Despite Delaware’s stature as the second smallest state in America, the Delaware River and Bay are kind of a big deal as the second busiest shipping channel in the nation. With cargo ships and tankers chugging tugs hauling or pushing barges that connects Lewis and Cape May, there’s plenty of waterborne stuff to gawk at (and avoid).
Plotting a wide berth to Cape May channel into Delaware Bay, we had over 65 NM to cover today. We left again at 6AM to make distance. Our neighbor (newbies just purchased the boat at the Atlantic City boat show) asked to buddy boat with us for the day. As soon as we reached the mouth of the Delaware Bay, waves were building to 5 foot height with 18 knots wind coming from the north. Our neighbor decided to turn back into Cape May and try for another day. Knowing this rough condition is only temporary; wind and waves would diminish the further north we go, we continued on. Few hours later, as I predicted, the waves and winds calmed dramatically. As the boat moved into a rhythm with the sea, we also got into our normal daily routine.
10 AM, Claudia took the helm while we entered middle bay channel. Minutes later, a loud voice came through the VHF radio shouting, “Sailboat in front of red marker 22, please move out of the way! This is the vessel “Grand Mirafiori” (in photo). I am heading for #22. Claudia shockingly but valiantly commanded the boat and swiftly moved out of the way. Disaster avoided. Lesson learned – autopilot does not know about boat traffic, only people do.
We didn’t make the fair current for the C&D canal so we anchored a few miles away behind Reedy island to wait for the canal transit tomorrow.
Playing chicken with a tanker is never a good idea! That was one big boy. Happy you pulled it off! I’d be like, who is he talking to? Great job!
Thanks Nancy!!! The picture doesn’t do it justice … yikes 😳😳😳
Wow- u r fabulous! I would have panicked for sure 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hi Trish, you would have been a cool cucumber but Tim would have been a hot tamale in panic city!
That sure is one BFB!! I am glad you got out of its way in time. Safe sails!
😂😂😂😂 for the record I wasn’t as calm as Jim described .. I guess I’m demoted 😳
You did a great job Claud. Lessons learned through real life experiences are the best teacher!
Thanks Gil! You are correct. With that said I will also, add to my repertoire of being on watch .. after I read a page.. look 360 instead of just forward. 🧐
We are pretty sure you are as good as Jim at the helm!
You are so right Marie-France. Claudia is the queen at the helm and I’m king of the galley. While we were eating our dinner and enjoying our fresh corn 🌽, we thought of you, who loved fresh corn more than anyone we know. Please give Denis our best and tell him that his gift to us, the boarding step, is still our favorite equipment onboard and we continued to get many compliments.