0600-Got up early because two boats were leaving and I might have been a third. However, I had already changed my mind last night so I informed the dock crew I would be staying.
So after the normal morning routine I started putting a couple loads of wash together. I would do the wash and deice the fridge again since I may be anchoring more in the next few days.
Got the wash done and got the defrosting job going. I then walked to town to get some more beer and some OJ. With this heat I'm drinking a lot of water.
Pulled out the anchor and rode and let it dry on the tramp today. Didn't get to that yesterday.
Thought about a trek across the river to see Fort Delaware but it was just too hot. 100 F in and out again today! And, very humid. T-storms on the way. I hope it doesn't rain when Bob and Beth are here since they have a dog.
They should be on their way soon. We are scheduled for 7 dinner.
They made it but it did rain, and hard! Water every where when we came out from dinner. Dog had to stay in the car.
We had a nice visit and I got some good pointers on places to anchor along the way. We'll see what tomorrow brings?
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Lay Day 1, Delaware City, DE (Day 40)
0700-Got up late since this is a lay day. Completed the morning routine and then kicked into what a lay day really is, which is a work day!
Started out with closing all hatches and washing the decks with fresh water to get rid of all the salt coming up Delaware Bay. Took the opportunity to wash away some strategically placed gull droppings on the sail cover and topping up the fresh water tank.
After that was done, I opened the forward lockers and removed the contents to dry in the sun since everything got wet coming up the Bay. The compartments are not completely water tight. I also took the opportunity to balance the storage a bit by moving the yoke lumber from the port locker over to the starboard locker.
I then updated the blogs catching up for two days. That is always time consuming.
Then I got the hand truck rigged with the crate to go get 15 gallons of gas on one trip. Filled the spare cans, paid for same, and then returned to the boat and stowed the cans.
Then I went up to dump trash and pick up more drinking water since I can never have enough. Checked on when they were going to change the oil in the engines since it was still not done at 1400.
Went back and re-stowed all the gear that had been drying on deck. Checked email and then the guy showed up to change oil. I had the engines up and ready with the covers off and oil ready to go. He had a good system that went quickly. $90 later the oil was changed! It would make more sense to purchase a oil change kit and do it myself. He did not take more than 30 minutes to do the job and I provided the oil, pretty expensive!! But what are you going to do?
I helped one boat leave. The wife was the captain, the husband had Alzheimer's. The current was about 1 knot. I pushed off their bow and then the stern and it all worked out.
Later a boat came in and went into the slot they left. He was getting close to my stern so I stepped out to fend him off and he panicked and hit the throttle to escape which only made it worse. He was doing fine up to that point. As as result of the panic move I had more fending off to do then anticipated. In the end he got in okay but it took two dock hands and myself to make it happen along with the captain. This current and tight quarters make things get really interesting. A great spectator sport!
Took the first shower inside the cabin this trip. The shore side shower was so poor I would much prefer showering aboard, such a wide difference between facilities! The Taj Mahal in Cape May a glorified outhouse in Delaware City!
Went to Crabby Dick's for dinner and bought some more beer on the way back. It was dark on the return. I hope I don't have problems with mosquito's tonight like last night!
Bob Krchnavek and his wife Beth, who are TomCat 9.7 owners on the Chesapeake Bay, will join me here for dinner tomorrow eve. It will be nice to meet them since we have communicated over the years but never have met face to face. So I will be here one more day.
Started out with closing all hatches and washing the decks with fresh water to get rid of all the salt coming up Delaware Bay. Took the opportunity to wash away some strategically placed gull droppings on the sail cover and topping up the fresh water tank.
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| UNIQUE MARINA USING THE OLD CANAL |
After that was done, I opened the forward lockers and removed the contents to dry in the sun since everything got wet coming up the Bay. The compartments are not completely water tight. I also took the opportunity to balance the storage a bit by moving the yoke lumber from the port locker over to the starboard locker.
I then updated the blogs catching up for two days. That is always time consuming.
Then I got the hand truck rigged with the crate to go get 15 gallons of gas on one trip. Filled the spare cans, paid for same, and then returned to the boat and stowed the cans.
Then I went up to dump trash and pick up more drinking water since I can never have enough. Checked on when they were going to change the oil in the engines since it was still not done at 1400.
Went back and re-stowed all the gear that had been drying on deck. Checked email and then the guy showed up to change oil. I had the engines up and ready with the covers off and oil ready to go. He had a good system that went quickly. $90 later the oil was changed! It would make more sense to purchase a oil change kit and do it myself. He did not take more than 30 minutes to do the job and I provided the oil, pretty expensive!! But what are you going to do?
I helped one boat leave. The wife was the captain, the husband had Alzheimer's. The current was about 1 knot. I pushed off their bow and then the stern and it all worked out.
Later a boat came in and went into the slot they left. He was getting close to my stern so I stepped out to fend him off and he panicked and hit the throttle to escape which only made it worse. He was doing fine up to that point. As as result of the panic move I had more fending off to do then anticipated. In the end he got in okay but it took two dock hands and myself to make it happen along with the captain. This current and tight quarters make things get really interesting. A great spectator sport!
