Destin Florida area sailing info?

[Charles Duhon (Artistry)]

Has anyone sailed in the Destin Florida area or do you have information on the sailing conditions and marinas in the surrounding area?Thinking of when we ever retire and moving our H-34 (shoal draft) to sailthe gulf coast.I may have to take a vacation there to check it out, meanwhile I'm daydreaming.

 

[Jay Hill]

Try a Cruising Guide

there are hundreds of Florida cruising guides available on the web ranging from 12.99 to $50. A search for "Cruising Guide" Florida produced 496 results.Plus, you get pictures! (Pictures always seem to accelerate my plans for vacation/cruise/retirement so be careful!)

 

[Terry Arnold]

Destin Sailing

I notice that you have a height of over 51 feet. The Destin pass bridge has a height of only 50 feet, as do many other bridges on the ICW in that area. The latest Claiborne cruising guide covers the area very well.

 

[Ernest Johnston]

Destin Paradise

I have a 33 based in Destin. The bridgesare all 50', but the beauty is you can be in the Gulf in about 10 minutes and that is the best sailing....in fact, I don't like the bay as I draft 5 feet....my email is ejohnston@paragonms.com my phone is 770 640 1695 (work) and home is 770 643 9423.....I live in Atlanta, but visit Destin frequently......I would be willing to work something out with you if you want to try the area....Destin is clearly a great place, the Destin Harbor is well protected, very little traffic and well patrolled......great restaurants.......cej

 

[Bob Rutland]

Choctawhatchee Bay

I live in Niceville, which is 5 miles from Destin on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay. I sail our H31 (5'4"draft) about 95% of the time in the bay with no problems. The bay is part of the ICW and I have been told is in the top 10 places to sail in the US. Be aware of the Destin Bridge, charts say it's 50', but is really only about 48' at high tide.If you decide to dock your boat on the bay side of the Destin bridge you would be abel to sail from Brooks Bridge in Ft. Walton Beach to the Hwy. 331 bridge in Freeport. This is about 30 miles, and the bay is over 3-4 miles wide in places. If you choose the gulf side of Detin Bridge you can sail the gulf.The best thing to do is have the mast cut down to less than 50' and enjoy it all!