June 2025
This is the beginning of this year's journey to New England. Posts may be delayed due to lack of signal or Wi-Fi. Thanks for your understanding and for reading! Questions or comments can be emailed to bajinaji38@gmail.com.
Sunday June 1st
Off the dock by 09:20 and headed to the fuel dock. 18.25 gallons for 27.1 engine hours =0.67 gallons /hour. The start of this trip is after 183 nm from the trips to Annapolis so at trip end we will subtract that mileage for this trip total.
Off fuel dock at 9:45a great wind, 13-17 kts from the W, with the tide in our favor. Motored all the way out the Havre de Grace channel and up to and through the C&D canal.
There were osprey nests along many of the marks, and osprey on many of them.
Passed the Kalmar Nyckel as she was going the other way. We have seen her before on the Bay, at a distance.
At the other end of the canal at 1330. Continued to have a brisk W wind, so we put up the main sail. With a gust to 20kts we decided to reef 1. Jib out to stabilize and wheeeee down the Delaware Bay! Surfing, we did over 8kts, and at one point the display said 9kts!
Passed a few other commercial boats, including this one. We had dried pineapple to celebrate (no bananas aboard). With the good wind, we were able to get down the bay to the Cohansey River. It is deep! We went up and down a ways to try and find a spot to anchor as we don't have enough rode for 40’. Found one spot of 17’, but after we anchored and put out enough rode, we realized we were too close to the shore, and a swing the wrong way would put us into the shore. Found a spot closer to the river entrance. A few nervous moments because the tidal current from the river was stronger than the wind, and we overran the anchor line. In 23’ of water we put out 171’ of anchor line.
While awaiting the swing of the tide to see if we got the anchor line caught under our keel (😱), I made dinner. Chilly day with lots of wind = Chunky Sirloin Burger soup with cheese on toast. After dinner, Laz went to take a look and the anchor line has reset itself properly.
Beautiful sunset. You can hear so many birds here. I heard a bald eagle, but did not see it.
We are tucked in for the night. Tomorrow we are headed further down the Delaware Bay to Cape May.
Monday June 2nd
Up by 0600 to catch the tide down the Delaware Bay
A gorgeous morning on the Cohansey. Beautiful sunrise with birdsong and marsh around. We had swung in the night with the current in the river; I had checked at 0100 when I was up to go to the head. There was a gorgeous red crescent moon off the starboard bow. Unfortunately, we did not see any Northern lights, but did notice that we were facing downriver instead of upriver. Off the hook by 0700 with coffee, yogurt and an Oso sour cherry and chocolate scone warmed up for breakfast. Put on wool base layers as it was 55° when we got up. Sails up as soon as we cleared the green 1C and the shallow water. Wheee down the bay again with 1.5 to 2 kt push. Wind was WNW or NW at 11-15 it's so we were going 7+ kts much of the time.
Ship John Shoal Lighthouse, which from farther away, looked like a tugboat pulling a lighthouse.
Another gorgeous day sailing. We had timed it well, the current in the Bay changed to incoming around 11am. At one point we looked back and there were multiple powerboats bearing down the path to the short cut into Cape May, the one that leads to a bridge without enough clearance for us. Everyone had the same idea to catch the outgoing ride. No one likes rough seas.
The Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse. We passed more lighthouses and there were a few commercial vessels coming and going, but not bad. Laz had a brief glimpse of a dolphin at one point, but it dove and disappeared. We came in closer to shore, the same way we went leaving Cape May two years ago, to cut off a fair bit of mileage going farther out. We saw another sailboat even farther in towards shore, the Mystic Pearl. Since it was 1330, we decided to jibe out a ways before going into Cape May channel. Decided to come on in, and found we were following the Pearl right into South Jersey marina. The entrance to the Cape May channel had a couple of whale and dolphin watching boats going back and forth, but did get out of the way as we and another sailboat, the Manta Columbia, came in. We saw the Pearl docking just as we came into the channel to South Jersey Marina. Luckily this time there was no current coming in.