Took the first shower inside the cabin this trip. The shore side shower was so poor I would much prefer showering aboard, such a wide difference between facilities! The Taj Mahal in Cape May a glorified outhouse in Delaware City!
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| MAYBE THE NEXT BOAT? |
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| THE WALKWAY TO CRABY DICK'S |
Went to Crabby Dick's for dinner and bought some more beer on the way back. It was dark on the return. I hope I don't have problems with mosquito's tonight like last night!
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| SOME ROW HOUSING CIRCA MID-1800'S |
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| ONE HOUSE OF THAT ERA I PARTICULARLY LIKED! |
Bob Krchnavek and his wife Beth, who are TomCat 9.7 owners on the Chesapeake Bay, will join me here for dinner tomorrow eve. It will be nice to meet them since we have communicated over the years but never have met face to face. So I will be here one more day.
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| OLD HOTEL BEING RENOVATED |
Leg 24, Cape May to Delaware City (Day 39)
0400-Up with the alarm. Followed the routine and checklist to get going. Another sailboat must have come in after dark. They left just before me. Didn't have a sunrise restriction evidently?
Some fishing boats went out in the dark before but overall pretty quiet in the harbor on my departure. One power boat coming in under the bridge the opposite direction. The Cape May Canal is narrow and on the west end is a ferry terminal that crosses the Bay.
The sail boat that went out ahead of me appeared to turn around, not sure but they may have gone aground on the sand kicked up by the ferry's which was noted in my information. There are markers but doesn't help since they are not color marked appropriately. I followed them out after they corrected themselves.
As soon as we hit the Bay the wind rose immediately and was way over what was forecast. I was getting gusts above 22 knots and a steady 20 was the norm. It was quite rough.
I put up full sail and of course I was heading right into it on a close reach so the water was breaking over the bows. I quick closed all hatches and side ports and before it got rougher I hustled to the bow and put the anchor and road away. I always leave it out to dry before stowing it, but now it was wetter than when I pulled it up! I managed to get it put away without getting my feet wet which was pure luck.
The good part was with the strong wind I was doing over 7.0-7.5 knots steady. It was pounding the boat a lot though so I was constantly moving things to safer places in the boat. The hull will be covered with salt on arrival! The wind held for about 20 NM until I approached a narrower part of the Bay and then it began to head me and I was pinching and loosing ground and speed.
Eventually the wind dropped too and I rolled up the Genoa to get back closer to my track and even then I was still making 6.0 knots in the current! I was able to sail maybe another 5-7 NM and then the wind dropped and I motored but left the main up. Still making too much speed! My ETA was 1415 and I was shooting for slack tide at 1615 due to the otherwise adverse current in the narrow channel at Delaware City for docking.
At one point I was down to the engines in slow idle 1200 RPM and still making 5 knots SOG. Seemed like no matter what I did I was going to be early. I finally decided to accept a 1 knot current on arrival since I knew I would have lots of assistance.
Made the phone call abeam the C&D Canal and a follow up VHF call on 9 before entering the narrow channel. The harbor master insisted I not turn in until we had positive radio contact that he had guys in place on the dock. I was about an hour early.
The docking went fine. Hard reverse against the current to bring the starboard stern up to the dock where they could reach my stern line and secure it, the current did the rest.
Had a nice dinner on the deck of Crabby Dick's looking out on Pea Patch Island, historic Fort Delaware, and the old C&D Canal which now serves as the Delaware City Marina.
Trip stats: Charted distance 52.63 NM, logged distance 41.01 NM due to current (11.6 NM difference!). WT 83.4 F, Log 8185.9 NM.
Some fishing boats went out in the dark before but overall pretty quiet in the harbor on my departure. One power boat coming in under the bridge the opposite direction. The Cape May Canal is narrow and on the west end is a ferry terminal that crosses the Bay.
The sail boat that went out ahead of me appeared to turn around, not sure but they may have gone aground on the sand kicked up by the ferry's which was noted in my information. There are markers but doesn't help since they are not color marked appropriately. I followed them out after they corrected themselves.
As soon as we hit the Bay the wind rose immediately and was way over what was forecast. I was getting gusts above 22 knots and a steady 20 was the norm. It was quite rough.
NOTE: See Twitter link on http://dashthecat.com/ or insert the following link into your address bar to view action video:
http://t.co/VDzJYFTIc7
http://t.co/VDzJYFTIc7
I put up full sail and of course I was heading right into it on a close reach so the water was breaking over the bows. I quick closed all hatches and side ports and before it got rougher I hustled to the bow and put the anchor and road away. I always leave it out to dry before stowing it, but now it was wetter than when I pulled it up! I managed to get it put away without getting my feet wet which was pure luck.
The good part was with the strong wind I was doing over 7.0-7.5 knots steady. It was pounding the boat a lot though so I was constantly moving things to safer places in the boat. The hull will be covered with salt on arrival! The wind held for about 20 NM until I approached a narrower part of the Bay and then it began to head me and I was pinching and loosing ground and speed.
