I just returned from Norfolk by car after sailing the boat from CT to Norfolk this past weekend. We left from Westbrook,CT on Friday and arrived on Monday AM. It was a bit short on crew as I had to share my 3rd crew (I prefer at least 4) with a friend from Martha's Vineyard who was alone on his Hans Christian 48. We sailed down as a pair. On Friday, mid-day, we passed by the UN on the way down the East river. We spent a very enjoyable overnight in Sandy Hook then set off mid-day Sat for Norfolk with one quick stop in Ocean City, MD for fuel. Ocean City was crazy with tourists on jet skiis and small boats anchored in the middle of the channel fishing in a very strong flooding current. There were so many boats going in every direction it was difficult to land at the fuel dock with boats cutting in front and around, oblivious to any rules of the road.
Friday and Sat were beautiful weather. Sunny, warm days and full moon at night with very pleasant temperatures (ocena temperature is around 75 degrees). Sat had very little wind so it was non-stop motoring but still a nice time. Saturday night we had a RACOR filter clog with some dirty fuel. but weere able to change out the filter in less than 1/2 hour without a mess and keep on going.
Sunday started well but progressively became worse as the clouds came in and the seas became very lumpy with an increasing breeze from the NE. The water depth down the MD/VA coast is quite shallow with shoals quite far from the coast. You can be out of sight of land and still be in 30' of water. We were forced to go further out, off our course, to find deeper water, still only 70', as it was uncomfortable sailing.
We made our entrance into the Chesapeake around 3 am in total darkness and increasingly blustery conditions. Luckily we made harbor and the slip before a frontal line came through with 40-50 knot winds and a deluge of rain.
I'll try posting a video and some photos taken from our companion boat when I get them.
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