After docking, we walked over to the Pearl, a Halberg-Rassey 43 and had a lovely visit with Mario, the owner. The Pearl’s home port is Annapolis, and she is headed to Maine and Acadia, all on the outside. Mario is doing the trip solo, because his friend, whom he usually sails with is recovering from pancreatic cancer treatment. His tumor has shrunk, but the radiation has left him in a lot of pain. Wyatt, the dockhand, was helping Mario fill his fuel tank and his Jerry cans. We got a tour of the beautiful Mystic Pearl, including the fuel cell run by methanol. She is beautifully appointed and with lots of equipment and sails. We exchanged tips on where to anchor in the Delaware Bay. He showed us how to get in behind Reedy Island and we showed him where we anchored in the Cohansey. A cabin cruiser pulled in next to us in the next dock, he has rear thrusters so came in neatly. A Sabre, the Robert Valentine came in behind the cabin cruiser as we were at dinner, then after we got back from dinner a large CP sailboat pulled in behind us. They came from the Solomons and are headed to Shelter Island Deering Harbor. First they are dropping off some people at Liberty Landing Marina, but since they look to be 48’ or more, they will definitely pass us or go ahead of us. We then chatted with our neighbors on the same dock opposite us, Peter and Susan who live aboard their SeaRay. Home port is north of Boston in Danvers. They've been down to the Bahamas and back, in the Abacos. So many nice people here.
Dinner! We went to Lucky Bones across the street, which we really enjoyed last time. Had the zucchini Frito again, and today's special was fried Chesapeake oysters. They were sweet and delicious!
Dan had this massive chicken bruschetta dish over polenta, delicious and 1/2 came back to baji-naji. I remember from our last visit that they have massive portions.
I had delicious ahi tuna tacos. I could only eat one since I ate all the oysters. The others will be delicious tomorrow or the next day.
We had an excellent carrot cake for dessert. I remembered to take a picture after we ate much of it. It had pineapple chunks, which was delightful.
Laz put up the code-0 tonight as winds are predicted from SW tomorrow. We were so busy chatting with everyone on the dock that I forgot to take a sunset picture! Ah well. We are off for NY/Jersey City, NJ tomorrow for the long 24 hour passage.
Tuesday June 3rd
Went to breakfast at the little diner at The Lobster House. It was one long banquette with the Hanks vibe.
I had a scrambled egg with corned beef hash, rye toast and delicious creamy grits. Laz had his scrambled egg with scrapple ( very good, I had a bite), white toast and home fries. While at breakfast, we received some nice emails from Mario of Mystic Pearl. He has left much earlier but he was headed to Block Island.
We didn't want to leave too early as that would get us to Jersey City in the early morning, so we were off the dock at 1030.
This osprey let us know it was their nest. We saw a dolphin off entrance to Cape May channel, right where the dolphin and whale watch boats had been yesterday. Apparently that's a good spot for them. There was a nice breeze from the NW so we put the code-0 out
There were so many dolphin after leaving Cape May! We saw some amazing leaps with full body in the air, as well as just swimming 🐬Laz says it's Mom & Barb sending dolphins out to play near us.
There was an abrupt wind shift to the S, SE around 12:40 when I was talking to Tim Disparte. I had to hang up abruptly and reset sails before calling back to resume my phone call. I explained that sometimes things need urgent attention when you are sailing.
Insert video of dolphin here
The breeze freshened up to 9 kts with max 7.4kts of boat speed, and we were able to maintain 6kts or better.
A lovely view of Atlantic City with our code-0 out.
My view, lying on the bow. We furled the code-0 when the wind shifted too far east for our course, then put the jib out. We tried the code-0 again when we were able to turn to a more favorable course, but wind had softened to 5 kts with boat speed less than 3. That was not going to get us to NYC, so we furled the code-0, and put the engine on at 1845.
Laz reheated our pad Thai for dinner. It was still tasty!
Sunset selfies!
Got buzzed by a military plane off Brigantine.
Amazing sunset with the haze, perhaps from the Canadian wildfires.
Moonrise is always beautiful, with some Jersey shore lights in the distance.
2100, I took the first night watch. As per our usual agreement, we had life vests and tethers on when solo up top at night. There seem to be less spiders than when we did this trip a couple of years ago. We did set out a month earlier and the spring has been chilly. Although I don't know that spiders care about the temperature.
This photo of the moon was taken with the night vision setting. Kind of an interesting vibe. Laz came up to the cockpit at 2230 after a good 2 hour nap. I went down below to take another 1/4 tab of Bonine as I was starting to feel the effects of the rollers, or fatigue or something. I tried to sleep, but mostly just felt seasick. Laz ended up taking a long watch.
Wednesday June 4th
I got up at 0200 to try and take a shift. I made Laz a hot chocolate and brought up some Club crackers, in an attempt to settle my stomach, but not much luck. Grrr. I did feel a bit better lying down so we decided I would try and sleep this off. Laz ended up with a super long shift to 0645, when I finally got up feeling a bit better. I came up with hot coffee and some of my banana bread, and put a couple of the frozen unbaked croissants in the oven.
You know you're coming into NY Harbor when the commercial traffic increases.
Seeing the Verrazano means we are almost there.