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| ABANDONED LIGHT HOUSE |
Eventually the wind dropped too and I rolled up the Genoa to get back closer to my track and even then I was still making 6.0 knots in the current! I was able to sail maybe another 5-7 NM and then the wind dropped and I motored but left the main up. Still making too much speed! My ETA was 1415 and I was shooting for slack tide at 1615 due to the otherwise adverse current in the narrow channel at Delaware City for docking.
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| SAW SEVERAL SEA GOING TUGS DOWNBOUND |
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| CLOSE UP OF TUG AND CABLE HOOK UP |
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| BARGE TOW CHAIN AND WHAT LOOKS LIKE AN EMERGENCY RELEASE? |
At one point I was down to the engines in slow idle 1200 RPM and still making 5 knots SOG. Seemed like no matter what I did I was going to be early. I finally decided to accept a 1 knot current on arrival since I knew I would have lots of assistance.
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| HAD THE ENGINES IDLING AT 1200 RPM AND WITH CURRENT WAS STILL MAKING 5 KNOTS! SALEM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN BACKGROUND |
Made the phone call abeam the C&D Canal and a follow up VHF call on 9 before entering the narrow channel. The harbor master insisted I not turn in until we had positive radio contact that he had guys in place on the dock. I was about an hour early.
The docking went fine. Hard reverse against the current to bring the starboard stern up to the dock where they could reach my stern line and secure it, the current did the rest.
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| OLD C&D CANAL SERVES AS THE DELAWARE CITY MARINA. ALL BOATS ARE TIED ALONG SIDE |
Had a nice dinner on the deck of Crabby Dick's looking out on Pea Patch Island, historic Fort Delaware, and the old C&D Canal which now serves as the Delaware City Marina.
Trip stats: Charted distance 52.63 NM, logged distance 41.01 NM due to current (11.6 NM difference!). WT 83.4 F, Log 8185.9 NM.
Lay Day 2, Cape May, NJ (Day 38)
Got up a little later today since I did not have to go anywhere right away. However, after my normal routine and breakfast I began getting the boat ready to move out at slack tide. Looked at the wind that was beginning to rise and considered how it and the current would work together.
The anchor was already to go so all I needed to do was put away the water hose and power cord. So I topped up water and fuel and plan to refill the spare gas cans in Delaware City.
Right before slack tide I started to move the boat back and one of the dock boys jumped to help. We moved it back and I jumped aboard and was off. Fortunately no conflicting traffic in the tight channel going out.
Got to the anchorage and it was wide open, only one large sail boat. When I came in there was at least 10 boats. I picked the best spot and dropped the hook. Fortunately, I got a good hold right away. Got settled, put up some extra cockpit shade and sat back and relaxed.
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| USCG SEAMANSHIP TRAINING BASE OBSERVED THE YOUNG COASTIES BEING HARASSED |
The wind is above forecast, up to 22 knots in the anchorage and a steady 18-20 most of the time. It was suppose to be 10-15 knots!
Enjoyed watching the various traffic going by in the channel, which is right off the bow. Good to see, but bad because of the wash from power boats that, as usual, have no idea what there wake does, or they don't care, maybe both!
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| OLD SCHOONER GIVING RIDES IN THE HARBOR |
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| THE CHANNEL IS NARROW, NOT MUCH ROOM TO MANEUVER SUCH A LARGE VESSEL UNDER SAIL |
Snacked for lunch and enjoyed some wine while I observed. Put out some chicken to grill for dinner.
Watched an off duty "coasty" rolling over rocks on the CG base to find mussels. He had a five gallon bucket he put them in. Made a good haul before leaving.
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| SOME OF THE ENTERTAINMENT PARASAIL BOAT GOING OUT, NOTE SAIL ON STERN |
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| SOMEONE WITH TROUBLE |
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| FROM THE LARGEST TO THE SMALLEST |
Grilled chicken, baked potato, and warm bread and white wine for dinner. Red wine and chocolates for desert after.
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| GOING OUT THE EAST HARBOR ENTRANCE |
Will hit the sack early tonight. Two power boats came in an attempted to raft up in the windy conditions on a lee shore. I think they finally realized it was not prudent and left. Another smaller power boat came in an anchored before dark.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Lay Day 1, Cape May, NJ (Day 37)
Went out for breakfast since the marina gave me a $10 coupon toward breakfast. Not bad! Made up for tips paid to the dock hands.
Not much going on today except wait and rest. It is hot, hot, hot! 100 degrees F in the cockpit, 98 F in the cabin!
Caught up on email, banking, expense sheets, calls home, and other chores.
Got a query from Ted King (TomCat 9.7 owner) that he did not receive my safety message that I was docked in Cape May last night. He was concerned with Hurricane Cristobal off the east coast. Thankfully someone is watching! I did send the message and it shows in my device history but evidently transmission failed?
I repaired the leak in the water system today and the pump no longer runs regularly. A loose hose clamp on a hidden hose T-connection under the floor was the problem. Topped up the water tank again after the repair.
