Heading south down the ICW in two weeks...how miserable am I going to be?

[Jcolman]

My buddy and I are sailing my boat from Deltaville VA to Oriental, NC, leaving July 7th. I do have an A/C unit I purchased but it barely seems to keep the heat at bay. How long of a trip am I looking at? I figured 5 days but I'd like some advice from those who have made the trip.

[skipmac]

Well, it's about 250 miles so roughly 40 hours at 6 kts. If you're in a giant hurry, start as soon as it's light and go until dark you might make in 3 days.

Up to you.

If you anchor around the marshes be ready for the noseeums.

[cheoah]

Fans, spray bottles, light sheets for sleeping on/under.

If you spend your life in air conditioning it could be tough. Just stay in the shade, drink water, eat fruit and other light stuff. Get up at 5 and hit the waterway early and you can lie about in the shade for the afternoon hours, and avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Besides this storm, the weather is turning pretty nice for July. When I see 25+ knots from the N in July its time to kick some ass on the Chesapeake. If you can take the Dismal Swamp route when the weather gets fresh it can be a real treat.

Safe sailing