Ok...so I just realized a few things: 1. - I'm not using my 23 up to her potential and she's not happy about that. 2. - I'm not getting any younger. 3. - Time is flying by faster than I ever imagined it could. So...
The journey I'm planning next year will be to trailer the intrepid Koinoina to a marina in Salem, NJ where she'll be launched. I then plan to sail across the Delaware to the East end of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal where I'll motor through to the upper reaches of the Chesapeake. The ulitimate destination will be PeterG and Becky's house down a ways in Virginia.
(They don't know it yet but I suppose after reading this, my secret will be out.) I would then find a short term slip for the yacht and return in a few weeks with Tundra and trailer to bring her back to her home in NJ.
I've never done a trip like this but I'm confident that with the right planning and time of year, it's entirely doable. So I'm asking for any information from guys here who have firsthand experience sailing in these waters about best time of year, anticipated weather conditions, wind patterns, etc. I may do it alone or if I can convince my son or brother or someone else foolish enough to sign on, convincing them that they most likely return alive, I may take on another person.
Thanks in advance, mates for any and all info you may have on such a fool hardly adventure. Life's too short and the last thing anyone wants to do is regret what one should have done.
Bob23
Bob, I did a trip like that years ago crewing on a Catalina 30 which had a small diesel aux. We left from Keyport,NJ and delivered the boat to a marina in Annapolis. The part from the Cape May canal- Delaware bay- C & D canal- Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis took about 28 hours of sailing/motoring with one overnight anchor stop. It was the first week in June and the weather seemed cold and damp- I wore a winter coat quite a bit. The sea conditions were not too bad, I remember a short steep chop on Delaware Bay which at times the boat would fall off wave tops and pound. I think if you pick your weather,the trip would be very nice and doable on your Compac 23.
Mike
I raise a mug of grog to ya Bob!
I too have been contemplating another solo adventure. I spent all of my teens touring the midwest by bicycle. In my 30's I criss crossed the country on my motorcycle for weeks at a time. Although I owned plans for a 16' sailboat since I was in high school, I purchased my 1st boat at 43. Now staring at 54, I wonder if I'll have time to sail all those places I dreamed of before I'm too old to crawl around inside our 19.
Oh sure, our plans for retirement is to purchase a live aboard. However, I really like the idea of small boat adventures. The water doesn't need to be large for the adventure to large.
I lost my boat in the fifth storm of my first big adventure, but I don't regret it. In fact, I miss the solitude, hard work and all the hardships a solo voyage brings. I can't wait to give it another shot.
Carl
Bob23,
I could say, sounds like the beginnings of a well laid out PLAN! Or better yet, IT'S ABOUT TIME! I'm getting excited FOR you, since I have already experienced long distance cruising in both Sailboat and Trawler and know full well how exciting and rewarding it can be.
Don't know how much time you have available, but you might want to consider a circumnavigation of the DELMARVA Penninsula while you are at it. When you leave VA just continue out the mouth of the Chesapeake and turn north up the coast to Delaware Bay or wherever. Just a thought.
Since I've transited the C&D Canal a few times, recommend you check the local TIDE and CURRENT tables and diagrams for the most advantageous timing of your trip. The current can be strong, and you will want TO GO WITH THE FLOW as they say.
Launching at Salem you will not have to concern yourself with the tides and currents in Delaware Bay UNLESS you do the circumnavigation mentioned above.
The Chesapeake is a marvelous body of water that I sailed for nearly 20 years cruising its entire length in daylight and at night (with RADAR).
Summer (June-July-August) is too hot and humid often with very light to NO wind and strong thunderstorms. Winter is, of course, out of the question. Spring and Fall are quite nice on the Chesapeake. If I were considering such a trip I'd check the historical weather data again for around April-May and September-October-November and go from there.
Allow enough slack in your schedule for lay overs, at marinas or on the hook, on bad weather days. IF YOU ARE A SLAVE TO A RIGID SCHEDULE YOU'LL WIND UP DOING SOMETHING STUPID!
