Delaware Bay - Cape May

Silhouette of a Tug at Sunrise

We then made a run from Delaware City down the Delaware River, and then down the eastern side of Delaware Bay.  This bay has a reputation of being a problem if one does not do their due diligence planning.

Blue Willow at the Docks of
Delaware City Marina

Delaware City River Front Sidewalk

Fortunately the Marina manager at Delaware City Marina conducts a weather briefing at 5:15 PM every night for those that need help to interpret  the wind, currents and overall tidal impacts of making the trek  down the Delaware.  We were expecting fair weather, so we checked the tides and currents, Then attended the weather briefing.  WOW.  What an expert on the Delaware area.  There is special webpages to deal with the conditions, and it is presented in a hour by hour format.  What a great asset. We Got up at 5:00 AM, Vicki made me drink as much coffee as I could in 25 minutes, we then made the start.

Blue Willow exits the swift
channel at Delaware City Marina

 The Delaware City Marina is located on a cannel. There is also a very strong current there, and only one way to exit.  SOooo.  The manager managed to swing me around in a way that is difficult to explain here, but we made it.

5:30 AM
Heading for Cape May

I was the first of eight boats to head out, and down the 50 mile run for Cape May.

Nice push from the Tidal current
Notice the bird.

All was great with a tidal push exceeding 3.5 knots for the first 35 miles or so, then the tide switched, and was starting to go against us, slowing us down, and causing 'pyramid' waves.  All in all it was a decent trip.  We made it to Miss Chris Marina (working marina avoid).  We then moved to South Jersey Marina (very nice marina) for two nights.  We met JustUs and PuraVida for Pizza and beers at Lucky Bones, had a great time.

Bluw Willow at the South Jersey Dock
(The small one)

Vicki, breakfast at Saltwater Cafe

Cape May beach

Blue Willow and her reflection.

Vicki and outdoor cafe breakfast

Cape May bridge at sunset

Memorial Day weekend, Vicki and I walked downtown (1.5 miles) from the marina, and tried to checkout the beach.  But, there is a $6 charge for walking on the beach, I sweet talked the lady and we made a quick jaunt to peek at the beach area.  Very nice.  Cape May is a really nice island.  Many large victorian style homes, and the area is well maintained, with a huge maritime presence.

Thanks for taking time to visit our little blog.