Cape May to Sandy Point, New Jersey - Back into the Big Blue

As the tide was still running out we made good progress towards the Cape and the channel out through the shoals.  We hauled the mainsail in anticipation for the force 3-4 winds which were forecasted at the point.   Once we were half a miles off the Cape the swell started to build a little and it actually felt like we were back out to sea. 

We rushed around to prepare for a night at sea, wet weather gear at the ready, life jackets at the ready, bunk in saloon ready for sleeping, emergency grab bag at the ready, it all felt a little daunting.


As darkness fell Amanda headed off to bed, having been tired all day after the previous night, the engine was still running although both sails were out trying to make the most of any wind, currently force 2 so not enough to sail.  Once we were 1.5 miles off shore we could focus on heading north east along the shore line and far enough out from the shoals but you could still see the light from the land and Atlantic City was lit up like a Christmas tree.  Other boating traffic was steady during the night but often with little idea on type of vessel due to complicated lights, only to find it was a tug towing a barge or something similar.

Stunning sunset on our first night back in the big sea 

The frustration of light winds continued and eventually the foresail was put away and we motored as conservatively as possible hoping to conserve our fuel, we had not expected to motor the entire journey.  In the early hours of the morning before the sun came up the fog set in, visibility must have been less than ¼ mile and everything on the boat became saturated. Mark finally went off to bed and Amanda continued into the fog, thankfully this lifted not long after first light.

Suns up and we are motoring on the flat seas

The boredom of the motoring continued but by late morning the force 2 occasionally reached force 3 and the foresail was out to help increase our speed.  By this time we were back to seeing the sandy shore line of the New Jersey coast and dodging the little fishing boats that were darting in and out of the inlets.  The sea was flat and we could even occasional spot a dolphin.  We passed the day by trying to read or type the occasional email whilst constantly adjusting the sails to gain as much speed as we could.  It was a relief when we finally reached Sandy Hook and rounded into the Bay although these are often the most frustrating times when you can see your destination but still have a couple of hours to go!

Rounding Sandy Point, not far to go

But thankfully before it became dark we headed into the harbour at Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, dropped anchor and looked forward to the peace of no engine!

Almost made it to the anchorage so have time to take photo of the sun setting

All safe at anchorage at Atlantic Highland