Charlotte Harbor,Fl, Weather

[seadaddler]

So what do you do here on the west coast of Florida with this summer weather.
How do you plan sailing with all these thunderstorms and rain,am I crazy to go out sailing in Charlotte Harbor with a chance of thunderstorms and rain.
Just wondering how you seasoned sailors in the area use your sailboat,it's not like I have not been out in thunderstorms when living in NY but this Florida weather lately has been pretty bad and my wife is thinking I am crazy of thinking of sailing here this time of year,how do you plan some sailing days.
Nick

 

[Benny]

First of all Nick this has been unusual weather as May usually falls in our dry season. We usually take a day sail in the morning around 10:00 AM and return by 2:00PM. If the forecast is for severe weather we don't go out. In any instance be ready to deal with strong winds and rain on short notice. If you are out, seek deeper water as opposed to trying to make back to the dock. Lightning can be a little unnerving but the odds are heavily in your favor. Almost never go out in lightning conditions but have been caught in some good ones. I remember weather like this around 20 years ago, I guess the patterns are kind of cyclical. As July and August roll around it will get hotter and with less wind but it will get better.

 

[seadaddler]

Thanks Benny

Yes this weather is crazy for sure but will take it a day at a time and go out early with some brave friends,still learning the area and guess not to go too far this time of the year.
Hoping to get together with other sailboaters at my marina and learn some more,may join the yacht club.
Nick