Seems one of the silliest things I've heard of any sailor making in a long time. Willoughby is nortoursly good for a lousy bottom. And it's open about 100 degress on one side. Why anyone would have left there for a trip up the bay at that time is beyond me. After all, even the Navy sent it's vessels out a few days before and they can travel much faster then the sailboat.

Go Slow
Sail Far
Stay Long