Georgetown, MD to Mystic Seaport, CT

For many years, we dreamed about the day of being able to untie from the dock at leisure on a weekday. Well, upon retirement on Friday, 6/27/25 we were thrilled to embark on unfamiliar waters beyond Atlantic City, NJ and adventure shortly thereafter. This voyage was our first long cruise since our acquisition (5/18/23). As our luck would have it, the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) Rendezvous seemed like the perfect opportunity for a USA chartered “shakedown” before our international cruising commences while also being surrounded with mind-like individuals.

In preparation for this cruise we…

Fueled at Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort & Marina (Georgetown, MD) 400 Gallons ($1,300)
Provisioned at Food Lion (Middletown, DE) ($425)
MTOA Rendezvous Fee ($300)
Mystic Seaport Museum Rez (Mystic Seaport, CT) ($950)

Additional Costs:

Dining: $529
Marinas: $1,068
Mooring Ball: $70
Provisions: $47
Uber: $107
West Marine: $120

Grand Total: $3,191 which excludes our $1,300 Fuel and home port provision $425.

Monday, June 30, 2025 (Day 1)

Departure: Granary Marina (Georgetown, MD) 10AM

Captain’s Report:

Calm Waters
Clear Visibility
Cruising with Current (Average Speed 7.4kn, Peak Speed: 10.5kn)
Outside is Hot (88°F) & Humid (64%)
12:17PM Coast Guard VHF Report of a Large Log in the Proximity of Chesapeake City, MD Area
1PM 14kn Winds by Chesapeake City Bridge, MD
1:42PM Passed Summit North Marina (Bear, DE)
1:46PM Passed Large Log in the Water
1:48PM C&D Canal Wake Crossing with M/Y Baerwolf & M/V Mischief (Tender in Tow)
2:06PM Passed 2nd Large Log in the Water
2:53PM Anchor Secured

Arrival: North of Redding Point Anchorage (N39°34.188′ W75°.34.249′) 2: 50PM

Distance Cruised: 37 Miles

Special Comments:

Our first C&D Canal cruise with M/V Soul Mates.
Chesapeake City, MD area was great practice navigating in a no wake zone, following current and against the wind.
Storm cells slowly pass East of us as we approach anchorage.
Passed only one Gold Burgee Looper, M/V Frost Free.

Next Stop: Tomorrow, 7/1/25 Lewes, DE

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Day 2)

Departure: North of Redding Point Anchorage (N39°34.188′ W75°.34.249′) 7:40AM

Captain’s Report:

Choppy Waters
Clear Visibility
Cruising with Current (Average Speed 8kn, Peak Speed: 10kn)
Outside is Hot (80°F) & Humid (86%)
7:45AM Tanker Polar Mexico Not on AIS or Response to VHF Call
8:01AM Passed Incoming Tanker Olivia Maersk
8:04AM First Dolphin Sighting
10:06AM Dodging Crab Traps in the Marked Channel
10:14AM Swells Picked Up 1′
11:14PM Speed Dropped to 6kn Due to Incoming Tide
11:58AM – 1:18PM First Mate at the Helm

Arrival: Breakwater Light (Lewes, DE) (N38°47.792.’ W75°06.173′) 2:51PM

Distance Cruised: 51 Miles

Special Comments:

Normally not phased by rough waters, I ended up having to put on Sea Bands before my symptoms got worse.
Within 20 minutes of my shift I saw two dolphins and later a pod of dolphins, sadly no jumpers. Pretty sure Jacques considered it a mirage.
As we approached the wall to our anchorage location, we saw another pod of dolphins. Sadly, no jumpers.
Within minutes of our anchorage we had thunderstorms and heavy rain. As we laid in bed winds picked up, Jacques relocated to the Pilothouse and noted winds to be 75mph. We swung in a tear drop shape. Fortunately, not long lasting.
Departing our anchorage as I was distracted by a beautiful jelly fish on the water surface.