Walked around a little and took some pictures. Had to defrost the fridge again. With all this heat the little fridge has a real hard time and starts frosting up the unit insulating it from the main fridge compartment so it begins to warm up.
Walked over to the Wawa (equivalent to 7/11) to pick up some water. Looking for a place for dinner tonight. Don't feel like eating on board with this heat. Found a good Mexican place I plan to try. I had fish last night.
Got the anchor into position for tomorrow. My plan is to depart here in the morning at slack tide (1045) and anchor by the USCG Station until I can depart Friday morning. I need a full day to make it to Delaware City (50+ NM), so a sun rise start is required.
I hope we get some relief from this heat, I can't wear clothes more than a day when you sweat constantly!
Took
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| I WONDER? |
Not much going on today except wait and rest. It is hot, hot, hot! 100 degrees F in the cockpit, 98 F in the cabin!
Caught up on email, banking, expense sheets, calls home, and other chores.
Got a query from Ted King (TomCat 9.7 owner) that he did not receive my safety message that I was docked in Cape May last night. He was concerned with Hurricane Cristobal off the east coast. Thankfully someone is watching! I did send the message and it shows in my device history but evidently transmission failed?
I repaired the leak in the water system today and the pump no longer runs regularly. A loose hose clamp on a hidden hose T-connection under the floor was the problem. Topped up the water tank again after the repair.
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| SOME OF THE COMMERCIAL FISHING FLEET IN THE BACKGROUND, THIS IS THE NARROW CHANNEL INTO THE MARINA |
Walked around a little and took some pictures. Had to defrost the fridge again. With all this heat the little fridge has a real hard time and starts frosting up the unit insulating it from the main fridge compartment so it begins to warm up.
Walked over to the Wawa (equivalent to 7/11) to pick up some water. Looking for a place for dinner tonight. Don't feel like eating on board with this heat. Found a good Mexican place I plan to try. I had fish last night.
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| AN EXTENSION PAST THE MARINA PROPER SOME ARE PRIVATE SLIPS |
Got the anchor into position for tomorrow. My plan is to depart here in the morning at slack tide (1045) and anchor by the USCG Station until I can depart Friday morning. I need a full day to make it to Delaware City (50+ NM), so a sun rise start is required.
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| AERIAL VIEW OF THE MARINA A VIRTUAL MAZE TO GET LOST IN! |
I hope we get some relief from this heat, I can't wear clothes more than a day when you sweat constantly!
Took
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Leg 23 Barnegat Inlet to Cape May (Day 36)
0400-The day started with two alarms going off so I don't mess up, I've done that! It was very dark out, but peaceful. Checked depth to ensure I did not run aground with the tide!
For those who may wonder, the reason I wake up so early are two fold. One the insurance restricts me to sun up to sun down operations when solo, so I have to plan my day around the length of the leg given the daylight hours I can operate. I also have found on this journey it is best if I can get breakfast out of the way because I may not get a meal until I get in at the end of the day, which could be a long day!
I have a checklist I go through to start the leg and it takes at least a half hour or more to get through it. I have tried to hurry it a few times and usually I'm sorry I did!
The long and the short of it is, I needed to get out of the Inlet the absolutely earliest I could given the long leg of 66 NM I was facing. I also have to consider current and tide going in and out of inlets and tonight for docking!
0600-I cheated a bit, pulled anchor, and left the anchorage with lights on to leave the entrance to the Inlet by 0615, at sunrise. Not sure if that technically meets insurance requirements, but I did it anyway. The leg is too long to tary! Several fishing boats were going out with me.
0615-Exited the Inlet at sunrise en route to Cape May. A few breakers caught my attention going out so I quick closed the fore hatches over the berth in case I took water over the bow. False alarm, no problem getting out.
0700-Put up full sail but still motor sailing in the very light wind on the bow 5-7 knots. Any wind helps the cause!
0815-Wind dropped rolled up Genoa.
1130-Passing Atlantic City, just short of half the length of this leg. Las Vegas east!
1200-Made lunch but could not sit down to eat because a boat approached off the starboard bow on a collision course. I held course but he eventually went around my stern. Strange! He was flying some signals which indicated a working boat, but I did not have time to look up the signals, likely I should have changed course, not him!
Made a grilled cheese sandwich with chips and a beer. Desert as normal.
Later along my course I watched the strange working vessel on AIS and saw that he seemed to be running a pattern which happened to coincide with the 3 mile limit line on the chart which was where I was when he crossed my course. It became obvious to me then that it was a survey vessel running some type of survey out to the 3 mile limit.
I also saw several schools of fish jumping out of the water. Flying fish came to mind but they never left the water so that was not likely the case. I tried to take a photo but never could catch a full fish.
I worked most of the afternoon on trying to figure out the current and tide situation at Cape May on my arrival. My electronic toys work great for this and give me exact information. The problem was I could not predict my speed for the next 30 miles or more! Anchoring is not recommended due to current and traffic, so that is out. I also checked my water supply and it is way down so that makes it certain I have to go to a dock. The water situation needs to be fixed and soon!
1300-Back to full sail with a nice boost to 6 kts. I will have less current to dock with if I can move up my arrival time by a half hour.
