Best Florida coasts/areas for daysailing

[Ted1394]

My only sailing experience being the Great Lakes, I'm looking at the possibility of buying a condo in Florida and eventually moving my 38 Beneteau down there. I have lots of questions: which coasts and areas are best for daysailing or short cruises? How difficult and expensive is it to get a slip down there? Is the gulf side water calmer generally? A couple of areas I'm looking at SO FAR is Ft. Meyers on the gulf, and Palm City (near Stuart, Jupiter, etc.) on the east coast.

 

[Ross in Tampa]

If you're looking for a condo...

look for one with a slip. Problem solved. There are plenty out here, and it's a buyer's market. Plus, no state income tax... WOO HOO!!!You'll love sailing in Florida, it's all good.

 

[Landsend]

Suggestions on Florida....

I've lived in Florida for 40 years and nothing beats the Florida Keys...for water quality, for sailing for fishing and lifestyle. The east coast of Florida is a bit cooler than the west coast of Florida in summer. The middle of the state is Hot. However, you have to also be very careful as the hurricanes tend to hit certain parts such as the pan handle a lot. Another thing is there is a lot of skinny water off the Florida coasts. So buy a chart of the area you are considering. I also like Punta Gorda, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, St Pete and the Tampa Bay area. This is a buyers market so take advantage of it. Good luck.

 

[Sanders]

Looking good

I have lived on both coasts of Florida and think you are looking in the right places.And, the earlier advice was good. You will probably want to avoid the bigger cities (too crowded, too expensive and no slips), but places like Cocoa Beach/Melbourne or Charlotte Harbor-to-Fort Myers might offer good deals right now.And, the water is shallow unless you have easy access to the ocean or Gulf, the exception being Charlotte Harbor which has plenty of room.The idea of condo with slip is a very good one. Slip rates are very high, and getting rarer.

 

[sailaway78]

West Coast

I have not lived in Fla., but I have been through both sides of S.Fla., east and west coast. The west coast is much better sailing in my opinion. Also, don't rule out the panhandle. You will find things somewhat cheaper in the panhandle and there is some very good sailing in that part of the state.

 

[Benny]

In order of choice mys selections are:

1) Florida Keys2) Tampa Bay3) Biscayne Bay4) Charlotte Harbor5) Florida PanhandleThere is no real good daysailing areas in the Atlantic side as the inlets are few and far in between and once you get to the Atlantic the conditions may likely be rough. I consider a good place for daysailing one that in less than 10 minutes you can be out sailing, also an area where you have anchorages and a fair combination of nature, swimming areas and dock facilities. Biscayne Bay does not allow Jet Skis so its a plus but the waters are pretty shallow. For clear water, warm temperatures and places to go nothing beats the Keys.

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

Average temps

What are the average temps in Jan and Feb for the Florida panhandle, ranging down to the keys. We too are looking at finding a retirement haven for the winter in a few years. Lakes are an option for us as well, as we have a small daysailer (20').

 

[Seadaddler]

Buy Now

I choose to sail out of Charlotte Harbor and buy in Port Charlottefor the great sailing in this area.I am spending the winter here until my NY house sells,but now is the time to buy.There are plenty of good deals and plenty to choose from at great deals,I have been shopping for house furniture and TV,Washer dryer and lots of real estate people are changing jobs because it so slow.If you can look now and buy now if you can.Nickare working

 

[shorty]

Day sail??

Sorry about the diversion, but . . . . I have a meeting in Punta Gorda 1/21 and was thinking of going down early to rent a boat for a day sail Sunday before. I may be alone, may have a crew. Any tips on who & where? I'd like to not be told I have to stay within 2 miles, or whatever.

 

[Terry in Naples]

West Coast Sailing

I have to say it. Naples Florida is the best place in Florida. WE have it all and the deals are out there with the slow down. Being a REALTOR I do know. Naples is expensive but in all things you get what you pay for. From my dock it is 100 miles to the Dry Tortugas, to Key West and to Marathon./ Then going up a 1/2 day sail to the Ft Myers/ Sanibel cruising grounds you have South Sea Plantation, cabbage Key and the inside/outside routes all the way up the coast. Here we can sail in warm soft water with white sandy beaches. No crowds and a true tropical climate. Check it out. No one was ever sorry they bought the very best.