My wife, daughter, and I are new to sailing. Have 0 experience. We just bought a Hunter 20. We are school teachers and are looking for a good place to spend spring break learning about our boat and sailing. We also seek warm climates during spring break, so ideally, we would like to know of any lakes or rivers in Florida that are good for sailing and swimming the first week of April. Diving would also be a great addition to the equation, but the sailing and swimming are priorities. Thanks for any help.
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Personally, I won't swim in the lakes...
...but that's just me. Most lakes are shallow and they get cold pretty quick. Most also contain tannin, which stains the water dark brown and makes it hard to see what's beneath. This includes submerged wildlife (gators, etc.). If I were in your shoes, I'd head for the coast. The Indian River, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound are all great sailing areas and are still off the beaten track. Bear in mind that room and board are more expensive in the winter, and if a strong cold front comes through it can get quite cold (but only for a few days). I know I sound negative but I'd rather be realistic than talk you into hauling your boat all the way here to find that you won't be able to enjoy it. How about doing some lake sailing for a few days (Lakes Monroe and Harris have active sailing communities) then leave the boat and run south for the swimming and diving? Hope I didn't discourage you. Peter H23 "Raven"
...but that's just me. Most lakes are shallow and they get cold pretty quick. Most also contain tannin, which stains the water dark brown and makes it hard to see what's beneath. This includes submerged wildlife (gators, etc.). If I were in your shoes, I'd head for the coast. The Indian River, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound are all great sailing areas and are still off the beaten track. Bear in mind that room and board are more expensive in the winter, and if a strong cold front comes through it can get quite cold (but only for a few days). I know I sound negative but I'd rather be realistic than talk you into hauling your boat all the way here to find that you won't be able to enjoy it. How about doing some lake sailing for a few days (Lakes Monroe and Harris have active sailing communities) then leave the boat and run south for the swimming and diving? Hope I didn't discourage you. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Bruce
Florida Spots
I agree with Peter. Lakes Monroe and Harris are great to sail in. I would also suggest the Intercoastal, either the Titusville area (base yourself out of Kennedy Point Yacht Club - there is a public ramp right next to the marina, and Kennedy Space Center can be seen directly from the Club) or Melbourne (stay at the Melbourne marina
I agree with Peter. Lakes Monroe and Harris are great to sail in. I would also suggest the Intercoastal, either the Titusville area (base yourself out of Kennedy Point Yacht Club - there is a public ramp right next to the marina, and Kennedy Space Center can be seen directly from the Club) or Melbourne (stay at the Melbourne marina
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Jon Bastien / H25 'Adagio'
Hit or miss in April...
I agree with Peter about the lakes- I generally don't like the idea of swimming in them if I can avoid it, and for the same reasons. In April, most of Florida's coastal waters are a gamble as far as comfortable temperatures go. My personal recommendation is to look into the panhandle area (Port St. Joe, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or Pensacola) first- Choctawhatchee Bay offers some EXCELLENT sailing for a boat your size (I used to have a H23 there). Port St. Joe has a large state park/campground, and is pretty well protected. FWB is cheaper than Destin, and Pensacola has a lot to offer for the times when you're not sailing. If the weather seems uncooperative, work your way down the gulf coast (the waters are a little warmer than the Atlantic that time of year). [Shameless plug: If you make it to Alachua, check out the Hunter factory!] If you have wetsuits, I'd recommend them- My personal opinion is that the water wouldn't get comfortable until Fort Myers. Finally, if $$ and time are not big obstacles, I'd recommend coming all the way down to Key Largo or Marathon. The weather that time of year is perfect, the water is warm, and there's a reef about 6 miles south of the Keys that's shallow enough for snorkeling, or deep enough for diving. There are even vacation rental houses with docks throughout the Keys, so you only have to launch/retrieve your boat once... and they're more reasonably priced in the upper/middle keys than they are here in Key West. If you need more info about Fort Walton Beach or the FL Keys, feel free to contact me. I'm in the HOW directory, or you can post your questions here. --Jon Bastien
I agree with Peter about the lakes- I generally don't like the idea of swimming in them if I can avoid it, and for the same reasons. In April, most of Florida's coastal waters are a gamble as far as comfortable temperatures go. My personal recommendation is to look into the panhandle area (Port St. Joe, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or Pensacola) first- Choctawhatchee Bay offers some EXCELLENT sailing for a boat your size (I used to have a H23 there). Port St. Joe has a large state park/campground, and is pretty well protected. FWB is cheaper than Destin, and Pensacola has a lot to offer for the times when you're not sailing. If the weather seems uncooperative, work your way down the gulf coast (the waters are a little warmer than the Atlantic that time of year). [Shameless plug: If you make it to Alachua, check out the Hunter factory!] If you have wetsuits, I'd recommend them- My personal opinion is that the water wouldn't get comfortable until Fort Myers. Finally, if $$ and time are not big obstacles, I'd recommend coming all the way down to Key Largo or Marathon. The weather that time of year is perfect, the water is warm, and there's a reef about 6 miles south of the Keys that's shallow enough for snorkeling, or deep enough for diving. There are even vacation rental houses with docks throughout the Keys, so you only have to launch/retrieve your boat once... and they're more reasonably priced in the upper/middle keys than they are here in Key West. If you need more info about Fort Walton Beach or the FL Keys, feel free to contact me. I'm in the HOW directory, or you can post your questions here. --Jon Bastien
