Florida charter or bareboat

[foolproof]

Hello all:

I am looking for information about either renting or chartering a boat in or around Florida in May 2013, for our 25th anniversary. I am a inland lake sailor, but I don't know much about coastal cruising, so it would be ideal if I could find a bareboat charter, if there is such a thing. Maybe have someone along who could help me with navigation and local stops, etc., but one that would allow us to do our own sailing.

Any advice, ideas, etc are greatly appreciated!

Mike & Lisa

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

You didn't mention where in Fl but if you are considering the west coast, this might be a candidate:

http://www.sailingflorida.com/

Much less crowded than the E coast.

 

[dlewis812]

also on west (think east is limited).. has just one cat 30

http://www.latsail.com/

 

[cephius (Dave)]

This spring we spend a week on Conch Key. The cottage we rented came with a Com-Pac 23. It was a great experience.

Check out Caribbean Soul Charters at http://www.flakeyscottage.com/sailboats.html

 

[Sailm8]

Southwest Florida www.Yachtingvacatons.com

Have Island Packets and Cats. The sailing in this area is easy. You run aground it is mostly muck. Navigation is easy and waters are protected.

 

[Stan Breaux]

I recommend Emerald Coast Yachts in Pensacola Beach.

http://www.ecsailing.com/

 

[Kings Gambit]

St. Petersburg, FL has a Sunsail Charter Company for bareboat chartering. You did not say how long you wanted to be gone. Here's a good 7-day trip if you don't want to push too hard: St. Petersburg to DeSoto Pt on the Manatee River; anchor 1 night; DeSoto Pt to Moores on the ICW--anchor 1 night; Moores to Otter Key near Big Sarasota Pass (sail down Sarasota Bay); anchor two nights (or go to Marina Jacks in Sarasota and anchor out or get a slip); Otter Key to Longboat Key Marina (stay one night); LBKM to Bimini Bay @ Anna Maria Island (anchor 1 night); return 15 n.mi. to St. Petersburg on 7th day.

There are lots of variations along the way. If you want to be gone longer, go all of the way to Venice b/f turning around.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

Florida Charter

I had a great experience with these folks http://swfyachts.com/. They are located in the center of many interesting small barrier islands in South West Florida. These islands give you lots of sheltered places to anchor, but you are also able to stop at nice restaurants if you want. They will send a captain with you for as long or as little as you need to brush up on your skills or learn local knowledge.. HINT- sometimes sailors new to this area are very surprised at how shallow some of the water is and you might actually be happier choosing a slightly smaller, (as opposed to the very largest) boat from their fleet. Another nice bonus is their boats are in an immaculate marina and docked near the pool, so if you arrive the evening before , it is an inviting place to await your departure. I hope you really enjoy yourselves!

 

[inarathree]

You didn't say where you were going in FL but if you are thinking about the west coast of FL, say the Tampa Bay area, at least this link will give you some ideas of where you can get from here.

http://www.sailingflorida.com/destinations.html

There are also a couple of other options - building on the 4 day itinerary you can sail from Clearwater to Caladesi Island, and rent a slip for an overnight, and/or anchor another night off Anclote Island, Visit Tarpon Springs, and then go back. During the week both islands are pretty deserted. Although Clearwater to Anclote Island (the northern most of the two) is only a couple hours of sailing. But that leave you plenty of island exploring time.