What you have in mind is definitely NOT a "fool hardy adventure", but rather an attempt to make a reasonable dream, nurtured by the strong lure of the sea, come true.
Bon Voyage & Bon Chance!
capt_nemo
Bob,
If it were me I would forgo the boring part of the delaware bay and the canal to the upper bay. Not much sailing until you reach turkey point at the corner of the North east river. Preferably I would truck her to the Sassafras river at Galena Md. Launch her there and enjoy the 9 mile scenic river. At the mouth of the river turn south ... Lots of gunk holing and good sailing with any west by north breeze. Late spring early fall. Late September would be great. I. Am on the sassafras with my newly purchased 27.
I would be glad to show you around the area or give you advice on all the best places to stop. Not much to see on your first two days from jersey... Try not to enter the canal,at night.., Gps only way to go . You can miss it very easily.
Regards JD
THANK YOU! for the speedy replies, gents. This is just the kind of info I'm looking for. But I wouldn't go raisin' no mugs of grog just yet....this scheme is just getting started.
I don't plan on adhering to a rigid schedule. Heck, I do that every day at work! And I'm sure capable of doing something stupid without a tight schedule. This is supposed to be an enjoyable and challenging adventure so within reason, there'll be time to stop where I please. I may set tentative goals beforehand but they won't be cast in concrete.
I've been studying Elderidges; there's some good tidal info on the canal in there and I know I can't sail through. Motorwise, I plan to bring 2 outboards just in case. Cheaper for me to do that than call for a tow if Miss Nissan decides she's had enough.
I had a hunch that late spring/ early fall would be ideal. If it were to be early October that would coinicide with the Annapolis sailboat show. Hmmm....
Any other information sure would be helpful in the planning of a journey like this. Although many of you have sailed much farther than my planned route, for me this is a big undertaking. Might be some kind of mid life crisis or something. I try not to define these things...takes the magic out of the adventure. I just want to do it.
My wife says I'm nuts for wanting to cross the atlantic by sailboat. (no, not my 23) and honestly, I may be nuts and that kind of crossing probably isn't in the cards. So we'll see what she says about this undertaking.
Bob23
Hey Bob, sounds like you got the bug for a sailing adventure - good for you! :) I have been reading a bunch of cruising blogs recently, many of which cover the territory that you are considering. it sounds like you have already received some great advice regarding the tides - that seems to be one of the major considerations in canals in general - certainly true of the pt pleasant canal and the cape cod canal along with the C and D
The trip sounds like a whole lot of fun.. if you can spare the time, the circumnavigation of the delmarva Peninsula sounds like a great trip!
we are headed to vermont today to see my daughter in a concert and to visit UVM. my trip to toms river may be the end of next week.. i will be in touch. jt
Thanks, JT.
I will be around the day after Thanksgiving but on Saturday we have to go to the wedding of a family member...Linda's youngest sister, yeah- the wacko. Such fun.
I hope this trip comes to fruition...I'm just in the beginning of the planning stage and realizing there's a few pieces of gear I'd need.
Bob23
hmmm, needing some gear.. that makes things even more fun.. shopping with a purpose! it will be interesting to chat about your list! jt
Bob, You will have fun no matter which itinerary you choose. The upper Bay was my home for many years. If you do transit the canal from east to west, the anchorage basin at Chesapeake city is a nice overnight: free anchorage, good restaurants in walking distance and you never know who you will run into(I met Walter Cronkite and Graham Kerr,The Galloping Gourmet when I had my slip there). Another good anchorage is Cabin John Creek near the mouth of the Elk River. Can be a little crowded on weekends but is usually empty during the week. Many great anchorages on the Eastern Shore and not too far apart to be a comfortable sail. Worton Creek,Fairlee Creek, Rock Hall are all great and are good jumping off points for Annapolis and the Inner Harbor to the west. The Chester, Miles and Wye rivers are beautiful and fun to explore. Shaw Bay near where the Miles makes a turn southward is one of my favorite places. St Michaels, on the Miles is the home of the Chesapeake Maritime Museum and one of my favorite places in the region! :) Have at it! There is no better place for a leisurely relaxing cruise! ;D
Thanks, Craig:
Although this is just in the infancy planning stages, I had planned to trek through the canal at one shot, but I have a lot to learn. I've been to St. Michaels a number of times...love it! Years ago an old friend and I attended the WoodenBoat festival there and more recently, the Traditional Small Craft Festival. A good town to have a bicycle as transportation.