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Gary
Thanks
Can't thank you guys enough. It sure is nice to know that you are willing to lend your time and expertise to a rookie sailor with a little boat. All of your suggestions opened my eyes, and I sure am glad they were opened before submerged. We LOVE St. Joe Bay, vacationed on Cape San Blas the last couple of summers. I was afraid of it because of how far north and how shallow. Time wise, we can stay on I-75 and get much farther south in same time. We've done the manatee thing at Crystal River, Homosassa, etc...What about Rainbow River (any sailng there)? Excuse my naivity, but I can learn so much from you guys. The Charlotte Harbor idea looks awesome, but the 0 experience has me a little apprehensive. Kid and I have wetsuits, wife would rather not. That bay by Destin and FWB looks nice, is it far enough south? Sorry to ramble, just trying to recall and respond from your messages. Money is priority, we're school teachers. Time frame is about 5 days, because we won't have enough money to last any longer. Thanks again guys, will research all of your ideas, love to hear from you with any more. Appreciate the welcome. ps...Any of you Parrot Heads also? Gary
Can't thank you guys enough. It sure is nice to know that you are willing to lend your time and expertise to a rookie sailor with a little boat. All of your suggestions opened my eyes, and I sure am glad they were opened before submerged. We LOVE St. Joe Bay, vacationed on Cape San Blas the last couple of summers. I was afraid of it because of how far north and how shallow. Time wise, we can stay on I-75 and get much farther south in same time. We've done the manatee thing at Crystal River, Homosassa, etc...What about Rainbow River (any sailng there)? Excuse my naivity, but I can learn so much from you guys. The Charlotte Harbor idea looks awesome, but the 0 experience has me a little apprehensive. Kid and I have wetsuits, wife would rather not. That bay by Destin and FWB looks nice, is it far enough south? Sorry to ramble, just trying to recall and respond from your messages. Money is priority, we're school teachers. Time frame is about 5 days, because we won't have enough money to last any longer. Thanks again guys, will research all of your ideas, love to hear from you with any more. Appreciate the welcome. ps...Any of you Parrot Heads also? Gary
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Tom Wootton
Lake Santa Fe...
...is a pretty good sized lake (actually 2 lakes) 15 miles east of Gainesville, in the town of Melrose. Good for daysailing; lots of Hobies, even some larger (mid-20-foot range) monohulls. There are 3 public ramps. The best one for a small sailboat is in the city limits on a small lagoon known as Melrose Bay. This is not an area that caters to tourists (which I would count in its favor), but there are accommodations available nearby. I have swum in this lake many times, including in April, but it may not be to your liking due to the temperature and the aforementioned tannin, which reduces visibility to about 5 feet. I would expect that there are lots of medium size lakes in the Orlando area. Lake Conway in south Orlando was popular with daysailors when I was a kid, but that was 30 years ago. Good hunting!
...is a pretty good sized lake (actually 2 lakes) 15 miles east of Gainesville, in the town of Melrose. Good for daysailing; lots of Hobies, even some larger (mid-20-foot range) monohulls. There are 3 public ramps. The best one for a small sailboat is in the city limits on a small lagoon known as Melrose Bay. This is not an area that caters to tourists (which I would count in its favor), but there are accommodations available nearby. I have swum in this lake many times, including in April, but it may not be to your liking due to the temperature and the aforementioned tannin, which reduces visibility to about 5 feet. I would expect that there are lots of medium size lakes in the Orlando area. Lake Conway in south Orlando was popular with daysailors when I was a kid, but that was 30 years ago. Good hunting!
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Tom Wootton
Gators
Gator attacks on humans are rare, and attacks on GROUPS of humans are almost unheard of. Dogs are the most likely victims, with small unattended children a distant second. Most lakes around here (including Santa Fe) have gators, but common sense will usually keep you out of trouble.
Gator attacks on humans are rare, and attacks on GROUPS of humans are almost unheard of. Dogs are the most likely victims, with small unattended children a distant second. Most lakes around here (including Santa Fe) have gators, but common sense will usually keep you out of trouble.
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Tim S.
St. Petersburg
Why Not take I-75 to St.Pete. Tampa bay is easily accessible and is like a big Lake. You can sail your boat just about anywhere in the bay without getting in too much trouble. There are plenty of reasonable accomodations available and the downtown area has been revitalized with plenty of great restaurants, movie theaters, museums etc.. And you are about a 15 minute drive to the suncoast's Gulf beaches. Weather is generally warmer than further north and unless your going to the Keys, it doesn't get much warmer.
Why Not take I-75 to St.Pete. Tampa bay is easily accessible and is like a big Lake. You can sail your boat just about anywhere in the bay without getting in too much trouble. There are plenty of reasonable accomodations available and the downtown area has been revitalized with plenty of great restaurants, movie theaters, museums etc.. And you are about a 15 minute drive to the suncoast's Gulf beaches. Weather is generally warmer than further north and unless your going to the Keys, it doesn't get much warmer.