1345-Getting a little boost which has moved up my arrival time a little to help with current when docking. Slack tide would be ideal but I will not make that. 83 F outside, 86 F in the cabin. Humid, sunny. I'm currently headed into a school of fishing boats, hoping I don't need to change course.
1400-Called by phone and made a reservation at South Jersey Marina. Unfortunately, the current will be about 2 kts side wise on entry to the slip! I was 10 NM out but started getting ready anyway. Put out fenders on both sides and got all lines ready. Better to be prepared!
1600-The fuel guages are not dependable and I was nervous going into tight quarters with fuel at marginal levels, in spite of two engines and the unlikely hood of both quitting at the same time. The tight spaces and current just did not bode well. So I decided to fuel up underway.
I put on all the safety gear, armed the auto tether (shuts down engines if I fall over), put on a harness to tie myself to the boat, and went to work adding a couple gallons to each tank. I am hanging over the stern so the safety precautions are merited. Worked out and afterwards it appeared the extra fuel was probably not necessary since it brought the gauges up to almost half full. Oh well, better to be safe!
1730-entered the Inlet to Cape May. Flood tide, so no issues going in.
1800-Got to Buoy 14 where I was supposed to call the marina on VHF and turned out they changed the plan! Not going to tie up to starboard anymore, now it was port side, and to a different slip! Harbor master did try to call me by phone with the change but I was busy getting ready and didn't hear it ring. So I'm drifting around in a narrow channel trying to switch the fenders over to the other side and at the same time avoiding running aground! I finally got it done. Makes you wonder why even try to pre-plan these things too far out!
1815-Now the current is even worse and it is a complicated entry, I swear without a map you could not do it! They offered to have a guy board me to help with docking but as I pulled around the corner and headed down to the slip I noticed the current really picking up and about that time I see the one dock attendant I was supposed to pick up and at the same time, the second dock attendant waving me in to the slip, immediately past the first guy. So I abandoned picking the guy up and got on the throttles to turn hard into the slip. The current was strong and I put the pedal to the metal to try to keep the bow up current while I took a mad dive for the slip. It was not as smooth as I would have liked but it worked.
I just can't imagine how much money has been spent on insurance repairing boats damaged in this marina, and this place has some heavy metal! Unless you come in at slack tide it is an accident waiting to happen!
I know the cost to stay here is a minor fortune, in fact, it is the first place I've been where the dock hands are tipped regularly and generously! They do great work but since the orientation is all about big tips they overdue their assistance! One guy even changed my lines after I tied them, because he liked his way better! A little too forward I think.
You would not believe the showers. I have never seen anything even close. Most wealthy people do not have showers as nice as these. I may even post some pictures if I get time. I appreciate the amenities but get real nervous when the money flows so easily! I am just not of that ilk!
Nice dinner out tonight. Will rest and stay tomorrow. I discovered the serious water leak today while filling the tank on arrival. That will need repair before I proceed. I almost ran out of water in two days with only one shower! Normally, it should last about three days.
Getting out of here will be complex since it all depends on slack tide and the timing for the leg to Delaware City which is another long leg of 50+ NM. I can't just go when I want due to insurance considerations and I will need help getting out and may need to wait until they open at 7 AM. But slack tide does not necessarily match up with that time. I will work out something.
And of course, now I have to contend with Hurricane Cristobal. Fortunately, it appears it will pass well to the east, but that may affect weather for the next few days too, not sure?
So for tomorrow I am on hold, we'll work it out one step at a time.
For those who may wonder, the reason I wake up so early are two fold. One the insurance restricts me to sun up to sun down operations when solo, so I have to plan my day around the length of the leg given the daylight hours I can operate. I also have found on this journey it is best if I can get breakfast out of the way because I may not get a meal until I get in at the end of the day, which could be a long day!
I have a checklist I go through to start the leg and it takes at least a half hour or more to get through it. I have tried to hurry it a few times and usually I'm sorry I did!
The long and the short of it is, I needed to get out of the Inlet the absolutely earliest I could given the long leg of 66 NM I was facing. I also have to consider current and tide going in and out of inlets and tonight for docking!
0600-I cheated a bit, pulled anchor, and left the anchorage with lights on to leave the entrance to the Inlet by 0615, at sunrise. Not sure if that technically meets insurance requirements, but I did it anyway. The leg is too long to tary! Several fishing boats were going out with me.
0615-Exited the Inlet at sunrise en route to Cape May. A few breakers caught my attention going out so I quick closed the fore hatches over the berth in case I took water over the bow. False alarm, no problem getting out.
0700-Put up full sail but still motor sailing in the very light wind on the bow 5-7 knots. Any wind helps the cause!
0815-Wind dropped rolled up Genoa.
1130-Passing Atlantic City, just short of half the length of this leg. Las Vegas east!
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| ATLANTIC CITY |
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| TALLEST STRUCTURE NOT SURE WHAT IT IS? |
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| WATER FRONT PIER |
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| END VIEW OF TALL BUILDING HOPE IT DOESN'T FALL OVER! |
1200-Made lunch but could not sit down to eat because a boat approached off the starboard bow on a collision course. I held course but he eventually went around my stern. Strange! He was flying some signals which indicated a working boat, but I did not have time to look up the signals, likely I should have changed course, not him!
