Marine has a ramp in North East and free parking (versus free local ramp nearby and a parking lot fee). Plenty of open water to learn to sail a 25 on, no heavy currents and no large ships to dodge (just bass boaters and go-fast boats!).
Follow Tony's advice and drive a little farther to the Chesapeake Bay. Anchor Marine has a ramp in North East and free parking (versus free local ramp nearby and a parking lot fee). Plenty of open water to learn to sail a 25 on, no heavy currents and no large ships to dodge (just bass boaters and go-fast boats!).
Hey Walt
I just made the trip all the way down the Delaware from Bucks County to the C&D canal, down the Elk River and then to HDG in a 27 footer. I did not like the Delaware Bay too much and honestly didn't feel that comfortable in my 27'. There was a ton of commercial traffic, the scenery isn't great, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of places to duck into in case of bad weather. Two times I came really close to hailing other vessels to find out their intentions. We were always on the very edge or outside the channel but no matter how far we got out of the way, the commercial traffic seemed to want to run us down... I'd spend the extra drive time and at least try sailing along the Elk River. It is absolutely beautiful! Manny
I just made the trip all the way down the Delaware from Bucks County to the C&D canal, down the Elk River and then to HDG in a 27 footer. I did not like the Delaware Bay too much and honestly didn't feel that comfortable in my 27'. There was a ton of commercial traffic, the scenery isn't great, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of places to duck into in case of bad weather. Two times I came really close to hailing other vessels to find out their intentions. We were always on the very edge or outside the channel but no matter how far we got out of the way, the commercial traffic seemed to want to run us down... I'd spend the extra drive time and at least try sailing along the Elk River. It is absolutely beautiful! Manny
Been there for years
I think they call it "Rogues Harbor". I used to launch there several years ago, when I had my trailer sailor. I think it costs $5 to launch and park. They don't mind overnight parking but ask that you let them know if that is your plan. There are no overhead wires between the set-up area and the ramp.
I think they call it "Rogues Harbor". I used to launch there several years ago, when I had my trailer sailor. I think it costs $5 to launch and park. They don't mind overnight parking but ask that you let them know if that is your plan. There are no overhead wires between the set-up area and the ramp.
Elk Neck...
is a good launch ramp also, but the Elk always seems to be choppier due to the traffic headed to and from the Canal, not to mention the HUGE commercial ships. You're right, Ross! The thunderboats don't seem to take heed that circumstances could change in an instant and that they have no brakes and are not easily manuvered at near triple digit speed. Last summer's big poker run at least had a pace boat out of North East that kept them in reasonable check until they passed Charlestown, then it was every man for himself! Manny, you gonna try venturing over to North East this summer?
is a good launch ramp also, but the Elk always seems to be choppier due to the traffic headed to and from the Canal, not to mention the HUGE commercial ships. You're right, Ross! The thunderboats don't seem to take heed that circumstances could change in an instant and that they have no brakes and are not easily manuvered at near triple digit speed. Last summer's big poker run at least had a pace boat out of North East that kept them in reasonable check until they passed Charlestown, then it was every man for himself! Manny, you gonna try venturing over to North East this summer?
Hi Dan
I haven't quite figured out where we are heading this summer. There is so many places to check out along the bay, it's overwhelming! It looks like North East is really close to HDG, I might be up for a trip up there. Manny
I haven't quite figured out where we are heading this summer. There is so many places to check out along the bay, it's overwhelming! It looks like North East is really close to HDG, I might be up for a trip up there. Manny
May be the next cove up from Rogues Harbor......
Used to launch my big scow from there 20-25 years ago. Very nice place. Kent County, MD has some fairly decent launch areas, but you need a county permit (cheap). Go to the Kent County website for info, etc. Manny ... If no one has mentioned it get a copy of the "Chesapeake Bay Cruiser Guide" (published by Chesapeake Bay Magazine) or Shellenbergers "Gunkholers Guide to the Chesapeake". Both in combination are invaluable if you want to travel throughout the Ches. They list all the popular anchorages, list the 'sights to see', show where supplies, fuel, etc. are available, list the 'quirks' in the anchorages and entrance creeks (that the NOAA charts seem to ignore,)etc. etc. etc. (My wife and I help edit one of those).
Used to launch my big scow from there 20-25 years ago. Very nice place. Kent County, MD has some fairly decent launch areas, but you need a county permit (cheap). Go to the Kent County website for info, etc. Manny ... If no one has mentioned it get a copy of the "Chesapeake Bay Cruiser Guide" (published by Chesapeake Bay Magazine) or Shellenbergers "Gunkholers Guide to the Chesapeake". Both in combination are invaluable if you want to travel throughout the Ches. They list all the popular anchorages, list the 'sights to see', show where supplies, fuel, etc. are available, list the 'quirks' in the anchorages and entrance creeks (that the NOAA charts seem to ignore,)etc. etc. etc. (My wife and I help edit one of those).
Manny, Rich has a good idea there
The new guides go for about $39. I got a brand new, 1 year old issue (to replace my several year old issue) from amazon.com for $12 (I think). 1 year old is still accurate enough for me. We rely on ours all the time. Now the old issue is in my office so I can plan/daydream when I should be working. Rich, the thing about the permits is that I believe there is a limited number of "non-resident" permits available and they sell out fast. Also, I don't think they provide any type of overnight security for your vehicle/trailer if you go out for a few days.
The new guides go for about $39. I got a brand new, 1 year old issue (to replace my several year old issue) from amazon.com for $12 (I think). 1 year old is still accurate enough for me. We rely on ours all the time. Now the old issue is in my office so I can plan/daydream when I should be working. Rich, the thing about the permits is that I believe there is a limited number of "non-resident" permits available and they sell out fast. Also, I don't think they provide any type of overnight security for your vehicle/trailer if you go out for a few days.
one needs to be carefull at elk neck ramp
water depth at low tide at the end of the ramp is only about 3'. i wanted to pick up some people there a few years ago and i could'nt even get to the end of the dock. and i draw 3'6" with board up. S/V Que Pasa?
water depth at low tide at the end of the ramp is only about 3'. i wanted to pick up some people there a few years ago and i could'nt even get to the end of the dock. and i draw 3'6" with board up. S/V Que Pasa?
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