Gotta decide

Status
Not open for further replies.
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Another day yesteday of getting kicked around. Not as bad as the last one, but certainly not any fun. At least we didn't tear anything up. Made a 40 mile run to Marco Island, and now we have a damn depression forming south of us. Now the decision has to be made. We have the same thunderstorm forecast for every day for at least the next week. Unless of course, this depression gets worse or bigger and comes this way. Certainly don't want to head south at this time. Is nearly 100 miles across Fla. Bay to Key West, and it's shallow and can get real nasty. Basically no place to hide. Best weather we can expect is tonight and tomorrow. Plus this thing down around Cuba/Yucatan. Gonna watch today, but the best thing I can think of right now is get the hell outta Dodge, and head north. Looks like this evening, after the afternoon boomers the best shot is to make a bee line for Appalachicola. 300 miles, but looks like a possible 24 hours of maybe decent weather. And most of the thunderstorms, according to the radar I can get, are forming pretty close to shore.
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
This sounds sorta like a proverbial rock and a hard place. I would look for a sheltered anchorage and wait for things to calm down.
 
Mar 28, 2007
637
Oday 23 Anna Maria Isl.
You probably know this- but Pelican Bay to the north would be a decent hide out. You can anchor free or tie up to State owned docks for a small fee. The island of Cayo Costa is almost completely undeveloped- except you can get ice and use the camp restrooms and showers. A short walk through pretty nature puts you on the spectacular Gulf side beach. The last time I was there, four of us had the entire six mile beach to ourselves. I do not have a chart in hand, but I think the entrance is around day marker 72- by Boca Grande channel. I would love to be stuck there for as long as possible! Good luck, have fun, and I hope you continue.
 
Jan 3, 2009
821
Marine Trader 34 Where Ever I am
I am not saying that you should not be aware and cautious. But this time of year, every thunderstorm in the Caribbean basin will be reported as a possible category 5 hurricane heading directly for the entire US coast line. I think you have plenty of time to find a spot and settle in but I would not plan any long offshore passages right now. You never know what can happen and it might have nothing to do with the system you are now concerned with. The Big Bend area is notorious for localized severe thunderstorms this time of year. You want to make that run with a consistent westerly wind for a few days forecast. This keeps the storms either over land or on the east coast. If you want a pretty good read of the current system in the NW Caribbean check in at http://www.wunderground.com/ a couple of times a day, click on Jeff Master's Blog on the right column and get some reasonable analysis. Chuck
 

Benny

.
Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
Phil, if it was me I would stay put for another 24 hours to see what develops with that low pressure system. From the NOOA forecasts it looks like it will pass north into the Gulf well West of your current position. I would rather sit and watch it go by than having a streghtening low on my tail.
 
Sep 25, 2008
77
Macgregor 25 Naples, Fl.
Hello N&E,
If you get stuck in Marco, then you might see your 401K become a 201k real quick. Or you could wander back up the GICW to Naples and spend your leasure time helping me build a boat. Work is in process and all hands are welcome. If you need any land based assistance please do not hasitate calling. 239-877-1404

Mike Taylor
 
Status
Not open for further replies.