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| MYSTERIOUS BOAT! NOTE BLACK SIGNALS ON STARBOARD BOW |
Made a grilled cheese sandwich with chips and a beer. Desert as normal.
Later along my course I watched the strange working vessel on AIS and saw that he seemed to be running a pattern which happened to coincide with the 3 mile limit line on the chart which was where I was when he crossed my course. It became obvious to me then that it was a survey vessel running some type of survey out to the 3 mile limit.
I also saw several schools of fish jumping out of the water. Flying fish came to mind but they never left the water so that was not likely the case. I tried to take a photo but never could catch a full fish.
 |
| SCHOOLS OF FISH ON THE SURFACE NOT SURE WHAT THEY ARE? |
I worked most of the afternoon on trying to figure out the current and tide situation at Cape May on my arrival. My electronic toys work great for this and give me exact information. The problem was I could not predict my speed for the next 30 miles or more! Anchoring is not recommended due to current and traffic, so that is out. I also checked my water supply and it is way down so that makes it certain I have to go to a dock. The water situation needs to be fixed and soon!
1300-Back to full sail with a nice boost to 6 kts. I will have less current to dock with if I can move up my arrival time by a half hour.
1345-Getting a little boost which has moved up my arrival time a little to help with current when docking. Slack tide would be ideal but I will not make that. 83 F outside, 86 F in the cabin. Humid, sunny. I'm currently headed into a school of fishing boats, hoping I don't need to change course.
1400-Called by phone and made a reservation at South Jersey Marina. Unfortunately, the current will be about 2 kts side wise on entry to the slip! I was 10 NM out but started getting ready anyway. Put out fenders on both sides and got all lines ready. Better to be prepared!
1600-The fuel guages are not dependable and I was nervous going into tight quarters with fuel at marginal levels, in spite of two engines and the unlikely hood of both quitting at the same time. The tight spaces and current just did not bode well. So I decided to fuel up underway.
I put on all the safety gear, armed the auto tether (shuts down engines if I fall over), put on a harness to tie myself to the boat, and went to work adding a couple gallons to each tank. I am hanging over the stern so the safety precautions are merited. Worked out and afterwards it appeared the extra fuel was probably not necessary since it brought the gauges up to almost half full. Oh well, better to be safe!
1730-entered the Inlet to Cape May. Flood tide, so no issues going in.
1800-Got to Buoy 14 where I was supposed to call the marina on VHF and turned out they changed the plan! Not going to tie up to starboard anymore, now it was port side, and to a different slip! Harbor master did try to call me by phone with the change but I was busy getting ready and didn't hear it ring. So I'm drifting around in a narrow channel trying to switch the fenders over to the other side and at the same time avoiding running aground! I finally got it done. Makes you wonder why even try to pre-plan these things too far out!
1815-Now the current is even worse and it is a complicated entry, I swear without a map you could not do it! They offered to have a guy board me to help with docking but as I pulled around the corner and headed down to the slip I noticed the current really picking up and about that time I see the one dock attendant I was supposed to pick up and at the same time, the second dock attendant waving me in to the slip, immediately past the first guy. So I abandoned picking the guy up and got on the throttles to turn hard into the slip. The current was strong and I put the pedal to the metal to try to keep the bow up current while I took a mad dive for the slip. It was not as smooth as I would have liked but it worked.
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| THE CHART YOU WORK WITH LOOKS A LOT DIFFERENT WHEN YOU SEE IT IN REAL LIFE. |
I just can't imagine how much money has been spent on insurance repairing boats damaged in this marina, and this place has some heavy metal! Unless you come in at slack tide it is an accident waiting to happen!
I know the cost to stay here is a minor fortune, in fact, it is the first place I've been where the dock hands are tipped regularly and generously! They do great work but since the orientation is all about big tips they overdue their assistance! One guy even changed my lines after I tied them, because he liked his way better! A little too forward I think.
You would not believe the showers. I have never seen anything even close. Most wealthy people do not have showers as nice as these. I may even post some pictures if I get time. I appreciate the amenities but get real nervous when the money flows so easily! I am just not of that ilk!
Nice dinner out tonight. Will rest and stay tomorrow. I discovered the serious water leak today while filling the tank on arrival. That will need repair before I proceed. I almost ran out of water in two days with only one shower! Normally, it should last about three days.
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| THE NAME SAYS IT ALL! |
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| THE LINE UP OF HEAVY METAL AND WHY YOU TIP THE DOCK HANDS AT THIS PLACE! |
Getting out of here will be complex since it all depends on slack tide and the timing for the leg to Delaware City which is another long leg of 50+ NM. I can't just go when I want due to insurance considerations and I will need help getting out and may need to wait until they open at 7 AM. But slack tide does not necessarily match up with that time. I will work out something.
