Onset, MA to Cape May, NJ

[Speedy]

We're relocating to Oriental, NC this year. I'll be taking our 30' Endeavour catamaran down in early May. I plan to leave Onset and head straight for Cape May, then up the Delaware and down the Chesapeake and ICW to NC. I have 3 experienced crew making the trip to Annapolis, where 2 will get off. Has anyone done this route? If so, are there any non-obvious things I need to know?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Speedy.

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[Tempest245]

Sounds like you're going around Montauk and straight for Cape May?

Pretty Straightforward route, I think you just have to decide if you sail the Abermarle and Pamlico..to Oriental...or stay in the ICW ...I did the former.

[Speedy]

We're planning to do the ICW - Dismal Swamp side. I draw 3'4" so shouldn't have a problem, as there certainly hasn't been a draught this year. Did you do that side or the Coinjock side?

[Tempest245]

Left Portsmouth around 7 am, I did coinjock but kept going and Anchored behind kitty hawk for the night ( dropped anchor around 8pm ) Left very early from KH
( 4 am) and was in Ocracoke by 2 pm. Had a perfect day on the Sound! Weather was key.

[Alan Brown]

Several thoughts.

Try to start up the Delaware at slack tide, then let the incoming tide boost you along to the C&D canal. Chesapeake City offers free dockage and it's a nice place to visit.

The Dismal Swamp Canal is very scenic. Hard to believe that George Washington was one of its early proponents. The visitor center, about half-way down the canal, offers free overnight dockage. Depending upon the speed of your cat, you may be able to make the last lock opening of the day.

Elizabeth City is a great stop! Friendly people, free dockage, and nice town.

Have a safe and pleasant trip!