Kevin captured yesterday's sunrise in the shot above. About 9:15 AM the mainsail and anchor were raised. We passed another sailboat in the inlet that we would bump into again later...(keep reading). There were a number of sailboats utilizing the 9 - 13 knot wind out of the south. For over three hours our course heading of 230 degrees was perfect for turning off the engine and using both sails to provide Grace's propulsion. Once it started to rain we chose to add the engine power to the mix to get us there faster. After the sails were put away outside the Cape May Inlet, we certainly noticed the increased rolley-ness from the seas on our beam. Once inside the anchorage, about 4:00 PM, the wind and water were amazingly calm; yet, we still chose our spot away from the pack of anchored boats near the Coast Guard Station. We enjoyed the quiet rest until the howling forecast winds were upon us; after which Kevin repeatedly kept a look about, watching other boats move and anchoring near us, and then one dragging and the single-hander struggling to retrieve the anchor and re-set while avoiding a close collision. About mid-morning today, with strong wind and current, the single-hander hauled anchor and collided with Grace; we quickly were outside to fend off and have a look; the other skipper was honest and responsible, giving us his name and phone number; since then Kevin has confirmed that no harm was done and had a phone conversation with him to set the other skipper's mind at ease.

(captains note) I always try to practice defensive anchoring, staying away from other boats which may react differently than Grace to wind and current. This allows me to sleep better at anchor. Another point, we don't know the skills of the other boaters or the reliability of their ground tackle so i try to stay out of their path if they drag anchor. This works pretty well for us, but sometimes when other boaters get in an anchoring mess they look over where Grace is sitting safe and say to themselves "that looks like a good spot". When they move to join us we get put in the middle of the pack I tried to stay away from.