It is simply too early to know complete status for the NJ ICW and the minor
inlets. I can tell you that Cape May, Atlantic City, Manasquan are all in
good shape, both inlets and marinas. Most of the marinas on the barrier
islands and also those on the mainland bays sustained damage, but many are
up and running already. The marinas did an unbelievable cleanup job,
including retrieving and re-blocking 1000's of boats.
Based on pre-Sandy postings on the NJ ICW, I would say most loopers by-pass
the NJ ICW and go outside between Cape May and points north. The problem
they might encounter is actually between Manasquan & NY Harbor. All ports
on Raritan Bay sustained major damage to docks, i.e. Atlantic Highlands,
Keyport, and especially Great Kills - although Great Kills will probably be
a good anchor / mooring possibility.
Out boat was left in NJ at the Viking Yachting Center in New Gretna off
Great Bay and the Mullica and Bass Rivers. Only a few boats were damaged
there, not including ours which was 100% OK. Our concern in the spring
will be getting across Great Bay to the ICW and going through either Little
Egg Harbor or Beach Haven Inlets. If the ICW is open we will go on the
inside. The Great Bay portion of the NJ ICW was already shoal prone as
several reviews on Active Captain have shown.
My advice - enjoy Florida and the cruise up the east coast. No point in
worrying now as conditions will improve by late spring. Check Active
Captain, Waterway Guide or Coast Guard navigation updates from time to
time, more frequently as you go up the Chesapeake.
Ron Matuska
Adagio, NT34-318
Dunedin, FL
It is simply too early to know complete status for the NJ ICW and the minor
inlets. I can tell you that Cape May, Atlantic City, Manasquan are all in
good shape, both inlets and marinas. Most of the marinas on the barrier
islands and also those on the mainland bays sustained damage, but many are
up and running already. The marinas did an unbelievable cleanup job,
including retrieving and re-blocking 1000's of boats.
Based on pre-Sandy postings on the NJ ICW, I would say most loopers by-pass
the NJ ICW and go outside between Cape May and points north. The problem
they might encounter is actually between Manasquan & NY Harbor. All ports
on Raritan Bay sustained major damage to docks, i.e. Atlantic Highlands,
Keyport, and especially Great Kills - although Great Kills will probably be
a good anchor / mooring possibility.
Out boat was left in NJ at the Viking Yachting Center in New Gretna off
Great Bay and the Mullica and Bass Rivers. Only a few boats were damaged
there, not including ours which was 100% OK. Our concern in the spring
will be getting across Great Bay to the ICW and going through either Little
Egg Harbor or Beach Haven Inlets. If the ICW is open we will go on the
inside. The Great Bay portion of the NJ ICW was already shoal prone as
several reviews on Active Captain have shown.
My advice - enjoy Florida and the cruise up the east coast. No point in
worrying now as conditions will improve by late spring. Check Active
Captain, Waterway Guide or Coast Guard navigation updates from time to
time, more frequently as you go up the Chesapeake.
Ron Matuska
Adagio, NT34-318
Dunedin, FL