Next Stop: Tomorrow, 7/2/25 Atlantic City, NJ

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 (Day 3)

Departure: Breakwater Light (Lewes, DE) (N38°47.792.’ W75°06.173′) 7:15AM

Captain’s Report:

Choppy Ocean Waters
Clear Visibility
Gray Clouds
Cruising with Current (Average Speed 7.3kn, Peak Speed: 8kn)
Outside is Cooler (77°F) & Humid (84%)
9:13AM – 10:33AM Captain Resting
9:15AM Began Passing Wildwood Shoreline
10:13AM Began Raining
10:33AM Floating Lines Detected in 40′ Water
12:28PM Portside Pass of a Large Pod Dolphins

Arrival: Farley State Marina (Managed by the Golden Nugget) 2:40PM

Distance Cruised: 50 Miles

Special Comments:

Cruised less than 5 miles offshore.
Departing our anchorage as I was distracted by a beautiful jellyfish on the water surface.
Unlike the past few days, playing from the salon TV was CBS3 News, as news Reporters stood on the street, cars passing by seemed to peep their horn, had Jacques inquired about what that sound?
We saw a huge pod of dolphins. Sadly, no jumpers! Against my wishes Jacques wouldn’t turn the boat around.
Our first time backing into a slip with this vessel, we both were most apprehensive, like our lunch the second time around didn’t taste as great. As we carefully entered, the water taxi could have cared less about our nerves and was just eager to make their next stop. We nailed it! I even caught the cleat from the bow. We high five, cheered and hugged each other. The young dock had no idea what all the fuss was about until we told him. He said, well, that’s the first and best I’ve ever seen. And he’s seen a lot of first times not go so well.
The former owners of our N4701 upgraded to a 55′ (M/V Rehmat, N5509) and are to our bow.
Noticed a second Nordhavn at the marina (M/V Overspray, N475-48).
Our first Nordhavn Noodle, 3 Nordhavns in one place.

Next Stop: Sandy Hook, NJ (Friday, 7/4/25)

Thursday, July 3, 2025 (Day 4)

Stayed at Farley State Marina (Managed by the Golden Nugget).

Special Comments:

We had the opportunity to meet Jim C and tour this beautiful 2024 vessel (M/V Overspray, N475-48).
At 9:30PM a 20 minute firework extravaganza.

Friday 4, 2025 (Day 5)

Departure: Farley State Marina (Managed by the Golden Nugget) 6:15AM

Captain’s Report:

Calm Ocean Waters
Clear Visibility
Cruising Speed Average Speed 7.2kn, Peak Speed: 8kn
Outside is Comfortable (79°F) & Humid (80%)
8:20AM Passed Long Beach, NJ Portside
9:13AM Chatted with “Buddy Boat” M/V Voyager from Herrington Harbour North (Deale, MD)
9:30AM – 10:30AM Captains Break
11:54AM Passing Seaside Heights, NJ Portside
12:05PM – 12:50PM Captains Break
1:09PM Passed Dredging Galveston Island Stern

Arrival: Sandy Hook Point, NJ (N40.°28.076 W74°.00.829) 5:17PM

Distance Cruised: 80 Miles

Special Comments:

The extra night stay really did help us to catch up on some uninterrupted sleep.
Leaving our slip luckily managed to rescue an orange fender ball.
Jacques chatted with “Buddy Boat” M/V Voyager is headed to the Great Lakes with overnight also anchorage at Sandy Hook, NJ.
Saw four dolphins offshore; two couples.
Saw two dolphins as we approached our anchorage after 12 hours of cruising.
“After a 12 hour day of navigation, what a dolphin welcome as we approached our overnight anchorage, Sandy Hook Point, NJ.
“Buddy Boat” M/V Voyager arrived and anchored by our port side.
Awoke to a anchored sailboat about 6 feet off our port side. That Captain did not seem concerned. Given the open anchorage space we moved. To our surprise, only 3 vessels overnight.
Firework display at 9:30PM.

