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Two Fish - Sailing sailing



TwoFish pulled out of Cape May Friday morning at 6 AM. We headed into the ocean made the right turn into the Delaware Bay along with rainy skies, low visibility and 3 foot swells. There is a lot of commercial traffic in the Delaware Bay so we had to maneuver to keep our distance from a few tugs and freighters.The wind and the currents have been mostly on our nose so we've been running the motor to make progress. But progress has indeed been made. Eventually the sun came out and we were able to enter the east side of the C&D Canal at 5 PM. So we made very good time.
 
There were three other rally boats within a mile of us most of the way home. We were all crossing the C&D Canal together. Originally we thought we would overnight in Chesapeake City along the way, but we decided to sail straight through the night to beat the rains that were due in Saturday morning. Ironically that weather system was part of the same front that hit us on Tuesday night; it decided to reverse course and move back north, but without the drama of lightning and being out on the Atlantic.
 
We motored down the bay through the night. We had a couple close encounters with commercial ships but managed not to hit any of them. It’s very hard to navigate at night because there are so many lights—on ships, on buoys, on bridges. It’s very hard to tell what is what until, well, until it’s almost too late. Nonetheless, we pulled into Herring Bay around 4am just as the winds and waves picked up and the rain started. Captain George put on his lifevest and tether and went to the bow of the boat. He sat there with a bright flashlight shining on the water to help us avoid crab traps. His experiences with the sailing club races included after dark returns to port, so he knew the routine. Head for the red marker on the right and avoid those crab traps. Thanks to his eagle eye and Captain Paula’s exceptional helmsmanship, we arrived safe and sound. At about 4:30amwe were tied up and able to have the much needed glass of wine!!! As the sky started to lighten, we all plopped into bed and didn’t wake up until after 10am
 
After a day of naps and cleanup, we went to the rally’s “Prize Giving Party.” There, all the sailors told their tales and shared their experiences. That’s always the best part of sailing—hearing everyone’s stories. (Of course, those beautiful starry nights and full sails against a bright blue sky aren’t bad either.) Captain Paula won the “award” for Best Meal During the Storms—a pair of Fawcett’s Supply coffee mugs!! She shared one of them with me, her Assistant Galley Slave, for my part in helping to assemble the infamous Turkey Burgers. What an honor!!
 
So it’s back to the real world with memories of a lovely week at sea aboard the sturdy and lovely s/v TwoFish and her able and generous Captains. Thanks for a great time. 
 
Fair Winds, all.
Kelly




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