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Don
My 2 cents..
As for weather: go as far south as time and money will allow. My parents winter in St. Pete and I visit ofter. Terriffic place but the weather, i.e. WARM weather, is just too unpredictable in winter. For the week's vacation, just commit to going further south to ensure warm weather. Pick a big body of water. I started sailing on a 21' boat. By the second day I wanted to go accross the large lake I was in. And, I'm no daredevil. Third tip, don't go when I go. Seems that I always get the cold weekends.
As for weather: go as far south as time and money will allow. My parents winter in St. Pete and I visit ofter. Terriffic place but the weather, i.e. WARM weather, is just too unpredictable in winter. For the week's vacation, just commit to going further south to ensure warm weather. Pick a big body of water. I started sailing on a 21' boat. By the second day I wanted to go accross the large lake I was in. And, I'm no daredevil. Third tip, don't go when I go. Seems that I always get the cold weekends.
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Jerry
Now my 2 cents
Consider leaving the boat home and finding a place to take lessons. Or bring your boat and get a "captain" for at least one day of lessons. You'll greatly reduce your learning curve, reduce frustration, not pick up bad habits, etc. You'll enjoy your boat much more quickly. As teachers yourselves, I'm sure you can see my point. Even on a limited budget it is a very good investment. Please consider it. Welcome to sailing!!!
Consider leaving the boat home and finding a place to take lessons. Or bring your boat and get a "captain" for at least one day of lessons. You'll greatly reduce your learning curve, reduce frustration, not pick up bad habits, etc. You'll enjoy your boat much more quickly. As teachers yourselves, I'm sure you can see my point. Even on a limited budget it is a very good investment. Please consider it. Welcome to sailing!!!
J
John Revenboer
Great Sailing in Florida
I would have to recommend the Homestead Bayfront Marina in Homestead. You can locate their website on the net for a phot. It is a fantastic Marina to spend your vacation learning to sail, while also snorkeling and diving. You have security, great people, beautiful beach, calm seas, and electricity.
I would have to recommend the Homestead Bayfront Marina in Homestead. You can locate their website on the net for a phot. It is a fantastic Marina to spend your vacation learning to sail, while also snorkeling and diving. You have security, great people, beautiful beach, calm seas, and electricity.
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Gary
Agree and thanks
John and Jerry, Thanks for ideas. I like the idea of hiring a captain for a day of training on my boat better than taking a class on a different boat. Do you happen to know Homestead Bayfront Marina website? The combination you mention is perfect. Thanks again for you help. Gary
John and Jerry, Thanks for ideas. I like the idea of hiring a captain for a day of training on my boat better than taking a class on a different boat. Do you happen to know Homestead Bayfront Marina website? The combination you mention is perfect. Thanks again for you help. Gary
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Kim
Florida Sailing
Hi! We live in Florida and sail its East Coast a lot. (We have a H26.) We really like the Florida Keys as a place to sail, but launching a boat there is difficult. Best place to launch is near Key West at Stock Island - the Oceanside Marina has a great boat ramp and the only one we can use in that area. Check the tide tables - high tide is best bet! You can day sail around Key West and other Keys...lots of marinas to tuck into or anchor out. There is a good cruising guide to the Keys by Capt. Frank Pappas, I believe. You can probably order it from Blue Water books and charts (they have a web site.) The weather should be pretty nice in April. Another thought is just to sail along the coast of Florida. If you come down Ft. Lauderdale way there are lots of boat ramps and also you can sail from Intercoastal Inlet to Inlet. For example, go from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami or North to Hillsboro Inlet. (they say local knowledge, but hillsboro is a piece of cake...boca inlet is worse due to ground swell and having to round a corner to see the drawbridge!) Happy Sailing!
Hi! We live in Florida and sail its East Coast a lot. (We have a H26.) We really like the Florida Keys as a place to sail, but launching a boat there is difficult. Best place to launch is near Key West at Stock Island - the Oceanside Marina has a great boat ramp and the only one we can use in that area. Check the tide tables - high tide is best bet! You can day sail around Key West and other Keys...lots of marinas to tuck into or anchor out. There is a good cruising guide to the Keys by Capt. Frank Pappas, I believe. You can probably order it from Blue Water books and charts (they have a web site.) The weather should be pretty nice in April. Another thought is just to sail along the coast of Florida. If you come down Ft. Lauderdale way there are lots of boat ramps and also you can sail from Intercoastal Inlet to Inlet. For example, go from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami or North to Hillsboro Inlet. (they say local knowledge, but hillsboro is a piece of cake...boca inlet is worse due to ground swell and having to round a corner to see the drawbridge!) Happy Sailing!
J
Joe Boyette
Salt Springs - Lake George
Check out Salt Springs off Lake George which is on the St. Johns River. You can snorkle in the clear, slightly salty spring. Also see http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/parks/marinas.htm
Check out Salt Springs off Lake George which is on the St. Johns River. You can snorkle in the clear, slightly salty spring. Also see http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/parks/marinas.htm
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