I will certainly be picking your brain, Craig!
Bob23
As I look further into this plan, it seems that revolving this around weddings, birthdays, etc, a late August/ early September departure seems to work. For you experienced Chesapeake Bay cruisers, is this a good time to be on the Bay? From what I can tell, it's ok- maybe the very beginning of the fall weather patterns.
If not then, it might have to be middle to late October but I'd rather have long days to sail.
Again, any and all info is appreciated. And a special thanks to Pedro (PeterG) who sent me 3 of his old cruising guides to the Chesapeake. I raise a glass of Gosslings to ya, p23!
Bob23
Bob23,
As I vaguely recall, from many years sailing the Northern and Middle Chesapeake, August can still be hot, humid, sticky (uncomfortable sleeping aboard), with light winds and summer T-Storms. September the weather STARTS to moderate, if you're lucky. The further into September the better. OTHERWISE, your October window would be much better IMHO. Fall can be absolutely wonderful on the Chesapeake!
As for those shorter daylight days - just set your alarm, get up at first light, proceed onward, and remember, as John Wayne (my hero) would say, " You're burn'in daylight!"
capt_nemo
P.S. Thinking of stowing away onboard for the voyage.
September 15 to October 15 time frame has given me serval good trips on the Bay. I just watch the weather forecasts for tropical systems that might impact the area the week before a planned trip.
Thanks, mates!
My original plan was for Sept/ Oct but some family members have the gaul and audacity to have birthdays and weddings during that time frame. What nerve! Otherwise, a mid October departure might work. That might be better. It would be fun to sail to the Annapolis show!
Nemo: I'd be honored to have you aboard! Right now from where I stand, I could probably con my brother or son for the first leg from NJ through the canal. This voyage is still in it's infancy; heck it's still an embryo- ain't even hatched yet! After the new year starts, the planning will begin in earnest...now I gotta do some Christmas shopping sometime.
Bob23
Bob23,
As you will soon come to realize, the PLANNING, ANTICIPATING, OUTFITTING, PROVISIONING, AND DREAMING (yes dreaming) involved in passages, whether short or long, are in and of themselves most rewarding indeed.
I'm confident that whatever happens on your FIRST "cruising" adventure, it will not be long 'til your NEXT!
capt_nemo
Yeah, I'm getting that, Don. Trouble is, it's detracting from my Christmas shopping so I need to lay off for a bit. It's hard when one gets psyched! I've already started upgrading and fixing nav lights...kinda slacked off a bit the last year or 2.
I'm thinking of dividing the planning part into as many sub-phases as is neccesary. Safety, navigation, food water and hygiene, tools and spare parts, etc...I'm sure you get the idea. More later,
Bob23
You're right, concentrate on Family and Holidays for now.
After the New Year, it's a new ball game! Fresh start and exciting times.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
capt_nemo
Bob - the Canal's not especially picturesque, just a big ditch, BUT it's kind of a kick going through for the first time. It's such a contrast with just about anything else on the Chesapeake. I took our 27/2 through the C&D coming-and-going on a roundtrip from VA up to Maine a couple of summers ago.
Coming in from the Jersey / Delaware Bay side, you shouldn't have any problem timing your arrival to ride the current up to Chesapeake City. There are a couple of shallow slips at the municipal pier that should have enough water for your 23. There's some but not much room to anchor or you can always get a slip. It's a tidy little town, worth a visit. Then as mentioned, time your departure to come west on the Canal, down Elk River to the Bohemia or Sassafras and you're on your way. Lots of lovely anchorages up there that are within an easy day sail of each other. Also, check out Rock Hall. It's busier than the rest of the Eastern Shore harbors we passed up there but we enjoyed it.
