Good overnight rip from NY to Cape May. 20-30knts NW wind for most the trip. Cold, clear, and breezy. Wind died off last 10nm for a slow finish but over all a solid run. Off to the Chesapeake tomorrow.
Wind is picking up fast. Port motor started shaking after about 30min of leaving. I figured there might be something fouling the prop, but it was a little too rough to jump in and check along the way. After we anchored I got ready to jump in and check the prop, and a 10' tiger shark buzzed the back of the boat, just below the surface, within 5' of the swim ladder and came back around for a second pass. Glad I didn't jump in a minute earlier. After it left, we waited for a bit scanning the water when the sun would peak out. Then we went in. Erin was on shark patrol with the spear while I cut the 1" line out of the prop. Visibility was poor and the water was cloudy. Sure glad I wasn't sailing solo, and that my girlfriend is a complete badass, or that line was going to stay in the prop until the next clear water anchorage. Also, a boat hailed us when we arrived to let us know that there was a pack of dogs on the island and if we had pets aboard we should not take them ashore. He said, the guy who lived on the island contacted him and told him the pack had attacked and killed other pets before. We don't have any pets or small children, but heads up to those of you that do. So far, Little Bay has been an exciting anchorage, and seems to have good protection from the NW wind. We will see how the night goes.
Light wind, following seas. Motored the whole way. Left Hopetown at 6:30am dropped anchor at Royal Island at 7:45pm.
NNE 15-24knts, rain. 2-3' wind chop
Good wind direction 18-24knts SSW. Sunny!