Next Stop: Manhasset Bay, Port Washington, NY

Saturday 5, 2025 (Day 6)

Departure: Sandy Hook Point, NJ (N40.°28.076 W74°.00.829) 7:20AM

Arrival: Manhasset Bay, Port Washington, NY (Mooring Field #13) 1:33PM

Distance Cruised: 32 Miles

Special Comments:

Suspension Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connects Staten Island, NY and Brooklyn, NY. Formerly the longest suspension bridge in the world upon opening in 1964.
The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island, NY) is not nearly as large as I thought.
NYC water taxis are plentiful. No care for slow pass, currents or their wakes.
Barges tend to stay anchored on weekends, really can’t imagine the added level of navigation stress they add.
We lost an hour in East River, NY due to the current.
While on the East River, NY we heard calls from a vessel to the Coast Guard rendering assistance to distressed vessels. No lifejackets on board, no working VHF radio or phone onboard.
Enjoyed cruising the affluent area of Manhasset (Nassau County, NY) on the North Shore of Long Island.
Our first mooring ball with this vessel was nothing short of shit show but entertaining for all the vessels around us.
Area known to have 7′ tide surge.

Next Stop: Cockenoe Island Anchorage (Westport, CT) (Monday, 7/7/25)

Sunday 6, 2025 (Day 7)

Manhasset Bay, Port Washington, NY (Mooring Field #13)

We decided to stay an extra night, for some much needed resting and exploring.

Special Comments:

Had a fantastic lunch at La Petite Framboise (Port Washington, NY). We really enjoyed chatting with the owner. Within walking distance to/from the town dock.
Due to temperatures and humidity we used Uber to/from the shopping center and town dock.
Stopped at West Marine and Target for a few items.
Observed a seaplane arrival and departure. Followed by a second seaplane arrival.
On the complimentary water taxi while Jacques was on a trash run upon his return all onboard were admiring our girl. One couple even admitted to riding over on their tender.

Manhasset Bay Mooring Ball #13 View (Port Washington, NY)

Monday, July 7, 2025 (Day 8)

Departure: Manhasset Bay, Port Washington, NY (Mooring Field #13) 8:30AM

Captain’s Report:

Calm Ocean Waters
Hazy Visibility
Cooler, Muggy & Slight Overcast
Outside is Hot (90°F)& Humid (86%)
Cruising Speed: Average Speed 7.5kn, Peak Speed: 7.8kn
10:55AM Passing Stanford, CT Port Side

Arrival: Cockenoe Island Anchorage Area (Westport, CT) (N 41°05.428′, W 73° 21.175′) 12:25PM

Distance Cruised: 30 Miles

Special Comments:

Jacques has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal moving along the East Coast and how far she will travel.
Less water usage detaching from a mooring ball vs dropped anchor. It’s been awhile since we used a mooring ball and a first with this vessel.
Cockenoe Island is near Haycock Rock and Cockenoe Bay in the Norwalk Islands of Long Island Sound.
One of 25+ islands amid partly submerged boulders, mudflats and reefs.
Heard multiple VHF hails to Tow Boat from “Uh Ho”. Without a timely response, one could hear the Captain’s voice of concern and frustration. I suspect it is identifying as MV or SV.
Submerged wrecks are identified by a floating buoy. We passed some ranging from 54′ to 74′ with the navigational chart to show a concern or not of concern.
First time, it took a good minute for our anchor to grab.
Several celebrities are associated with the area, like John Singer (Singer), Martha Stewart (Entrepreneur), Meg Ryan (Actress), and Michael Bolton (Singer).
Our evening Snag a Slip showed availability at Boardwalk Marina (Stratford, CT), however we awoke to a reservation decline. In speaking with marina, their fully booked and unable to accommodate us. Laptops open we began to a new search were fortunate to find something.

