Hi Max,

Certainly the best along the Jersey Coast... But with the exception of "all weather", large vessel entrances like Beaufort, Charleston, St. Johns etc, it's a very do-able inlet...

As others have mentioned, however, the timing of the tide can be critical, and on a strong ebb it's common to see standing waves and some real turbulence off the jetties... It's definitely the best between NY and Norfolk in seas out of the NE, but with a sizable swell running in from Katia, it will still demand some respect...

Best thing about Cape May, is that the "gauntlet" you might have to run is relatively short, it's really only around the ends of the jetties that things get really stirred up. As soon as you're inside the jetties, it's usually like someone flipped a switch, you're not in the shit for a seemingly endless period like you can be in an inlet such as Oregon Inlet, where it seems you will NEVER get into quieter water... (grin)

Cape May also has the advantage of having a very good range light if you're compelled to attempt an entrance at night... One thing to watch out for, it's common to encounter a big scallop boat or dragger transiting the inlet at night, and they always have their riggers spread, give them a wide berth - they OWN that inlet, and appear to get their kicks messing with yachties... (grin)

I wouldn't count on Barnegat as being a very good option as long as Katia is out there, a big ground swell makes it a whole different ballgame...

And, as someone else already mentioned, south of Ocean City MD with a big swell running, you've got to give the shoals around Chincoteague and Parramore a wide berth, it's quite possible to find breaking seas in their vicinity...

Good luck, and best regards,

Jon