On the other hand, they could make the Sassafras in one day,

It can be a lot rough for the 50 some miles Cape May to C & D Canal when the
wind is against the current. He may not want to make 20 knots in those
conditions. Just one protected anchorage on the Del Riv.

I seem to remember about 35 miles Sassafras to Annapolis (which has moorings,
anchorages and a water taxi). Annapolis is more interesting that Cape May and
one hell of a lot more interesting than Sassafras.