GL: Erie canal

[Lawrence Zeitlin]

On Dec 9, 2008, at 12:00 AM, Mike and Tammy wrote:

> Most guides have suggested pulling the mast when you get up the  
> hudson just
> before going into the Eire Canal.
>
> I figure we won't be sailing once we get past NY city anyway. My  
> thought was:
> do we pull the mast at Cape May, that way we could take the ICW. I  
> understand
> there is a 25-30 mile stretch at the north end of NJ where there is  
> no ICW.
>
> Does anyone see any major issues with this idea? Does anyone have a
> recommendation for where to pull the mast in the Cape May area?


Of course the Erie Canal is now closed so I guess you need  
information for next year's trip.

Contrary to your opinion, there is plenty of sailing in the Hudson  
River. In fact the first 50 miles north of New York are a great  
sailing venue with good wind and relatively flat water. You can sail  
all the way up to Albany if you so desire. The fabled Hudson River  
sloops could, in favorable winds, make the trip in less than two  
days. If you choose your weather window, the Jersey Shore is a piece  
of cake. We have sailed it a number of times in our Willard  
motorsailer and in an older 23' Westerly Nomad. With your shallow  
draft you can stay less than a mile offshore and make the trip from  
Cape May to New York in a couple of days. Stop at Atlantic City for a  
little R&R and at Manesquan for overnighting and a good seafood meal.  
But if you want to pull the mast at Cape May, Utches Marina is right  
next to the mooring area. Still, the conventional wisdom about  
waiting to pull the mast at Albany is right.

Larry Z