Fair winds!
Thanks, Bill:
That's just the kind of info that I'm looking for...most helpful. I figured the C&D isn't a real tourist attraction but I kinda wanted to include it in my trip. It's not cast in concrete, though. I have given thought to a Maryland kick off point but I'm leaning toward my initial goal of sailing from NJ (home state).
I know that sailing through the canal is prohibited but what about rowing? I've given thought to rowing the length of the canal in my guideboat sometime...might be a real trip!
Thanks again to you and everyone who is helping me out in the initial planning stages.
Bob23
Rowing? Only if the current is with you. Can be 4-5 kts either way. :o Not sure that sailing is prohibited per se, however the rules of the road give ROW to larger vessels by virtue of ability to maneuver. IE:you may be under sail but for all intents and purposes you are a powered vessel.
And, if under sail, you had better have your Engine ON and IN GEAR when those big boys pass, to stay out of their way (maneuvering as close to the shore as possible). In a narrow canal they sometimes have a tendency to SUCK you in toward them!
capt_nemo
Amen to that!!! :o
Hey bob.. merry christmas! it looks like you are getting lots of very good information about your trip next year. it is exciting to hear that you are considering a voyage.. since you have started this thread, I have been looking at blogs of sailors who have circumnavigated the entire DelMarVa peninsula - that sounds like a pretty cool trip..
i look forward to hearing about your preparations as we head towards spring and summer. take care, jt
I do know that sailing is prohibited in the canal so of course I plan to motor. And I've learned enough to "go with the flow" as far as tidal planning is involved. But I thought it would fun to row the canal sometime, too. I see it as training for the Blackburn Challenge.
One phase of the planning will this summer as I complete a 3 day trip somewhere...maybe into Great Bay and up the Mullica river.
Bob23
Still in the planning stages of this adventure and a key to success is to look forward and identify any weaknesses in the plan. I've discovered one- me! My lack of experience will work against me so I've decided to do a 3 or 4 day voyage here in my home waters as a primer for the C&D trip. I plan to sail south into Great Bay and see what can be seen.
Many folks here have been a great encouragement to me from Billy's adventures aboard Pooka in the Sea of Cortez to JT's trip south last summer to the voyages of PeterG, Cap't Nemo, and of course Newts upcoming adventures are a great boost.
I remember a number of years ago a woman who'll remain unamed had purchased a Flicka with big dreams of sailing the world. She had very little experience but after selling all, she set out only to be turned back and defeated after a very short time from the start. The sailing community who was following her was not very kind and I was able to communicate with her and encourage her. After all- she did make an attempt which, in my mind, was a great success after all!
I would rather scale back and succeed at the voyage rather than succumb to too big a dream which is hard to fullfil. Nonetheless, my plans still stand.
Bob23
if memory serves me right, she ran into a squall in the gulf of mexico and fell and broke her wrist.
she had a lot of courage to sell her real estate business, home and all her belonging to pursue this adventure.
sad it ended the way it did, but not many are willing to go as far as she did.
Right so you probably remember her name. Delightful woman and I'm glad I was able to get to know her a bit via email. She either broke her wrist or suffered a serious cut. She was trying to get me interested in her Flicka but it was out of my range. I think she's now a realtor in Gainsville, Fla. In checking just now, I find I still have her email adress. Maybe she'll join the ranks of Compacdom here!
Bob23
Bob23,
Great idea that of a short "shakedown" cruise in home waters. It's one sure way to build confidence in one's self and your boat in preparation for "life aboard" on a longer and more challenging adventure. Afterwards, if necessary, you'll still have time to make meaningful changes to stores, equipment, boat, rig, etc. in familiar surroundings before departing on the "Big" Trip.
Once again, I sincerely wish you joy of your voyages.
capt_nemo
Quote from: Bob23 on March 21, 2014, 08:43:21 PM
I would rather scale back and succeed at the voyage rather than succumb to too big a dream, which is hard to fulfill. Nonetheless, my plans still stand.