A lovely view of NYC. A lot of haze meant no real sunrise, just a red sun that came up, according to Laz.
Lady Liberty in the distance is always welcoming.
And there is always the iconic Staten Island ferry. Got a nice view of them going in opposite directions.
Excitement as we saw the Sail GP tent and stands! The race will be this weekend, which we won't be able to stay for, but we hope to see some of the boats sailing while we are here.
Lady Liberty up closer.
The excitement of seeing our first F-50 up close, Rockwool Denmark! She was on a mooring.We got to Liberty Landing Marina at around 0800. Went right to the fuel dock. We took on 17 gallons of diesel, used over 26.1 engine hours = 0.65 gallons/hour. Pretty decent mpg. After docking we took a walk all around the marina to see what we could see. Sail GP has indeed set up at Liberty Landing. We stopped into the marine store to pick up some lubricant for the roller furler. The person at the counter was a rigger, and he recommended dry lubricant, which we got. We were also looking for a new Croakie for Laz, no luck there, and no rash guards in his size either.
Amokura up close and personal! I was fangirling hard!
GBR getting her wing on via crane
Close up of the French boat, so you can see the foils.
All the hangers where the boats are kept.
Laz tried to see if we could go in and see the hangers and boats, but alas it is sponsors and their guests only.
Insert video of Amokura going out
One of Team USA’s chase boats. We then walked around Liberty State Park.
Found a sign for a Pokemon Go Fest right at the park. Maybe I should sign up so I can play that with the kids and grandkids. Hmmm.
Saw some of the F-50s at their mooring spots. They were all coming out to check conditions and their new tall wings, which I later found out are now 27metre instead of 29.
So cool to see them foiling by the Verrazano Bridge.
We were hungry and tired so we headed to the Maddie Rose, formerly The Liberty House, and had lunch. I left my water bottle over where we were watching the F-50s so Laz kindly went back to get it. I had the Cobb salad with shrimp and Laz had the crispy chicken sandwich with house made chips. I was more tired than hungry so I took the rest as take out, including the leftover sourdough bread. Everything was delicious.
From our seats we saw the Fighting Roos head out to the race course.
A really beautiful view of Manhattan from our table. Outside the restaurant is a huge chess set, also very cool. Our server, Stephanie, told us that Maddie Rose was recently renovated and they have a lot of weddings and parties there.
After lunch, she showed us the water table, so named for the waterfall fountain at the end. It was stunning, full of succulents and looked like something from Longwood Gardens.
Walked back to baji-naji to take a very welcome nap!
Walked to dinner at the Feathered Fox, where Maritime Parc used to be. Opening night of the new restaurant happens to be tonight, and I thought it would be fun to try it. These are the delicious brioche rolls.
I had an absolutely amazing dish of perfectly cooked scallops over oyster mushrooms, spinach and spaetzle. The scallops were so big I took home 1/2 the meal for another day.
Laz had a NY Strip steak served with delicious cipollini onions. We had crispy green beans and roasted brussel sprouts for our sides.
While in the head, I met one of the crew for Team USA (I think) who's actually from Brazil, and she introduced me to her colleague John, who is the head of the medical team, I later found out. I'm sorry I never got her name. Anyway she was quite friendly and they both agreed to a selfie.
Laz ordered our dessert while I was away, and we had a delicious devil's food cake with chocolate espresso icing and rich not too sweet chocolate buttercream between cake layers. A wonderful ending for a wonderful meal.
Sunset pictures from the marina. baji-naji is the mast in the last picture. Tomorrow we head through the East River and Hellgate to Long Island Sound.
Thursday June 5th
Up around 0830. The current going out of New York harbor up the East River happens around an hour after low tide at the Battery. Today low tide at the Battery is 1130. We decided to walk down the dockside path to a new bagel place, B Bagels, around the same distance as the other place we went to, Wonder Bagels. On the way, we were able to have another look at the Sail GP compound.
We had to pause a moment while Canada was moved by crane then lowered into the water.
Got my favorite whole wheat everything bagel with cream cheese, capers, cucumber, tomato, thinly sliced red onion and nova lox. So huge I could only eat 1/2. A nicely made mocha latte completed my breakfast. Laz had fresh squeezed OJ and a sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese.
