Barnegat Inlet into the Atlantic to Sandy Hook, NJ

After watching the marine forecast for this part of the coastal Atlantic Ocean for several months, we knew that there are very few days that don't violate our NO-GO criteria of waves 2 feet or less, comfy perod, and wind under 20 MPH and gusts under 26. When a day like that is predicted, it often is later changed for the worse. So we were delighted to have a 24 hour weather window to slide into the Atlantic and run down the coast on the 20 foot contour line with under 10 MPH winds from the NW and SW (SW is ideal and rare). Only a few splashes on the windshield from wakes and a slowdown outside Manasquan Inlet, where VHF chatter reported a runaway partially floating dredge pipe f heading out to sea, position undetermined. And we didn't have an unpleasant meeting that results in a Bad Boating Day. We define a Good Boating as one where no one is seriously injured or killed, and total damages after deductibles and co-pays are less than a Boat Unit ($1,000). We've only had one in 46 years so far.
We stopped in Sandy Hook Bay Atlantic Highlands city marina, which has a good breakwater, but no floating docks or finger piers. The outboards preclude a stern in tie and the anchor pulpit makes bow in awkward and having to step OVER the high bow railing. Some 71 year old folks couldn't do it. Choose the Great Kills Yacht Club instead with their Looper POC. I thought it was up the Hudson, but it's only 10 miles away... my bad. NEBOLINK log shows mostly over 20 MPH; wind data is from the nearest airport, not on the water. The town is quaint and charming.
The upcoming large bodies of water (Lakes Ontario, Oneida and Champlain) are not as likely to have a two week weather delay as the Atlantic (even in sight of shore), as in the video of the Atlantic City Ferris wheel). 250 very interesting water miles to date. Marina E0 gas has averaged 5 to a max 6 dollars a gallon though we budgeted $8/gal (it still might exceed that in Canad
We extended to a second night because Windy predicted gusts to 30 MPH. We're taking advantage of the pause for grocery and boutique shopping as well as planning for the next few days, including getting to Halfmoon Bay marina tomorrow for two nights.Read more