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| NIGHT VIEW FROM THE END OF MY DOCK |
And of course, now I have to contend with Hurricane Cristobal. Fortunately, it appears it will pass well to the east, but that may affect weather for the next few days too, not sure?
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| HURRICANE FORCE WIND PROBABILITIES |
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| TROPICAL STORM WIND PROBABILITIES |
So for tomorrow I am on hold, we'll work it out one step at a time.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Leg 22 NY Harbor to Barnegat Inlet (Day 35)
0400-Wake up! Had breakfast and read before departure. Had a lot to get ready and the harbor is very tight for exit. Last night's fee was $188, a premium for a cat!
0600-Began to move out, wanted to be at the harbor entrance at 0615. Very close quarters and the steering seems stiffer than normal, not sure why? I had to use differential engine power at times to maneuver. One guy came out on the dock, I think he was worried about his boat!
0615-Departed the harbor with the sun coming up over the City. Ferry's are busy running back and forth and of course churn up the water. However, that was a minimal problem. Ship traffic was active but not as bad as anticipated, most were anchored, which caused me a lot of confusion since the AIS hits are so numerous it is difficult to determine friend from foe!
Passed the Statue of Liberty and got a quick shot in the early morning light.
Passed under the bridge to Staten Island and was pretty much clear of the harbor after that. Mostly ferry's running to Staten Island and Sandy Hook plus lots of fishing boats out.
The coast was not exciting since I was 2-3 miles off. Not much to see! I did see several pods of porpoise through out the day but none of the frolicking and playing you see in the videos. They pretty much ignored me.
The day was too long with a 60 NM leg! The weather and seas were fine but the day was particularly long with all the tense moments getting out of the harbor in traffic. Coming down the coast was not much of a problem except for numerous fishing boats I had to watch. Lots of sand beach along the coast.
The entry to Barnegat was not as easy as I expected in the relatively calm seas. There was a 4 foot swell but no wind. Nevertheless with the current in the opposite direction of the swells, at only a knot, it still made havoc coming in. Lots of surf and waves breaking!
Two large charter fishing boats passed me going in. I followed them in and previously read up a lot on the problems with this inlet so I did not go aground like many do. Without the directions I probably would have gone aground. It is very confusing with multiple buoys of all colors and multiple routes to take.
The anchorage was routine and I dropped the hook and went to work fixing a steak dinner. The eve was very pleasant but hot. Took a cockpit shower since the boat was oriented away from the other boats. Should sleep better as a result. Did not feel like jumping into the salt water.
This is the first time I can really smell the salt water. In NY Harbor there was not the sea smell, but here there definitely is. I will trade the smog for sea smell any day!
Tomorrow I will try to make Cape May which is even further, 65 NM! An even longer day. The weather may turn so I could be stuck there a day or two, we'll see?
0600-Began to move out, wanted to be at the harbor entrance at 0615. Very close quarters and the steering seems stiffer than normal, not sure why? I had to use differential engine power at times to maneuver. One guy came out on the dock, I think he was worried about his boat!
0615-Departed the harbor with the sun coming up over the City. Ferry's are busy running back and forth and of course churn up the water. However, that was a minimal problem. Ship traffic was active but not as bad as anticipated, most were anchored, which caused me a lot of confusion since the AIS hits are so numerous it is difficult to determine friend from foe!
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| SUN UP, NYC LOOKING UP THE EAST RIVER |
Passed the Statue of Liberty and got a quick shot in the early morning light.
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| STATUE OF LIBERTY IN EARLY MORNING LIGHT |
Passed under the bridge to Staten Island and was pretty much clear of the harbor after that. Mostly ferry's running to Staten Island and Sandy Hook plus lots of fishing boats out.
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| THE BRIDGE TO STATEN ISLAND FROM BROOKLYN, OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND. |
The coast was not exciting since I was 2-3 miles off. Not much to see! I did see several pods of porpoise through out the day but none of the frolicking and playing you see in the videos. They pretty much ignored me.
The day was too long with a 60 NM leg! The weather and seas were fine but the day was particularly long with all the tense moments getting out of the harbor in traffic. Coming down the coast was not much of a problem except for numerous fishing boats I had to watch. Lots of sand beach along the coast.
The entry to Barnegat was not as easy as I expected in the relatively calm seas. There was a 4 foot swell but no wind. Nevertheless with the current in the opposite direction of the swells, at only a knot, it still made havoc coming in. Lots of surf and waves breaking!
Two large charter fishing boats passed me going in. I followed them in and previously read up a lot on the problems with this inlet so I did not go aground like many do. Without the directions I probably would have gone aground. It is very confusing with multiple buoys of all colors and multiple routes to take.
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| BARNEGAT INLET LIGHT |
The anchorage was routine and I dropped the hook and went to work fixing a steak dinner. The eve was very pleasant but hot. Took a cockpit shower since the boat was oriented away from the other boats. Should sleep better as a result. Did not feel like jumping into the salt water.
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| BARNEGAT INLET ANCHORAGE |
This is the first time I can really smell the salt water. In NY Harbor there was not the sea smell, but here there definitely is. I will trade the smog for sea smell any day!
