Delmarva

[MLampner]

Asst year we sailed Islander to NYC, this spring the plan is to go round Delmarva. Everybody I have talked to go s to Cape May rather than Lewes even though the charts seem to show Lewes with enough water for. 30 with the standard draft. It would seem a lot t shorter than going north then having to cross the mouth of the Delaware. Everyone seems to do it via Cape May but none really had an answer why not Lewes?

Second question we plan to make a stop in Ocean City, yes I know the tide can be a major problem if your timing is bad. Does anyone know if Chinqateague is an opti n as well. I have read of mixed reports of coming in there. Would be nice to break up the run to the capes if at all possible.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Be sure you time your entry to cross the Delaware bay as the currents and time to cross can result in it taking over 24 hours. Chinqateague is problematical as it is not a dredged channel, could be nice (bring bug spray though) or could be impassable.

 

[MLampner]

Yes crossing Delaware Bay isn't fun between marine traffic contrary winds and the tide which is why I am curious why heading south people still tend to go to Cape May rather than Lewes. It seems like that would make more sense.

 

[thinwater]

Cape May is much nicer, though you will probably use a marina (as large as the harbor is, it is shallow, and the only deep area is east of the CG station, which is far from the town). With your air draft you can use the canal, cutting off the corner.

Chincoteague depends a lot on the tide (range is 4-5 feet). There are trawlers drawing 12' that use the dock, but they watch it. On the other hand, the channel NEVER breaks; I've come in with an 8- to 10-foot on-shore swell at low tide (wake of a hurricane) without any excitement (it winds enough to dissipate the swell before it gets shallow). At low tide you can expect about 6.5 feet minimum. Dockage is at the city dock; getting between the pilings with any tide is tough, so tie up along side. And use big fenders and fender boards.

Ocean city is fine so long as the wind is not on-shore. The current can really kick, so try to avoid peak flow (4kn?). We like to anchor south of town behind Assateague. Much quieter.

Watchapreague will also work for you except for low tide (the bar is 7' but it is deep inside). The current is strong but straight, so slack high is best. The channel is straight, well marked, and simple. Anchor by the old CG station to the south. There is nothing there, but it is beautiful. Don't cook or you will draw flies (cold dinner is best).

Use the search function on my blog and you will find a bunch of stuff. I used to sell a guide book.

 

[MLampner]

Thanks to both of you. There is no question Cape May is nice but having been four times in the last five years I am not feeling any great need to see it. And as a part time resident of Coastal Delaware Lewes at least the hard is nice enough, my question remains why not go that way esthetics aside.