From Plymouth we planned to cross Cape Cod Canal to Buzzards Bay. Crossing the canal in a sailboat is always timed to optimize travel with the direction of flow in the Canal. Currents can reach 6 knots in the canal and change direction depending on the tidal cycle.
When crossing from Cape Cod Bay into Buzzards Bay crossing should coincide with ebb tide on the east side of the Canal. Scott consulted Eldridge and estimated that west max ebb tide would occur around 8 AM Sunday, dictating an early departure from Plymouth to the entrance to the Canal.
We anticipated that the tide would begin to reverse by around noon and it takes about an hour to transit the canal. We departed Plymouth around 8 AM and arrived at the canal around 11. We were with the current most of the way and began to notice a dramatic shift just as we approached Massachusetts Maritime Academy at the exit of the canal.
It was an easy day and clear skies as we motor sailed in the light north easterly winds. We were in Onset by 2 PM, just in time for a dinghy ride and walk on Wicket Island. We celebrated Father’s Day with a nice meal and a the gift of Prosecco from our daughter’s. A nice walk for the dogs on the beach capped off the day.
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