Cambridge to Solomon's to Bivalve

[GenesisCaptain]

Hey everyone. I'm new to this particular forum at Sailnet so How....Dee....!

My wife and I stepped up this year from our beloved C22 to a vintage C27. We moved her from Oxford to Cambridge last week but will only be there a month while she's being worked on. Then on to our home port in Bivalve. While we have cruised a bit in the 22 on Tangier Sound, we haven't ventured past that so this will be our first "big" cruise. We want to try for Solomon's on Day 1, hang around and be lazy on Day 2, then head on over to Bivalve on Day 3. Unfortunately the Atomic 4 that came with the boat has seen better days and we'll be relying on our trusty Johnson 6hp for power.

It seems each leg is about 40 NM give or take which seems pretty doable to me even if we have to motor at 4 knots which is about what the Johnson will push the boat at about half to three quarter full open depending on current. I feel pretty confident about this trip but would like some input from those who have done either leg or both. Thanks in advance.

[mccary]

First, welcome! A fellow Catalina 27 owner here on The Chesapeake Bay! I sent you a private message about the I27 association, be sure to read that.

I have never been on the Nanticoke River but I have sailed Tangier Sound and even spent some a day sailing on a Skipjack out of Deal Island. That is sure a beautiful area and NO crowds! Your Estimate of 40nm seems optimistic but is possible. Have a great time and show us some pictures!

[PBzeer]

I had no problems making Cambridge from Solomons with time to spare when I made that run.

[ekenna]

40 per day is a long day on you size boat. I have a 28 foot. And I am lucky if I can get 4 knots out of my 11 hp universal. Mine will sail faster than it will motor. All I can say is time the trip just right with the tide.

[wwilson]

GC,

I agree with ekenna; 40-nm can wear you out at a 4 knot pace if the sun is blistering or if the Bay has humped up to 3-4 feet and you are pounding south in a southerly wind (now at less than 4-kt SOG). Unfortunately, if Solomons is to be a mid point on your cruise - there are not many if any ports of refuge along the way. I don't see how you shorten the 1st leg by enough to make the extra day worthwhile - maybe find a place not too far into the Little Choptank to start from the following day - Brooks, or Hudson Ck.?

On the other hand if you catch a 12-15 knot northerly wind - it will be a great ride.

[GenesisCaptain]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I've changed my entire thinking on this, instead of 2 days sailing we're going to break the trip into three legs. Not as fun as a lazy day in Solomon's but much more doable I think. Certainly don't want to get caught in unknown waters after dark if I can help it. Day 1 Cambridge to Taylor's Island, Day 2 Taylor's to Hooper's Island going down to the mouth of the Honga, Day 3 back out the Honga, through Hooper Strait and on home. Sound like a better plan??

[mccary]

That sounds like a plan. One word of caution, the upper end of the Honga is pretty thin water.