biscayne to marco

[Chris]

Need some help sailing from biscayne bay to marco island. I will follow the intercoastal. Big question is, what is safest and quickest place to " hang a right and start heading home towward marco island? Anything to look out for? any safe places to anchor along the way? Anyone?Chrisflboland@hotmail.com

 

[Brian]

Marathon

Some of it depends on your draft. We came down from that area last year and took the cut down to Marathon and then up the Hawk channel on the Atlantic side. We draw 5' and the cut across Florida bay was no problem. The intercoastal south/west Jew Fish creek on the bay side, didn't seem to be as deep as advertised. On a recent trip back from Duck Key, we were touching sand quite often and normally only had a few inches under the keel. It made for a long trip till we got to Largo.If the weather is good, I would recommend taking the Hawk channel (great sailing) and then cutting to the Bay at Marathon. South of Largo you have quite a few places to anchor. On the bay side you can find tons of anchorages.Good luckBrian C.S/V CREW REST

 

[Joe Barrett]

Cape Romano Shoals

Beware the Cape Romano shoals south of Marco. This is where you hang your right to head north to Marco. The shoals extend south quite a bit of Cape Romano so use good navigation and plot your postion before making the turn!

 

[Paul Mieszczenski]

Yacht Channel

Chris, Brian is right about the 5' draft between Cowpens cut and Steamboat Channel; we even kicked up a few basket sponges with our O'25. If you carry 4' of draft the Bayside offers lots of great anchorages and a shortcut to the north through Yacht Channel. After you clear Bowlegs Cut(be careful of strong cross currents)steer a course of 242 for about 4 statuate miles, then turn to a heading of 270 for about 5.75 st.miles and you will be at the cut. Approximate Lat/Lon; 24-53'/80-53'. Plan your weather window well cause it's a long way up the west coast. An approching cold front will make the whole state of Florida a lee shore. Have a great passage, PM

 

[Ed Allen]

best way

I agree that the best way is hawk channel to marathon then thru the big bride. lots of current at times there. then a little jog is required to get into fla bay. you can see it on any chart. there are lots of places to ancor and lots of room to sail. the back side is only good if you like to motor and dont worry about draft.you can then procede almost due north. Keep cape romano shoals on your right and its a piece of cake.good luck