Need input for more Challenge route & Destination

[rockDAWG]

I have the time-share 37' with 5 ft draft this Sunday to Tuesday. I am thinking another endurance run (non-stop) or a technical difficult approach run to test my own limits.

I will turn off my chart plotter and use only the MapTech charts, will do manual steer without autopilot except when I tack. Unfortunately, the forecast calls for light wind 5 to 10 kn, so I may motor a lot to keep me on schedule.

I am looking for suggestion where to go. As now I plan to sail to Norfolk from Annapolis and back. Technically non challenging, but is a good endurance run with some busy barge encounters especially at nite.

Not looking for ways to kill myself or others, but occasional grounding is anticipated and as an acceptable risk.

P.S. Most likely I will be single-handed.

[chef2sail]

Grounding is not a risk,,,,but an inevitability...especially if you exploring

[SVAuspicious]

If you are doing Norfolk and back I have some thoughts.

There is no excuse for running aground on that run unless you cut Tolly Point. *grin* Fish traps are another matter. Daytime you have to keep your eyes peeled. At night the first and sometimes only signal will be all the birds perched on the trap and squawking at you. Hint: stand off Herring Bay - there are two traps there far out.

Unless the wind is on your nose there really isn't much in the way of course changes if you do a good job of navigation. From mid-Bay off Thomas Point I think there are two points of land between you and Little Creek that you have jig around.

At the south end of your trip there is a good anchorage off Cape Charles (see ActiveCaptain) or you can pull into Little Creek. I like Vinings Landing Marina in Little Creek. Tell them I sent you. You won't get a better deal but I'll get a pat on the head next time I am through there. *grin*

On that boat you should be 18 - 26 hours each way depending on wind and motoring.

Get your food ready ahead of time for meals and snacks so you can duck down and stick something on the cooker and pop back up.

Remember the tugs/barges run OUTSIDE the shipping channels most of the time to avoid the really big guys so they can be almost anywhere.

Unless you're more of an ironman than I am you'll spend most of the intermediate day sleeping so going around the corner to Norfolk isn't useful.

Alternatively, consider sailing in light air. See if you can make Cambridge and back sailing and keep the boat moving. You'll get the endurance run you are interested in and learn a lot about what you have to learn. *grin*

[Tempest]

You could go in the other direction, Annapolis to Cape May.

Then you'd have to deal with the the Two Canals or depending on how tall your rig is, a short venture into the ocean.

[rockDAWG]

Hahaha.... agree.

It is especially in the Bay where mud is much more forgiven.

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by Tempest

You could go in the other direction, Annapolis to Cape May.

Then you'd have to deal with the the Two Canals or depending on how tall your rig is, a short venture into the ocean.

Excellent suggestion. Assuming 5 kn speed and tide and current delay of 8 hours during the round trip voyage, do you think I can make it from Sunday 9 am to Tuesday at 5 pm, only 56 hours boat time?

Sorry I did not have a chance to check the actual mileage, yet

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by SVAuspicious

If you are doing Norfolk and back I have some thoughts.

Thanks Dave. Agree, Annapolis to Norfolk is just an endurance run for me. I have done this many times with others, it is a bit boring. Running ground is not likely unless I am too tired and need a place to drop anchor for a few hours..

I need to digest you comments thoroughly before I reply. Thanks for taking time to write.

[Tempest]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

Excellent suggestion. Assuming 5 kn speed and tide and current delay of 8 hours during the round trip voyage, do you think I can make it from Sunday 9 am to Tuesday at 5 pm, only 56 hours boat time?

Sorry I did not have a chance to check the actual mileage, yet

Well, it wouldn't be my idea of a relaxing weekend. I think it's roughly 110 miles 110/5 = 22 hours + or - But, I haven't plotted it in awhile!
I think it's doable.

The challenge here is the Delaware Bay..it's just a long slog down and up the bay with not too many places to stop. Probably about 10 hours each way.

From Annapolis...I've stopped at the canal house, which I believe is now closed..for a meal and a few hours sleep, and left in the wee hours of the morning..2 am..to catch the current..going down the delaware bay...you'd want to plan your currents here. You could get to the Bohemia River and anchor for a nap..

The Governors cup trip..from Annapolis to St Mary's might be something else to consider...I've done that trip a few times..

[rockDAWG]

A 220 nm for round trip will be tight (44 hours), I have only 56 hours boat time.

I will study the tide and current tonight assuming I will leave 9:30 am Sunday morning in Annapolis with a minimal boat speed of 5 nm. I can stay in Delaware City and wait for a proper time to cross.

Do you know what draft is in Cape May Canal? I will not stay in Cape May unless I have adverse current and tide. I am not looking for relaxing cruising this weekend.

All I care about is to gain more sail and motor time experience in tricky situations. I must learn how to take the vessel into any safe harbor with minimal preparation or local knowledge. With a simple chart and common instinct, I must prevail.

I only have a 1.5 to 2.5 years to learn before doing my solo circumnavigate. Getting old sucks. But life will go on with or without me.

[Tempest]

Hey Dawg...that's 12 hours of sleep....what more could you ask for...haha..