Some of us rested well in Delaware City after being grandbaby-on-the-way sleepless in Baltimore.  Some of us woke up counting not sheep, but wind speed, tide, currents anything that might have an effect on today’s possible rough fifty-six mile ride on the Delaware River and Bay to Cape May, NJ.  Several cruisers were waiting another day, but after weighing all the factors, and trying to sleep on it, we left the marina at 5:00a.m.  The inky sky was beginning to lighten which was enough to see any debris, another factor after the coastal flooding here.  What we found was current running about 3 knots in our favor for four and a half hours, winds 5-10 knots, and only a light chop on the water.  All factors combined for those first few hours instead of our normal straight motoring at 7.5 knots, we saw average speeds of about 9 knots, and maxing at 11.7.  Needing to alter course slightly cost us the sail power, and when the current changed against us our speed was cut to 6.5 knots, still decent.  Fritz and I were able to keep Captain company in the cockpit the whole way. Winds have picked up this afternoon, and we were glad to be safely sheltered in Cape May shortly after noon.  Of course everyone has to make their own decision about what’s comfortable and safe for them, but after such a pleasant crossing on Aurora, we knew this one was right for us.  With almost perfect passages the last two days on what we had been told were very difficult ones, our navigational confidence has definitely gotten a boost. 

Cha-ching!  Atlantic City tomorrow!