On our way back we had a nice chat with Tiana from Sydney, who is a match racer and hoping to get picked to be one of the women on the F-50s. There are at least 300 and up to 450 people on site to support Sail GP. Everything is packed into the containers and moved by ship from venue to venue. She graciously agreed to a selfie with Spain behind us. She was about to exchange contact info when she got a call she had to take. I told her she was a great ambassador for Sail GP and we exchanged hugs. I look forward to following to see if she gets on board a F-50 as crew. When we got back to the boat it was 1030. I filled the aft H20 tank while Laz used the new dry lubricant to spray on the bearings on the jib roller furler, both main sheet clutches and the traveler. Off the dock by 11:20, check out time is 11 but I cleared it with Janeer. We got out just ahead of Spain, who was being escorted out by her chase boats.
Came out to find many of the boats on their temporary moorings.
Since the tide has yet to shift in our favor, we motored a little ways up the Hudson. We turned around at noon. The F-50s were sailing and foiling and buzzing by us as we made our way into NY harbor and towards the East River! So incredibly cool! The sound they make is incredible!
Insert videos of foiling F-50s here
Into the East River with maybe 1/2 kt against, but heading down anyway. Went under the Brooklyn Bridge which is so pretty.
Then the Manhattan Bridge which has its own unique architecture.
Just past the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges was the poor Cuauhtémoc. She looked so sad with the tops of her mast down. What an awful tragedy that was. I guess the investigation into what happened is still ongoing. We continued down the East River with the current firmly in our favor. We were followed by a Jeanneau, Peace of Mind, through the whole trip.
The ever amazing Manhattan skyline from the East River.
Heading into Hellgate, with the Triboro and the Throgs Neck bridges ahead. Hellgate was fine, the wake from the two cabin cruiser overtaking us was more troublesome than the currents. We picked a nice time to go through.
Passed the charming Stepping Stones Lighthouse, which is a historical lighthouse first lit in 1877. It sits on a reef called the Devil's Stepping Stones, so named in a Native American (Siawanoy) tale where the devil was chased out of Westchester onto City Island and threw large rocks down to make his escape. A very cute lighthouse with a great story.
Wonderful wind from the SE so we were able to raise the sails and enjoy a wonderful sail to Oyster Bay. We switched from the job to the code-0 when the angle improved. There weren't a lot of other boats out sailing, but there were a few. Peace of Mind made her way into Manhasset Bay right after we got into the Sound.
Coming into Oyster Bay, we saw many beautiful sailboats coming out to the race marks. Apparently Havre de Grace isn't the only place that has Wednesday night races on Thursday!
We found a nice spot to anchor in, with beautiful homes all around and we took Boji out to explore.
We saw a pair of swans off in the distance.
There is a beach on Cove Neck which sticks out into the water near the bottom of the Harbor.
We went around it to find many moorings and boats.
Insert video of the bird kite used to chase off other birds
Whaler's Cove yacht club, then some of the research libraries.
Headed into the setting sun, back to baji-naji.
Another glamour shot, but she's so beautiful, especially in this light.
A bit hazy for too many sunset colors. A beautiful spot nonetheless.
The moon peeking out from the clouds. Amazing sight. Tomorrow we are headed to Milford, to anchor behind Charles Island.
Friday June 6th
Slept in til almost 0900 as it's not a long trip to Milford. Had a leisurely breakfast in the cockpit.
Beautiful views as we enjoyed breakfast.
Anchor up around 1030. As we motored out, we could see the smokestacks of Asheroken. Initially there were light winds 3-4 kts from the N, shifted to the East and finally to S, building to 10-15kts by end of day.
Some familiar sights as we sailed towards the CT shore. Greens Ledge Light and then Sheffield Island Lighthouse with Manresa power plant to the right. Lots of echos of Mom and Dad Laz through these waters.
Laz with Sheffield Island light behind.
The adorable Stratford Point Lighthouse
Withe the wind picking up and changing to the S we ended up with a fabulous sail to Charles Island! Here is Laz securing the anchor. Because a front was coming through we let out 180 feet of anchor line, with a scope of 1:10. Better safe than sorry.
Happily anchored.
While we were relaxing and reading on deck we saw this paddle party boat go by, with lots of chatter and music.
We also saw a couple of motorboats, clearly friends, anchor and a couple of kids jumping in the water and swimming from one boat to another. Laz and Barb jumped off many times near the same spot. It was sweet to see kids enjoying time honored activities. With a water temperature, 64.5° we were not jumping in. Youth!
I made a chicken and veggies stir fry over ramen for dinner. Tasty!
It became completely overcast after we anchored, but then the sun did peek out and we were treated to a nice sunset. Tomorrow rain and some fog are forecast, so we will wake and see if we can have a lay day in Milford (no spots when we called this evening), stay anchored behind Charles Island, or motor in the rain to Clinton.
Saturday June 7th
Woke up to pea soup for, we could not even see Charles Island in front of us.