Tomorrow I will try to make Cape May which is even further, 65 NM! An even longer day. The weather may turn so I could be stuck there a day or two, we'll see?
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Prep Day 2-Liberty Landing, NJ (Day 34)
Prep Day 2-Ran the mainsail up to check that the reef lines were running free. Discovered that in re-rigging the main that I had put the main halyard outside the starboard topping lift for the lazy jack system so had to re-run the halyard, otherwise the reefs checked out fine.
Repaired the starboard rudder actuator. There was no power to the actuator. I discovered that the negative lead to the controller was disconnected and in fact the whole end connector was gone. Not sure what happened there. Anyway, the starboard actuator is up and running fine now.
Checked for a leak in the water system and found the pump had no leaks but the head sink faucet was leaking and apparently causing the pump to cycle. I will need a repair kit to fix.
Defrosted the fridge since it seemed to be frosted up already. Door is suspect since it does not always seal properly. Tonight the fridge is 5 F in the freezer and 39 F in the fridge which is much better. I expect the freezer to be in the negatives in the morning.
I will depart first thing in the morning with a wake up at 0400 so I can eat breakfast before going. I can't risk being able to eat underway.
I'm hoping the traffic on a Monday should be reduced and the water should be less rough going out of NY Harbor. We'll see?
I am posting a few more pics of my day and evening. I spent more bucks at the restaurant with one of the best views in all of NYC. It has a direct view of the south end of Manhatten and the Freedom Tower. Fantastic! I left a minor fortune there though!
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| MAY NOT WANT TO QUIT YOUR DAY JOB TO DO THIS! NOTICE THE SPEC UP THE SIDE OF THAT BUILDING |
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| WASHING WINDOWS BECAUSE SOMEBODY HAS TO DO IT! |
Repaired the starboard rudder actuator. There was no power to the actuator. I discovered that the negative lead to the controller was disconnected and in fact the whole end connector was gone. Not sure what happened there. Anyway, the starboard actuator is up and running fine now.
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| IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET, THIS BENETEAU 55 IS FOR SALE. |
Checked for a leak in the water system and found the pump had no leaks but the head sink faucet was leaking and apparently causing the pump to cycle. I will need a repair kit to fix.
Defrosted the fridge since it seemed to be frosted up already. Door is suspect since it does not always seal properly. Tonight the fridge is 5 F in the freezer and 39 F in the fridge which is much better. I expect the freezer to be in the negatives in the morning.
I will depart first thing in the morning with a wake up at 0400 so I can eat breakfast before going. I can't risk being able to eat underway.
I'm hoping the traffic on a Monday should be reduced and the water should be less rough going out of NY Harbor. We'll see?
I am posting a few more pics of my day and evening. I spent more bucks at the restaurant with one of the best views in all of NYC. It has a direct view of the south end of Manhatten and the Freedom Tower. Fantastic! I left a minor fortune there though!
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| A WALK AFTER DINNER DOWN TO THE HUDSON RIVER |
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| ANOTHER SHOT OF THE FREEDOM TOWER NOTE THE SCHOONER SAILING UP RIVER |
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| ONE LAST VIEW BEFORE DEPARTURE THIS WAS SIMILAR TO MY VIEW FROM THE DINNER TABLE THIS EVE |
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Prep Day 1, Liberty Landing, NJ (Day 33)
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| FIRST EAST COAST SEGMENT - NYC TO NORFOLK, VA AT SOUTH END OF CHESAPEAKE BAY AND BEGINNING OF ICW |
Back onboard the boat getting ready to start the last segment of this journey.
The first segment, the Great Lakes portion, was 813 NM, which I completed.
Owners Pieter and Ansie Diedericks just completed the second segment, the Erie Canal and Hudson River, a total of 400.7 NM.
The log now reads 8017.8 NM. Total trip so far is 1213.8 NM. This is just about half of the total I expect to see by the time I arrive in Indiantown, FL. Hopefully this next section will have fewer problems!
I arrived about 1100 yesterday and the trouble started before I even landed! Pieter said four customs officers visited the boat that morning and informed him he had to go to the main Customs and Border Patrol office to file some more paperwork and a cruising plan. So before I could even get settled we were off to Customs to fix the latest problem, since Pieter and family were all leaving by 1700!
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| The Freedom Tower On Manhattan Island New Since I Passed Through in 2007 |
Today I was running around getting groceries for the trip and doing some re-rigging of the boat. Topped up with fuel so I'm getting close to ready. The starboard rudder actuator needs repair before I can leave so that's tomorrow's project. There is also a leak in the water supply causing the pump to run periodically so I hopefully will get to that too.
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| The Boat In The City! |
Went out for a nice dinner tonight, broke the bank! But it was typical NYC quality, even if it is NJ! Though I have discovered they sorely need help from the Midwest when it comes to quality beef steak. I noticed that at the grocery store today and also at dinner tonight. Good but not Midwest quality.
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| The View From Liberty State Park The Walkway Passed Right By The Boat |
I've included some pics from the day's roaming around the docks between chores and after dinner. Enjoy!
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| Freedom Tower At Night |
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