Florida Panhandle?

[Mike Basham]

My twin 13 year old boys think they want to trailer our 23' O'Day from Atlanta down to the Gulf coast and sail around for a few days this spring. They are interested in clear water, fishing, exploring, etc. I was hoping to sail off the Georgia coast, but I'm willing to defer to their wishes, if it makes sense! So, I'm doing some research by reading "Cruising Guide to the Northern Gulf Coast" by Claiborne Young (nice book, bought at half.com). I was thinking of putting in at Pensacola, sailing down the ICW to Fort Walton, and then back to Pensacola.Any experiences to share, or other ideas? What about sailing in the actual Gulf, when the weather is right, on the way down or back? Just looking for nice marinas, nice people and nice anchorages on the Gulf! Any information and advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[DON]

Do it.

There are only 2 passes to the Gulf, Ft. Walton and Pensacola. I would recommend launching from Deckhands Marina east of FT. Walton. You would be a couple of miles to the pass, good anchorage, restaurants, etc. The ICW west to Pensacola is a beautiful sail and in many places, you can go ashore and walk 10 minutes to the Gulf. Water temperature is still pretty cool untill May. Goinging outside is about 50 miles. If you pick your weather, you could do it. Keep in mind that the Gulf can get rough for a 23 footer and there is no place to hide in a storm. It is worth the 6 hour drive from Atlanta.

 

[Jon Bastien]

Agree- Do it!

I sailed my H23 in that area for a while, and I think Choctawhatchee Bay is some of the best sailing on the gulf coast for a 23-foot boat. If you have any military connection, the marinas at Eglin AFB or Hurlburt Field have very good launching facilities, and if you coordinate ahead, you can leave your car/trailer parked there for a few days without too much hassle. If no military connection, then you may have a problem finding a place to park your vehicle while sailing. The ICW through Santa Rosa Sound between FWB and Pensacola is a great trip, but there are VERY few facilities along the way. The north side is along HWY 98, and the south side is primarily military reservation east of Navarre (not supposed to go ashore, but that doesn't stop anyone...). There are spots where the channel gets vary narrow, and there is barge traffic a-plenty through here, but the barge drivers are constantly broadcasting position and intentions as they transit the sound- it's easy to stay out of their way if you listen to your VHF. I never took my H23 'outside', mainly because there weren't too many days where it was calm enough to even try it. We found Choctawhatchee Bay to be just right. Good luck with your trip, and let us know how it goes!--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'

 

[Don Evans]

email Ben Allen at benallen1@mindspring.com

Ben, and about 20 other trailer-sailers are putting in at Pensacola in February for a week or so of cruising those waters. If interested you may be able to join them. Otherwise Ben has a lot of knowledge of that area and would be more than happy to tell you. Have a great cruise.Don

 

[Ben Allen]

Gulf of Mexico

Mike,The Gulf of Mexico can be some of the best sailing you can do. Another area you might want to consider is the Orange Beach, AL area. There is a public ramp right on the beach road that launches you into Cotton Bayou, motor up about 1/2 mile, and you have Romar Harbour Marina on the left. Some of the nicest people to deal with and great rates. If you stay here, you only have about another 1/2 mile to the Perdido Bridge Pass which will put you in the Gulf, and about 15 miles from Pensacola. You can either do a coastal sail or go the ICW if the weather isn't cooperating.At Romar Marina, last summer, the slip fee for a 25' boat, was $20 a night, or $80 for a week. This included water and electricity, their number is 334-981-9771. I tend to think that the Gulf would be better than the Atlantic side, since you do not have to deal with the Gulf Stream, which can be rather mean. Although you do have to watch the weather, thunderstorms can blow up quickly, about you biggest concern is trying to guess when the dolphins will start jumping in front of your bow.Like Don mentioned, we are getting a Winter Cruise together for Feburary 17-24. There should be around 12 - 20 boats in the 22 to 26 foot range. We will be crusing from Pensacola, FL to Perdido Bay, AL, to Destin and back to Pensacola. If you can find any way to make this trip, it should break the winter blues up pretty well.Let me know if there is any more information you need about the Gulf area or the Winter Cruise.Ben Allenbenallen1@mindspring.comMontgomery, AL"Wahoo"O'Day 26