First timers - NYC to Delaware Bay

[markperil]

Hello CF,

We are now en route on our trip from Lake Erie to the Bahamas, and after a gorgeous transit of the Erie Canal we are starting to prepare for our first Atlantic leg from NYC to Delaware Bay. With a 55ft mast, we aren't likely to try the canal, but would love to know any tips/suggestions from local knowledge as we have only sailed the pacific coast, and this is our first east coast sail!

We will have all charts (paper and electronic), radar, VHF, cell phones, PLB...and hopefully a favorable weather window (we can wait for this, as we are not in a rush). Any tips on how to make this a smooth first "outside" leg would be welcome.

Thanks!

[rockDAWG]

NYC to Cape May/Delaware Bay should be an easy trip. You can drop anchor at Sandy Hook and wait for weather, or just wait for the weather on the Hudson depending if you want to tour around NYC. For free dockage, you can use Yonkers City Dock. Safe and free water, Lock combination is "1234".

I assume that you are going thru Chesapeake Bay, right? Let me know if you staying in Chesapeake City (free dock too). For local knowledge in East Coast, Active Captain is your friend. Don't leave home with it.

Good luck,