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Returning ~ Danger on the Delaware

Towed through Cape May Canal 

 

The Chesapeake is known the world over as a popular sailing ground. The Naval Academy is in Annapolis with it’s top notch sailing program, and there are scores of sailing schools scattered all up and down the Bay. Marinas in every cove and creek are full of pleasure boats. As time approached for this trip, I began to wonder why I had heard so little of the great sailing to be had on Delaware Bay. It’s right next door, only 14 miles away – the same 14 miles the C&D Canal spans to connect them. They’re like sisters holding hands.

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Schooner Race 2011 ~ The Race

Schooners across the horizon

 

 

At 4am, the sky over Baltimore Harbor glows pink and bruised, like dirty cotton candy. It’s foggy and raining, and I am in search of coffee. I find it at a 7-11 which, despite the name, is open all night.

 

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Jumping Ship

 

Engine trouble at a verrrrry inconvenient moment during the night (more on that later). Got a tow into Cape May for repairs, which won’t take long. A weather window is slamming shut, though, with 10 foot seas and 30 mph winds expected over the next several days.

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Delaware Bay

 

Good wind and sunshine. Nice to have both.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

postcard from the road

 

 

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Auxiliary Fo’c’s’le

 

 

 

 

Fierce headwinds on the nose all day and night, with more and stronger expected the next day. Fun sailing, at nearly top speed, for hours on end. You cover a lot of ground quickly. Unfortunately, none of it gets you much closer to your destination. Progress is verrrry slow.

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Taking the Land Route

 

Beating into the wind for 24 hours. Stronger headwinds expected.

Fun, but slow progress. Too slow for many to reach the finish by the deadline, even under power. Will dock I Solomons, drive to Portsmouth, and return to ride the wind in the other direction.

 

 

postcard from the road

 

 

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Race Start

 

Rain and fog at start. Then sun.

Good wind.

Lightning show to the west.

First watch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

postcard from the road