Long distance sailing tactics

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by Sparx

At night we like to be at least 5 miles off the New Jersey shore where there is much less to run into in the dark. To get the land breeze I am thinking one would have to be much closer to shore. No way would I get in close in the dark.

Within a few miles of shore expect fishing floats and drift nets. Last year there was a very poorly marked metal drum floating mostly submerged which may have been associated with dredging operations. Lots of poorly captained fishing boats too.

Recently we ran overnight from Atlantic Highlands to Cape Henlopen, arriving at dawn. We were 5 to 15 miles offshore and encountered no navigation hazards.

The United Nations banned large-scale drift nets on the high seas twenty years ago. The U.S. has banned drift nets of any size in the East coast fisheries, Oregon and Washington have phased out drift nets, and California pass a bill in 2018 to phase out drift nets over four years, and the European Union disallowed drift netting among its 27 member states in 2002. Bills are pending in the US House of Representatives and Senate to phase out all drift nets in US waters by 2020.

[JPA Cate]

Hi, Ben,

400 miles is actually a short trip, in terms of getting into a watch schedule, but it really is rest that is paramount; fishing comes secondary. Besides, best biting times are just after pre-dawn light and around dusk. Not much happening at full moon, except in big cities.

Mmmm If your eventual interest is relative to long term ocean cruising, I'm happy to comment, because it is different from what most people's cruising is. Please send me a PM, if interested. Another specialist doctor, with loads of experience is "Exit Only", Dave Abbott.

Ann