October 17 at Cape May, New Jersey

Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Cape May, New Jersey

We awoke to a cold, but clear and sunny day. At 7 am we picked up anchor and went up the channel in Cape May and anchored off to the side with some other boats. Then most of crashed for a couple of hours for some much needed sleep. Our captain especially needed the rest after the overnight trip and having to check on boat and crew throughout the night.

After a late breakfast, we all plan to take showers on the boat. Later we'll find a marina to fuel up, get our water topped off, and dump our trash. We're checking the weather outlook and considering another jump south to Chesapeake Bay. A storm is currently over Bermuda but expected to move on. They are predicting a five day open slot for Bermuda. We shall see what developed.

Update: Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Cape May, New Jersey

Beautiful day, clear skies and all sunshine. Cool, crisp fall day. Don and Jake took the boat on a scenic tour of the marina and topped off our fuel and water. In the meantime, Ken and I took the dingy on a long trip across to a marina. From there we walked almost two miles to a grocery store in downtown Acme. Beautiful old houses, nice neighborhood and friendly people. We got directions from an older couple (yes, older than me) and they were interested in our trip. The man asked about out boat and where we came from. He was very surprised when he heard Michigan and even more surprised when he learned it was a sailboat. He asked what size was our boat. When I told him it was 36 feet, he replied he had a 31 foot tender. That didn't click with me and told me later that woman said they had a 120 foot power boat. We saw it when we returned to the marina. It was beautiful and huge.

We've showered and eaten a late lunch. Captain Don is checking the weather forecast for our trip to Bermuda.  - Rod

Photos by Rod
Jake in the cockpit trying to keep warm

Behind our anchorage in the harbor at Cape May. This is Coast Guard property, part of their base and training area.



Sunset at the end of our day at the harbor in Cape May.




The weather forecast is looking like a good window for our trip to Bermuda. After a group meeting, we have agreed to head across the Atlantic for Bermuda. Our plan is to sail for 24 hours and if then take another look at any potential disturbances. We will then either continue on to Bermuda, or turn around and head back to the coast. However, the conditions and forecast look very promising and we do not anticipate any changes and expect we will be able to continue on to Bermuda. We leave early in the morning.





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