Annapolis, MD to Block Island, RI
Annapolis to Delaware City, Delaware: (70 nautical miles, 9 hours averaging 8 knots)
On May 13, 2025, after staying on the hook in Aberdeen Creek while we waited for a few boat parts to arrive, we departed from Annapolis to Delaware City on a 65 nautical mile journey that took us roughly 8 hours at 8 knots. Navigating through the narrow canal leading to Delaware City Marina was tight, but we called ahead and were given excellent instruction. We were here 2 nights and the day before we departed we attended the 4:00pm daily briefing offered by Tim, the marina owner. He offered guidance on how best to navigate Delaware Bay relative to currents and the near term weather forecast. There are only a few shops (opened on wknds) and restaurants here so we dined on the boat, but we did find Two Sisters bakery, which had a great breakfast sandwich and brownies…all delicious!
Delaware City to Cape May: (56 nautical miles, 5.5 hours averaging 10 knots)
Left Delaware City Marina at 6am to take advantage of the current and avoid potential squalls in the afternoon. We were traveling in very foggy conditions just outside the primary channel to accommodate for large commercial ships cruising at 13-15 kts. A lot of radio traffic from boat to boat to be clear of navigational intentions in the heavy fog. Several Container ships dropped anchor to wait for the weather to clear. Easy docking at South Jersey Marina, conveniently located within a mile of the pedestrian friendly shops of Cape May. Finding the Cape May Peanut Butter company a few blocks from the Main retail shopping area was a highlight. We were also fortunate to discover a bike path that took us almost the entire 5 mile journey to several big box stores we needed to continue to provision Smithsonian after her winter hibernation.
Cape May, NJ to Staten Island, NY: (118 nautical miles, 11 hours averaging 10 knots)
5:30am departure for a long day traveling “outside” the New Jersey coast. Opened up Smithsonian to 2100 RPMs for 17 kts (80% engine load) for just an hour but primarily cruised at 1250 RPMs for 9-10 kts. We enjoyed rolling, following seas for a very pleasant journey. Volunteer host, John C., greeted us at Great Kills Yacht Club on Staten Island and shared with us his favorite Italian restaurants and market. GKYC is right next to a state park, with a lovely walking trail and a small beach area, with a great view of downtown Manhattan. Judging by the crowds perhaps one of the only green spaces around.
Staten Island, NY to Manhattan, NY: (15 nautical miles, 2 hours averaging 7.5 knots)
Edward had thoroughly researched our route so he seemed at ease as we approached Manhattan despite the high speed ferries and commercial traffic. We were lucky to see the Statue of Liberty on a beautiful, clear day. I felt simultaneously hopefulness and also a deep sadness as I gazed upon her and pondered the symbolism of this beautiful statue - a woman - whose physique and appearance were designed after the Roman goddess Libertas, known to represent freedom from tyranny and oppression. As I looked at her I felt sadness in the pit of my stomach at the current state we are in as a country. I was grateful that her enduring hopefulness also gave me a nudge toward a feeling of empowerment…as if she were calling to me and to all women to stand in our strength as she does, against tyranny and oppression. May it be so.
We journeyed up Hudson River a short distance to dock at Liberty Landing Marina, which was a quick ferry ride across to Manhattan, and the ferry terminal was a quick 5 min walk from the marina straight down the boardwalk. I was anticipating all buildings and concrete but there was surprisingly spacious green space for Zuly and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway that ran right beside the marina.
Laegan flew in to NYC to join us and we spent 3 nights here at Liberty Landing. The first day we walked managed to make our way up to Broadway to see Hadestown! The next evening we met up with Tavie, Laegan’s roommate from college, and had a wonderful dinner at Bad Roman, right on the southwestern edge of Central Park.
Manhattan, NY to Port Jefferson (with a detour to Port Washington):
It was blowy as we left Manhattan! Our plan was to make the journey to Port Jefferson, but about 2 hours in the weather starting getting rough and our ship was getting tossed! Or at least it was getting a little uncomfortable…reports were for 4-7 ft seas and warnings of gales and water spouts so Edward spotted an anchorage at Port Washington. We pulled in and were very grateful for a calm evening on the hook at this beautiful anchorage. The next morning we made the remainder of our journey into Port Jefferson where we were met by some welcoming dock hands and a beautiful green space for Zuly. We enjoyed our first lobster roll of the trip at P.J. Lobsterhouse. That afternoon Laegan and I went exploring and found the Secret Garden Tea Cafe. The owner invited all guests to select a hat that we were drawn to before we were seated. It was a charming and special find, and it was packed with tea parties! We had delicious tea and scones and felt decadent and feminine…one of the most unexpected, unique and special mother daughter moments on our trip.
Port Jefferson, NY to Sag Harbor, NY: (55 nautical miles, 5.5 hours averaging 10 knots)
We docked at Sag Harbor on Memorial Day wknd! Sag Town coffee was yummy for coffee and for breakfast, although a little crowded. We had fun watching dogs and all the beautiful people. Carissa’s Bakery blew us away! It is the real deal so do not miss it! They also roast their own coffee beans, to remember for next time. Laegan found a fun greenbelt trail to hike where we saw some big, beautiful turkeys strutting their stuff. Only found 3 ticks :-\. Afterward we bought some tuna at Schiavoni’s market and then had a tick check. We sang New York, New York again…and again.
