Bellport Long Island to Cape May NJ.

[TomandAnitas34]

This is one leg of my plan to sail south. The shore of NJ looks like a long stretch with no place to take shelter or anchor for the night. Is this one of those legs where I better plan several days non-stop ? That is my current assumption. Input from someone who does this stretch would be really helpful, Thanks !

[skipmac]

There are a couple of inlets deep and wide enough that you could easily use for a stopover make but not sure if they are useable in strong onshore winds.

However if you anchor behind Sandy Hook it is only about 120 nm to Cape May which is an easy overnighter. Just check the weather before you leave to make sure you have a good window.

You aren't considering the trip this time of year are you? It is a bit cold and the Nor'easters are starting to roll in.

[WebWench]

When are you planning to make this trip?

[TomandAnitas34]

This trip is scheduled for either next fall or the year after, certainly not right away. I like to have as many ducks lined up as I can. All plans go pear shaped, I just like to have alternatives clearly defined before I step off a cliff. My current plan is a straight shot, but if things change...

[WebWench]

Have you looked at active captain to see possible stops along the way?

[TomandAnitas34]

I'm still learning about active captain, this may be motivation to figure out how to use it... I'm all good, there are tons of information sources once I get to Cape May, but little for the Long Island to Cape May run. I'll check out Active Captain tonight and see what I can find. Thanks for the tip.

[WebWench]

Active captain uses flash ...so use it on a regular computer or laptop. The download is free.
You can zoom in on an area and see all the marinas, anchorages etc. as well as comments other cruisers have made about depths and dangers in certain areas.
We are on the Chesapeake and it is invaluable for helping to find places to anchor or scoot into if the weather goes downhill.

[TomandAnitas34]

I went to Active Captain, seems to be a great source for the info I was looking for. Thanks !

[JMR324]

Originally Posted by TomandAnitas34

This trip is scheduled for either next fall or the year after, certainly not right away. I like to have as many ducks lined up as I can. All plans go pear shaped, I just like to have alternatives clearly defined before I step off a cliff. My current plan is a straight shot, but if things change...

I just recently did that trip going north... Stopped at cape may, dropped anchor in front of CG... Then to Barnaget inlet, dropped anchor 1000 feet past CG , north to sandy hook, anchor in front of atlantic highlands marina... All easy in/easy out... No problems.
Fair winds!