Spring 2009 Va. Beach

zz4gta · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

I'd like to start planning an extended weekend trip to Va. beach next year starting from the Potomac River (about 100 miles one way). I have many reservations about sailing in the Atlantic in a 25' boat. Lots of horror stories that have me quite worried about my first ocean experience. I'd like to still do this, as its a very short distance along the coast, and in my own boat. I'm taking baby steps here.

I'm looking for any advice, equipment checklists, sail inventory, or any other safety gear, epirb, etc. that would be considered standard equipment for a trip like this. I do not currently have a GPS or epirb. The lack of a GPS doesn't bother me nearly as much as losing radio contact with land. I have a handheld VHS which range is limited. I'll probably be hugging the shore anyway. My sail inventory is limited, definitely set up for more racing than coastal cruising, during the spring/summer what are some typical wind speeds that I'll be looking at? Adding another reefing point (or 2) is not out of the question and easily done during the off season (currently only have one reef point). Is a storm sail necessary?

I appologize for the vague post, I have read the most recent thread about "advice for cruising beginers", but a lot of the details above weren't discused. There may be a good chance I end up doing this single handed but only if I can't find crew. Thanks in advance for any help.

And if I'm being a wuss, feel free to let me know, and say just do it.

jorgenl · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

Hello,

When you say "reservations sailing in the atlantic" does that mean than you intend to sail north from the Potomac, through the C&D canal and down the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic and down to Va Beach?

That seems to be like "going around your arse to get to your elbow"...

Why not just sail south on the Chesapeake Bay? That is not really the Atlantic and you will be fine with your 25' boat and no EPIRB required.

You can stay close to shore all the way and your handheld VHF will probably do the job (I would get a fixed mounted one, though)

If you go down the Bay, just avoid anything above 20 kts wind and you should be comfortable.

Cheers

zz4gta · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

I'm planning on going south down the bay, but pulling into Rudee Inlet, so its only about 7 miles on the coast. Probably over thinking this.

jorgenl · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

Ok - I see.

If you are only going around Cape Henry down to Rudee inlet - just wait for some good weahter and go. No problems at all.

JohnRPollard · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz4gta

I'm planning on going south down the bay, but pulling into Rudee Inlet, so its only about 7 miles on the coast. Probably over thinking this.

ZZ,

If you watch the weather, I think you'll be fine in your boat. It would be nice to have a handheld GPS chartplotter for navigation, but you could do that trip without one. No need for an EPIRB, either.

If you would feel more comfortable with some kind of emergency signaling device, consider getting a VHF that interfaces with or incorporates GPS so your position can be signaled over the DSC. The Standard Horizon 850S has it all-in-one.

I would strongly suggest that you call ahead and get local advice from the Coast Guard about the status of Rudee Inlet. The entrance is an ever-changing, shifting shoal. Don't go by what you see on the charts, especially if you end up with a handheld GPS chartplotter. You MUST get the current local knowledge before entering the inlet, and make the approach in daylight so you can follow the markers (which get shifted regularly).

Sounds like a fun trip! Go for it!

zz4gta · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

Cool, that was easier than I thought.

tommays · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

The best equmient lists going are the PHRF A B and C which cover day races close to shore (C) right up to open water overnights (A)

http://www.yralis.org/2008/book/min-...and-safety.pdf

zz4gta · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

JohnR, thanks for the info on the shoals, I'll definitely call ahead.

SailKing1 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

zz4gta,
I live at the beach and the trip sailing from the bay to Rudee inlet is a piece of cake (weather providing). The problem you are going to have is finding a place to anchor. There is a bridge there that is too low for must any sailboat to get under. There is limited space between the inlet and the bridge. There is an area that provides cover but I am not sure the city will allow anchoring. There are homes an private docks there and no moorings I am aware of.

JohnRPollard · #10 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailKing1

zz4gta,
I live at the beach and the trip sailing from the bay to Rudee inlet is a piece of cake (weather providing). The problem you are going to have is finding a place to anchor. There is a bridge there that is too low for must any sailboat to get under. There is limited space between the inlet and the bridge. There is an area that provides cover but I am not sure the city will allow anchoring. There are homes an private docks there and no moorings I am aware of.

Good point, SK.

My chart indicates bridge clearance at 35 feet. I have a hunch the Merit 25 is taller than that, but ZZ might be able to get under if he can induce some heel.