Bob23
Bob,
When we were young the "voice of reason" was but a soft whisper, but with experience and wisdom that voice has become a shouting outcry...........
Your plan sounds rock solid and as others have been an inspiration to you, your adventure will be inspirational as well. I know I will be watching closely.
-Allen
True words, Allen. Sometimes back in my wasted years, the voice of reason wouldv'e had to bonk me on the head with a 2x4 to get my attention! These days I have a vast supply of past stupid decisions I've made to draw from. Some might call that wisdom. Due to the positive input from some great life teachers, I've become more of a critical thinker and it really helps one when trying to stay alive in this world.
Thanks to all for the encouraging words.
Bob23
Do not attempt to run the CD canal (or any canal) after dark. I crewed a little Harbor 44 rigged with radar. We started down th canal on a winter night. The radar gave use false returns and the next thing we knew we were looking at the bow of a large barge being pushed northward. Things got pretty frantic in the cockpit.
It was a very close call and could be measured in feet. You won't have a radar and oncoming vessels who do won't be able to see a C23 so as to warn them. Running canals in the dark is a bad idea anyway.
Thanks. The plan was always to leave Salem NJ at or before dawn to allow a daylight passage through the canal. Now my plans may not include a canal passage at all but to launch the boat at a marina somewhere in the upper Chesapeake. As in much of life, the plans are subject to change.
Bob23
Bob, You might consider Harbor North Marina near Chesapeake City. It is located at the western end of the Canal on the Elk river. I kept the Seidelmann there for a number of years. Easy to get to from NJ. Cross DE Memorial, Catch Rt 40 S to Rt 213 in Elkton follow 213 to Courthouse Pt Rd just south of Chesapeake City make right and marina is at end. From Harbor North it is a short sail to Cabin John Creek which would be a nice place to spend the night after you launch. Good holding ground and very protected. Weekdays usually few if any boats overnight. Summer weekends can be busy. Many nice anchorages nicely spaced along the eastern shore as you go south.
Thank you so much, Craig. I may take a dry run down there in the car to check it out. I'm overdue for a little road trip in the Camry Wagon.
Bob23
Bob23,
A little advance recon at an unhurried pace and with a clear head can pay big dividends, my friend. This is definitely the voice of experience talking.
My most recent advance recon was a 200 mile round trip ride with wife for company to check out the ramps off Clearwater and Dunedin, FL for the 2014 Florida Get Together. Found Seminole Ramps much to my liking and got familiar with the route there and back through dense urban traffic.
In truth, there was an outstanding Quilt Shop near one of the ramps which interested my wife. Went up on a weekday and wouldn't you know it the darn thing was closed! But she enjoyed the ride and quality time together anyway. I'll have to make another trip up there soon when the Quilt shop is OPEN.
High speed travel to the upper Chesapeake and launch there sounds like a great idea. It will provide more time to cruise and explore the Chesapeake, my cruising grounds for 20 years with 4 sailboats (progressively larger) and finally a liveaboard trawler. Truly, one of the best cruising grounds in all of North America!
Oh well, time to get back to my 17' trailerable Sun Cat, trailerable homemade 12' Selway-Fisher Highlander 12, and trailerable 17' Bayliner Bow Rider w/90HP. Always something to do.
capt_nemo
You guys are the best...I raise my glass of Newfys Screetch in your honor. I may take the trip next weekend. Thanks,
Bob23
Gents:
This topic is an old one but I'm attempting to revive my dream of doing this voyage. I'm still looking for information on this sort of voyage. If you read the above posts, you'll discover that I received a lot if information for which I am grateful. Only one thing was missing: me following through! I have a tendency to let this types of fun things happen if work allows and therein lies my downfall. I'd like to do this trip next year and considering the information given me above, May might be nice or the fall. I'm leaning toward the spring as then this would be the inaugural voyage for the boat.
I have a friend who is interested in doing this trip with me so we'll see how that goes. I'm still seeking information from more people who have sailed these waters as well as what to buy in the area of current cruising guides. PeterG previously sent me some of his older ones and they seem to be still relevant.\
Thanks, gents (and ladies). Bob23
Hey Bob23,
Fall is a great time of year here on the Bay!. Warm water, warm temps, just gotta be willing if the tropics send us something to adjust timing.