Next Stop: Bridgeport Harbor Marina (Bridgeport, CT)

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (Day 9)

Departure: Cockenoe Island Anchorage Area (Westport, CT) (N 41°05.428′, W 73° 21.175′) 11:40AM

Captain’s Report:

Calm Ocean Waters
Hazy Visibility
Hot & Muggy
Outside is Comfortable (73°F)& Humid (56%)
Cruising Speed Average Speed 7.5kn, Peak Speed: 7.8kn
12:16PM Hailed Fishing Vessel for Intent (Unresponsive)
12:17PM Blew Horn
12:18PM Passed Fishing Vessel on Port
12:28PM Passed Penfield Reef Light on Port (Fairfield, CT)

Arrival: Bridgeport Harbor Marina (Bridgeport, CT) 1:20PM

Distance Cruised: 11 Miles

Special Comments:

As we lifted anchor, it was so nice to have a clean chain, unlike the Upper Chesapeake Bay, MD area. However, rather then the black, muddy, and shells that we’re used too, there was a large rock on our Rocna anchor. Before I could say much more through our Marriage Savers Jacques heard a loud plough.
The uninhabited Cockenoe Island is a haven for birdwatching.
Mornings and evenings windsurf boats circle around Cockenoe Island.
Only our second time backing in and Jacques did a fantastic job.
Hoping during our stay that the yard can look at our minor transmission oil leak.
Dockhand said, someone here is looking to buy a Nordhavn and call it Soulmates. To which, I responded if he dies unexpectedly than I’ll let you know and let them know nothing needs to be changed, we’re M/V Soul Mates.
Around 3:15PM a violent thunderstorm rolled in. Fortunately, tied to the dock in air conditioning.
Even though it’s been 3+ hours since our marina arrival, the Engine Room temperature is still 105°F; but Jacques is determined on fixing a transmission oil leak. Hence, our marina stay with all air conditioning units on. Local Mechanics rate starts at $169/hourly.
Ferry from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson runs year round and every 90 minutes throughout the summer between 6:30AM – 9:30PM.
Bridgeport’s nickname is Park City considering their 1,300 acres of public green space.
In 1988, discontinued Remington Arms Factory (Bridgeport, CT) productions.
Circus owner, P.T. Barnum was the Mayor (Bridgeport, CT) for one term (1875).
Birthplace (Bridgeport, CT) of the Frisbee.
Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, CT) is the only zoo throughout the state.

Next Stop: Old Lyme Dock (Old Lyme, CT) (Friday, 7/11/25)

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 (Day 10)

As we monitor the path of Tropical Storm Chantal, rather then navigate in rain and winds, we decided to stay tied to the docks for another day, happy that Bridgeport Harbor Marina (Bridgeport, CT) was able to accommodate us.

Special Comments:

Jacques had the opportunity to speak with a diver associated with KB Dive Services (Bridgeport, CT) to our starboard who cleans the hull bottom of a racing sailboat weekly. Impressive, generally speaking the local average is 4 – 12 weeks.
We had a fantastic Puerto Rican meal at El Coquito (Bridgeport, CT).
At 7:20PM Jacques set off with our iPad and a different Uber driver to locate his phone pinging at a restaurant after realizing he didn’t board with his phone on him. Set it down in the backseat of the Uber car to retrieve a West Marine (Bridgeport, CT) bag. UGH! Pleased to say, he found it! Needless, to say the Uber driver was shocked by him knocking on his apartment door.
With a storm rolling in, Jacques was above deck checking everything when a fellow slip holder, John from D dock introduced himself. Turned out to be the guy wanting a Nordhavn who has a vessel also named Soulmates. Small world, as he’s familiar with a lot of our MD anchorage and destinations.
At the marina is a 70′ Viking fishing boat which is consider a tender to the owners 260′ yacht. WOWser!

Thursday, July 10, 2025 (Day 11)

Today, we remain tied to docks at Bridgeport Harbor Marina (Bridgeport, CT) with chores (cleaning, engine room maintenance, hull wash and laundry) in full swing. Not everyday can be about exploring, fun cruising and relaxation.

