Cape May (2) ##

  
FIG. 1A view of launch into Delaware bay in Lower Twp.
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 FIG. 1B aerial view of the Cape May area Launch locations
 

I am aware of two launches in Cape May, NJ, one being into Delaware
 bay and the other being directly into the ocean.  The Delaware bay
launch is just north of the ferry dock to Lewes, DE in Lower Twp and
the ocean side launch is in the city of Cape May.  The Delaware bay
launch is a very wide and expansive beach with no fees and minimal
regulations, while the launch from the city of Cape May beach into the
ocean has fees and is more heavily regulated, especially during the
swimming season.

Directions (bay launch):  To get to either launch, you need to travel
 to the southern end (mile 0) of the GSP.  To get to the bay launch,
continue to follow signs for the Cape May/Lewes Ferry.  On the
approach to the ferry dock, you will be on Lincoln Blvd.  After passing
the large Welcome sign for the ferry and about 300 feet before
the ferry dock, there will be a fork in the road where you have to
bear left to go to the ferry and continue straight (or bear right) to
stay on Lincoln Blvd.  Stay on Lincoln Blvd and continue to an end
at a T intersection at a stop sign.  You may park in the small lot
in front of you or you may turn right onto Beach Drive and
park anywhere along the next mile or so. 

FIG. 2 View of Beach Drive facing south with the Delaware bay to
the right

Notes (bay launch): The launch faces West into the bay.  The beach
 is at least one mile long and this it is spacious. I was told (by jpk)
that this launch is best on a strong NW wind.  This launch can provide
high-end windsurfing with big swells
for wave sailors. 

Regulations (bay launch):  No driving on beach, no alcohol, no fires,
closes at 9PM, obey parking signs along Beach Dr, use paths to get
to water and do not trample over the grasses.

Fees (bay launch): None

Ocean Launch

Directions (Ocean launch): To get to the ocean launch, after reaching
the end of the GSP, continue down Lafayette St (NJ Rt 109 S) through
Cape May to the beach.  Upon reaching Beach Ave (or is it Ocean Ave),
turn right so that you are heading West.  Continue to an end and park
along the sea wall (near 2nd Ave).  The launch is just to the right of
the jetty across from the end of Ocean Ave.  The launch faces SSW
into the Ocean.

FIG. 3 view from tip of jetty looking back towards land--windsurfing
is carried out from the beach in the left of the photo--buildings at
center of photo mark the western end of Ocean (or Beach) Ave
where you can park.

FIG. 4 view of lighthouse at the point 1.5 miles from the end of Ocean (or Beach) Ave
--during the off season, the windsurfers can launch from anywhere, but during the
swimming season, the windsurfers must cart their gear about 1000 ft along this shoreline
 as the shoreline in the foreground is reserved for surfers and bathers.
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the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape
 or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")

Notes (ocean launch):  Launch faces SSW.  Lighthouse at point demarks
 the bay/ocean boundary line.  Lighthouse is a 2 mile walk or 1.5 miles as
the crow flies

Amenities (ocean side launch): benches, pavilion, garbage receptacles

Regulations/Fees (ocean side launch):  Regarding the Ocean launch,
bathersare present from Memorial day til past Labor day.  During this season,
windsurfers (in addition to SUPs and kiteboarders) must cart their gear about
1000 ft along the beach to yield to the bathers and surfers.  Windsurfers
must also purchase a beach badge during this time frame as well as pay a
parking fee.  Outside of the Memorial day to Sept time frame, everything
is free and windsurfers can launch from anywhere resulting in only a 100
foot gear carry.  In the April to July time frame, windsurfers may be further
restricted to a strip of sand close to the water due to birds hatching in the
dry sand further inland.