Anyway No Mas is in a marina just a short kayak trip from PeterG, though he may be taking Beagle3 to a marina further up the bay. Regardless you should run this idea past everyone at the CBMWG. Otta be a bunch of info there. would love to have a 23 pack running around!
Bob23, I am not sure how far you intend to come down but the further the better! LOL.
Seriously, if you are going to play around in the Chesapeake you HAVE to go to Annapolis and St. Michaels. There are tons of other places to visit but that is a good start.
Once you get above Annapolis my experience and local knowledge drops off and I have to defer questions to my Uncle. He owns a Catalina 34 and for the past 30 years he has been spending months on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife. They have been up to Baltimore and those areas but I don't think he has ever left the bay. He is a retired math professor and the oddest thing is that if I tell him I am going from one place to the other he usually knows the exact compass bearing to steer by to get there! A lot of my knowledge has come from him.
If you ever do get to the central Bay, actually from Annapolis down, I do know of a lot of good places. There is a nice public ramp in Solomons Island, MD that is worth a look and I have even thought of starting a trip from that point.
It sounds like an interesting trip but, one word of caution...Once you sail the Chesapeake Bay it is hard to leave. There is so much to see and so many cool place.
Any, an interesting thing to look out would be a show done by Maryland Public Television called "The Chesapeake Bay By Air." They show most of the big bay places by air and it tells some history etc. I bought it on blueray because it was so good.
Hey bob, nothing set in stone with Kentucky lake.
If you'll have me, i'd love to tag along as 1st mate!
CC
Bob:
There are three marinas near me on the Elk; Harbor North, Tritan and another of which the name escapes me at the moment. If you think you can trailer launch at high tide, you can launch at our ramp where a slip would certainly be available. Larger powerboats than your 23 launch there (we are the token sailboat; that way the neighborhood can't be sued for 'nautical discrimination'!). We are located two miles north or upriver from where the C & D empties into the Elk River (Elkmore is even on the chart). Something to keep in mind.
Happy New Year,
Elk River
Heave:
St. Michaels and Annapolis are on the list, if there is a list. Presently, this is only a dream but if it becomes reality, it will be the focus on next years sailing. I will be picking the brains of anyone who can help and you will be duly rewarded with copious amounts of PBR in cans!
Yo, Bob:
If that is your idea of a reward, you can disregard everything I posted a few days ago...
Elk River
Just kidding, Brad. For you, and this is just for you: Guinness!!!!
Quote from: Bob23 on January 03, 2016, 05:37:37 PM
Just kidding, Brad. For you, and this is just for you: Guinness!!!!
So since you have promised me some Guiness as well i suggest you let me help you install a tap on your boat. It is almost as important as good ground tackle for those times when you have to hunker down for a bit. Jus sayin....!
Ok Bob23, have done a little looking at the BBB location and am a little unclear as to how to get there under sail/motor without going outside from our location. I have no problems with being outside if good weather for the entire trip but like the security of quick anchorages if needed, something about small boats.
Late June might work if we are back from Ocracoke by then. Usually try to spend a couple weeks in early to mid June there before summer sets in and tourists submerge the island a foot or so!
Maybe we can chat about your trip down and our trip up at the CBMWG.
Good idea. Nothing like discussing sailing with friends you've never met over a cold PBR! Oops.... I mean Guinness! Can't wait!
It's ok Bob23, we forgive the reference to PBR! Might even bring some mesh bags so you can keep them chilled.
Friends are simply strangers we haven't met yet. Looking forward as well.
All this talk about Cold beer and meeting up conjures up thoughts of the future meet up in Colonial Beach.
Oh, a little interesting tidbit that I was just thinking of. In the last few years there have been sightings and also a few bull sharks caught in the Potomac River. Two seasons ago there was a 6' long Bull Shark cruising around my marina for a few weeks.