Conditions sailing south from New England to Chesapeake in June

[xluke]

Good evening,
I am planning a likely necessary sail south from New England to the Chesapeake next year in early June. I have consulted the pilot charts, but was curious if anyone can provide insight into the prevailing winds / weather we might experience that time of year. Our sail up here several years ago on the opposite route defied the pilot charts and we had wind on our nose for a majority of the voyage, go figure! We will likely go a coastal route, unless conditions prevail to make an ocean hop from Block Island to Cape May more efficient. Any insights are greatly appreciated!

Thanks and kind regards!

[Hud3]

June's a great time for that trip.

Prevailing winds are from the SW to SE. Any fronts coming through will be much weaker than earlier in the season. Ahead of a front, you'll see the wind begin to build from the SW and then clock around to the NW, N and NE as the front passes, so it'll be coming from the right direction for you to make some miles.

And June is one of the ideal months for cruising the Chesapeake.

[Ramblingman]

Watch your tides if you go inside, can hit pretty hard in NYC and the C&D canal.

The bay in June can often be great sailing, some years not so much. Certainly the earlier half is almost always good winds. As July approaches it gets still often and gets hotter than parts of Florida with no breeze.

You will find the water in June is often warm enough for swimming, good fishing and decent crabbing.

There are hundreds of great anchorages and many nice marinas and facilities on the bay. I do suggest two items, the Gunkholers Guide and the Guide to MD waters - links respectively;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...I3XCRRB5URBLTM

Maryland - Williams & Heintz Cruising Guide

We plan to run the opposite direction next June and spend the Summer in Boston/Main etc. turning south in lat August. Be sure to wave hi as we pass each other.

[phorvati]

Originally Posted by xluke

Good evening,
Our sail up here several years ago on the opposite route defied the pilot charts and we had wind on our nose for a majority of the voyage, go figure! We will likely go a coastal route, unless conditions prevail to make an ocean hop from Block Island to Cape May more efficient. Any insights are greatly appreciated!

Thanks and kind regards!

Prevailing does not mean 100% of the time. I would say ride the clocking wind as the front passes. You could have 72hours+ of following wind+seas but you have to wait for it. If the coming winter is cold, like two years ago, June could still be violent. Strong fronts to go down the coast. If its like last winter, on the mild side, June might not be as violent. Pick your front and ride in what YOU feel comfortable in. And stay out of the Gulf stream. if you're on a schedule, then all bets are off.