Assuming a mid to large size sailboat, the NJ coast affords little or no safe harbors so it is usually done in one shot from Atlantic Highlands all the way down and around the corner to the west side of Cape May.
- - As stated by others, weather (winds/waves) are very important for this leg. Also there is a shoal area off the southern tip of Cape May that needs to be either rounded outside of or carefully threaded closer to shore.
- - I normally
anchor up north on the 'backside" just above where the Cape May
canal exits. From there I time my northbound up the Delaware to the tides and run on the eastern side of the main ship channel. There is plenty of
water and when I get abeam the giant
power plant switch over to the western side and anchor behind Reedy Island by the little village of Augustine Beach.
- - If I am making great time up the Delaware River than I will continue on the eastern side all the way to the entrance of the C&D canal but bypass it and anchor behind Pea Patch Island abeam Delaware City.
- - Delaware City has the remnant of the old original canal and a very quaint marina that is reasonably priced. Also Delaware City is a really cute little restored colonial village with some good places to eat.
- - Pea Patch Island has the restored Fort Delaware which is quite interesting and fun to visit. So there is a lot to do in the Delaware River area.
- - If time allows, you can continue north all the way to Philadelphia where there are 3 or more
marinas right downtown and you can do the whole Liberty Bell and Philly thing.
- - Then it is through the C&D canal to the upper Chesapeake. There isn't much of anyplace to stop in the C&D canal except a new marina about halfway through on the north side - Summit North Marina. Then at the western end are 2 marinas, Chesapeake Inn marina on the south side. And another restaurant wharf on the north side. I like the Chesapeake Inn one as it is in a little side bay sheltered from the wakes of the freighters plying the canal.
- - Once you pass Sandy Pt you are in the upper Chesapeake area with too many wonderful and interesting places to gunkhole and visit than can be described in less than a thick book. Just watch your
depth meter and chart, there is a lot of shallow mud banks everywhere. And - crab pots.