Rockin' and Rollin' on the Delaware Bay

June 12, 2:50 pm Middle of Delaware Bay, DE/NJ
We sailed since 1:30 pm June 11 from Sandy Hook, NJ, fortunate to have a great weather window again. We decided to not stop in Cape May and keep going to Delaware City, DE.

The weather tomorrow would not be favorable for going up the Delaware Bay. Today, on one of it's best days, we are rolling with the waves that are not far apart, going downwind and down-wave. Since the bay is shallow, the tides and waves, either going in same direction or opposing, can be rough (especially opposing like it is now).  The tide is about to change and we can't wait for it to settle in.

Makes for constant steering by hand. There are no autopilots that perform well downwind in big waves. .

We have been sailing on the SAME tack all along the NJ coast!

We took turns taking naps, complete with autopilot whines, block and line slapping and rocking boat. Bracing myself for every task, we are talking about what we learned. Right now both hands are on the wheel or holding on, or taking photos of ships and lighthouses (with one hand).

We should arrive at home dock late this afternoon, unless we stop and anchor close to home, but there are VERY few places to anchor on this bay. Once we get around the bend, the waves will be smaller. We just need to get up to the Salem NJ nuclear power plant for things to calm down. We started the engine and took down the jib and staysail. A real sled ride.

Until later,
-Claire