I have been through the canal close to 100 times over the years and each time the tide almost always runs west to east whether it is falling or rising. It is possible to plot an east to west current, but the Delaware has to be rising while the Chesapeake is falling at the same time. a rare occurrence in my experience! For a trawler it can mean the difference of a 1-1/2 hour to 2-1/2 hour trip. If you're heading east and heading down the Delaware to Cape May, I would just time my arrival at the Delaware for high tide and then ride it all the way down. If you really want to try to time an east/west ride through the canal, check with the harbor pilots at Chesapeake City for the best time. If you're running it at night be very careful and pay close attention to the lights that run along each side. When you can't see the lights it means something very very large. is in the way and heading straight for you
John
MS 390