Next Stop: Old Lyme Dock (Old Lyme, CT) (Friday, 7/11/25)

Friday, July 11, 2025 (Day 12)

Departure: Bridgeport Harbor Marina (Bridgeport, CT) 7:30AM

Captain’s Report:

Calm Waters
Clear Visibility
Cruising Against Current (Average Speed 7.4kn, Peak Speed: 8.9kn & Undertow: 5kn/6kn)
Outside is Hot (80°F) & Humid (85%)
8:45AM Transmission Oil Leak Checked (New Drip Detected)
9:15AM Passing New Haven, CT on Port
9:45AM – 11:12AM First Mate at Helm
11:15AM M/V Ocean Jewel Crossed Our Bow
11:45AM Passed Falkner Island, CT on Port
12:32PM Loud Alarm on Main Engine (Temp 220)
12:33PM Jacques Investigated: Shredded Belt
12:45PM Tow Boat Responded
1:35PM Tow Boat Onsite (Matt)
2:52PM Second Tow Boat Arrived (Eric)

Arrival: Old Lyme Dock (Old Lyme, CT) 4:14PM

Distance Cruised: 44 Miles

Special Comments:

Along Long Island Sound we passed Falkner Island, a 2.87 acre crescent in shape rich in Native American history.
Tow Boat US Gold Membership is worth every penny!
We noticed singular traps in 52′ of water.
When it’s a No Wake Zone. They mean it here! While in tow, we observed a 16′ vessel get stopped.
Amtrak rail uses the Old Saybrook – Old Lyme (Draw) Bridge over the Connecticut River.
According to Tow Boat Representative Matt, most of the mooring balls around here have a grab stick, which makes it so much easier to grab and not having to handle your pole and line.
Coastal town is known for Artists’ Community, Beaches, Ferry Landing Park, Florence Griswold Museum and Goose Island.
On our stern was a crewed vessel, M/V Excellence (131′).

Saturday, July 12, 2025 (Day 13)

Today, should have been a “fun day” with lunch at one of the local restaurants, visiting Florence Griswold Museum and browsing some charming shops followed by a tender stroll. Instead, we’re singing the nursery school song, “clean up“.

The shredded main engine belt which measures 65″ (John Deere, P/N R123457) is absolutely everywhere in a million if not trillion little pieces. This mess now leaves a trail of mess elsewhere. UGH!

Next Stop: Mystic Seaport Museum Marina (Mystic Seaport, CT) (Sunday, 7/13/25)

Sunday, July 13, 2025 (Day 14)

Departure: Old Lyme Dock (Old Lyme, CT) 9AM

Captain’s Report:

Calmish Waters
Dense Fog Visibility
Cruising Against Current (Average Speed 5.6kn, Peak Speed: 7.2kn)
Outside is Hot (74°F) & Humid (90%)
9:05AM Passed Through Old Lyme DrawBridge
9:15AM Encountered Dense Fog
9:54AM Passed a White Whaler Style Vessel with 2 Men Fishing in Dense Fog without Nav Light or Anything
10:16AM Slightly Bumpy Water Conditions
10:39AM Passed Fishing Vessel with 3 Persons Onboard
10:42AM Coast Guard Pan Pan Way South of Us (Merrick Bay)
11:14AM MTOA Member Vessel Sister Kate in View (Mary & Lou)
11:57AM Passed MTOA Member Vessel Sister Kate on Port (Mary & Lou)

Arrival: Mystic Seaport Museum Marina (Mystic Seaport, CT) 1:10PM

Distance Cruised: 24 Miles

Special Comments:

As we were due to depart we learned that we weren’t the only crew towed. Last evening a twin engine with dead alternators was towed in. Ship happens!
Cruising Mystic River, CT the channel is narrow with many bends (3.4 miles long).
Congestion occurs around the two bridges on Mystic River, CT.
Mystic River divides the town of Groton and Stonington.
Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the USA on 19 acres.

We have reached our final destination for now in Mystic Seaport, CT. So, checkout further photos online, 2025 Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) Northeast Rendezvous hosted from Sunday, 7/13/25 – Wednesday, 7/16/25.

If you have been following our journey, then be sure to checkout and our home port return from Mystic Seaport, CT to Georgetown, MD.