I have gone the blue route from Block to Cape May. It is much quicker, just wait on the weather. I have also gone from three mile harbor to Cape May going through NY. Stop along the north coast of LI sound, lots of anchorages/marinas. Then overnight in Port Washington and await the tide in the East River. Alantic Highlands is a great lay over and it is reasonable to hit AC the next day but you must decide by Manasquan. After AC the next stop is Cape May, there are inlets along the way but they all can get difficult. In Cape May you can
anchor off the Coast Guard Station. Where are you heading next?