Welcome to New Jersey... Once again, at first light we head for Sandy Hook. It's still pretty
chilly by Florida standards and we motor for the first couple of hours. By
8 o'clock we have enough breeze to sail, which is a good thing because we are nearly
out of fuel. Our luck holds as the breeze builds up to 18 knots during the morning.
Gloucester to Stonington
Stonington to New York Charleston Charleston to St. Augustine St. Augustine to Lake Okeechobee Lake Okeechobee to Clearwater Beach The Maine Cat 30 |
We're
beating into it, but hey, at least we're sailing. Just about the time the wind edges above
20 knots we reach Manasquan inlet. Being desperate for fuel, we stop at one of
the first docks with a fuel sign. The guy at the dock tells us to go away, he
doesn't have enough water at the dock. We told him that we only draw two feet, but
he again tells us to leave in no uncertain terms. It puzzled us for a moment
until we realized what was happening........we were being welcomed to New Jersey. From
previous visits to this state, I've learned a little bit of the lingo. Like the New Jersey
alphabet...... Fuckin' A, Fuckin' B, Fuckin' C, Fuckin' D, Fuckin' E, etc. The next
dock was operated by people who seemed almost normal....at least until we were accosted by
a couple of goons flashing badges, really big, shiny badges. They informed us that
they've been keeping their eyes on us for some time now. So I ask them "Why wuz yooz
doin' nat? Don't yooz guys have a job?" (my attempt to communicate in the local
language was not helping the situation) They were clearly trying to intimidate us.
Once they realized that we were not big time import/export businessmen, they became
real friendly. (As if to say....We were just kidding. We're not really the assholes
we pretend to be.) If the wind had not been 20 knots or better out of the south we would
have headed right back out into the Atlantic. 
Instead, we finished fueling up and headed down the Jersey
ICW. The current was against us as we entered the Point Pleasant Canal but those
twin 10 horse Yamahas just kept on purring (loudly) and we made reasonable speed against
the current. I must say here that the operators of the lift bridges on the Point
Pleasant Canal could not be more courteous and professional. After motoring the rest of
the day, we anchored for the night just before Little Egg Inlet. Close enough to
make a quick getaway at the earliest opportunity. As soon as we had enough light to find
our way, we motored out the inlet as fast as our little Yamahas could carry us. The wind
was out of the north , so when we got out into the Atlantic we were able to sail at a
very comfortable 9 to 10 knots most of the day. It was very cold and the sky was
completely overcast. The vinyl screens gave protection from the wind, but there
would be no solar heating today It was however, our best day of sailing so far. 
Once we were
underway, Theresa found the only warm spot on the boat and claimed it for her own. She
stayed there until it warmed up a little. If I'd had the opportunity, I would
have done the same. By mid afternoon we were off Cape May and would have preferred to
continue on all night, but the wind was predicted to blow from the south again during
the night. Reluctantly we entered Cape May Harbor. We had stopped here once before
and kind of liked the place. The food was good, the people were friendly and not at
all like those we've met in other parts of the state. This time was even better than
the last. We've been up and down the east coast many times, but from now on, New
Jersey will be for emergency stops only, with the notable exception of Cape May.
