Delaware Bay is no fun at all in a norther. Took a Nicholson 58 up there (many years ago now) and she stopped at every third wave. It was windy and cold. We were miserable.
About 3 minutes after turning the corner into the C&D, we're saying, "What was that all about . . it's beautifully calm in here!" and started peeling off layers.
You can run the C&D at night, but as Rich H said . . . watch the "streetlights" ahead on the opposite bank. If they start to go out one at a time, look up. You'll see a red sidelight. You are so close to the ships you won't see their nav lights if you just look ahead!