Havre de Grace,MD to Myrtle Beach

Guidera48 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009

Hi
I have to move a Hunter 30 from Havre de Grace, MD to Georgetown , S.C. I have ordered guides and charts but have not arrived yet. Can anyone tell me how many days it will take me motoring in daylight hours. I also am considering to brake the trip in 2 and motor half of it this month and the rest next month.
Can I motor at night with a large light while in the ditch?? Any advise is appreciated

PBzeer · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009

While you could probably do the Chesapeake at night (I haven't run it at night, but if you stay out of the ship channel it seems doable), I would be very reluctant to run much of the rest of the trip at night. Particularly the stretch from Beaufort/Morehead City to Myrtle Beach.

I would plan on a minimum of 2 weeks if all goes smoothly.

scottyt · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

the bay at night is not a big deal, just stay just out side the channels. and keep a good eye out, the bouys seem to jump up at night. also make sure you keep the radio on, as for the ditch i dont know

PalmettoSailor · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guidera48

Hi
I have to move a Hunter 30 from Havre de Grace, MD to Georgetown , S.C. I have ordered guides and charts but have not arrived yet. Can anyone tell me how many days it will take me motoring in daylight hours. I also am considering to brake the trip in 2 and motor half of it this month and the rest next month.
Can I motor at night with a large light while in the ditch?? Any advise is appreciated

My C36 was delivered from HdG to Deltaville in 2 days. 1st leg from HdG to Solomons, then Solomons to Deltaville. One more hop would have you at the start of the "ditch". I would guess at least another 3 days from there?

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

You have 3 days minimum to get to Norfolk if you do not sail at night. For full time sailing/motoring down the bay I would estimate 24 hours in decent conditions. Contrary to the advice above, I would suggest you stay WITHIN but on the edge of the main shipping channel to avoid crab traps which you can't see at night. During the day...pick a straight line course.
Once you get to Norfolk and the ICW you cannot travel at night except perhaps for the alternate ICW section through the Pamlico sound to the Neuse River which could save you some time. If you stick to the standard ICW and daytime travel you can count on 50 miles a day and Georgetown is mile 410 so you have 8 days weather permitting minimum on the ICW + the trip down the bay. Allow 2 weeks.

JohnRPollard · #6 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by midlifesailor

My C36 was delivered from HdG to Deltaville in 2 days. 1st leg from HdG to Solomons, then Solomons to Deltaville. One more hop would have you at the start of the "ditch". I would guess at least another 3 days from there?

Was that during winter? Daylight is still pretty scarce this time of year. HdG to Solomons must be 80+ nautical miles or so. Would need to average 8 knots to do that in 10 hours of daylight.

On our 31 footer, this time of year, I'd be looking to break that leg in two.

Vasco · #7 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

I've done the bay at night from the C&D to Norfolk. Actually it wasn't all night, there was a day in there somewhere. Not a problem, as Cam said stay near the big ships channel, especially near the bottom end where there were fish traps way out into the bay. Also a lot of unlighted buoys and range targets near Norfolk if you stray out of the main channel too far. Going into Norfolk at night to the Hospital anchorage was a bit confusing due to all the lights but not too difficult. As for the ICW 50 miles a day is a good target and doable even in winter. You have to start at first light. I hope you have a full enclosure.

PalmettoSailor · #8 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Was that during winter? Daylight is still pretty scarce this time of year. HdG to Solomons must be 80+ nautical miles or so. Would need to average 8 knots to do that in 10 hours of daylight.

On our 31 footer, this time of year, I'd be looking to break that leg in two.

Good point -- That was in July. Many more daylight hours and a C36 likely motors a bit faster than a C30 as well. Also I believe the delivery captain left just at, or even before, first light which would be pretty miserable this time of year. Its also going to be mighty cold in the mornings.

I think I'd be waitng a month or two to make this move personally.

mccary · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

The Bay is certainly doable at night, but why rush? You are leaving the best cruising grounds in the the US so take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. I would say the trip is at least 3 days (summer time) and maybe 4 if weather gets in your way. I have sailed pretty hard from West River to Mobjack Bay (just north of the York River in 2 good days) and HG is at least another day from here. I have never done the ICW south but have considered it. Those seem like long days too with too much motoring and too little sailing.

Guidera48 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009

Thank you all for your advise. I may decide to pay the winter storage at the marina in HD and make the move in April. I am in a hurry to get the boat home to S.C. but you are right, why miss sailing the bay. I am considering putting together a group of friend that would share the trip with me and take turns sailing and motoring. Thanks again.