I posted this in the reply section, but thought it might get more attention here. I am thinking about taking my hobie 16 to the panhandle, and trying to go from pensacola to choctawhatchee bay. I have had my macgregor (engine is broke; I can paddle Hobie if I have to) off Pensacola and spent three days in the bay. Santa rosa doesn't seem too bad...I would be bringing the boat onto shore and camping. Does this seem feasable/relatively safe? I know there are many unknown variables with weather...but under usual conditions do you think there will be enough wind to make the trip there and back in six days? Thanks for any thoughts, Crazy?
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another option I'm considering
Is taking the macgregor down there w/o the motor working. It would be more comfortable, and I would be staying inside for safety...I just like the idea of being able to take sails down on hobie and paddle to shore if no wind/ too much wind. The forcast LOOKS like perfect winds...?
Is taking the macgregor down there w/o the motor working. It would be more comfortable, and I would be staying inside for safety...I just like the idea of being able to take sails down on hobie and paddle to shore if no wind/ too much wind. The forcast LOOKS like perfect winds...?
Adventure. Not, crazy.
The weather has been good here. Light winds in the morning with afternoon sea breeze with afternoon thunderstorms staying weel to the North. Make sure you have a portable VHF. You can probably make it from Pensacola to Ft. Walton Beach in a day. Email me if you have any other questions. traumaguard13@yahoo.com. PS July 4th Fireworks on the beach and Pensacola Bay. July 13, 14, 15 Blue Angels Flight team at Pensacola beach. Tony
The weather has been good here. Light winds in the morning with afternoon sea breeze with afternoon thunderstorms staying weel to the North. Make sure you have a portable VHF. You can probably make it from Pensacola to Ft. Walton Beach in a day. Email me if you have any other questions. traumaguard13@yahoo.com. PS July 4th Fireworks on the beach and Pensacola Bay. July 13, 14, 15 Blue Angels Flight team at Pensacola beach. Tony
Absolutely Doable
If you do not mind heat and bugs. I think it maybe more fun to go the other way towards Mobile. There are more places to pull in for essential supplies; beer, ice, etc. The no motor Mac would be a better way to go I think just to get out of the sun and afternoon thunder storms.
If you do not mind heat and bugs. I think it maybe more fun to go the other way towards Mobile. There are more places to pull in for essential supplies; beer, ice, etc. The no motor Mac would be a better way to go I think just to get out of the sun and afternoon thunder storms.
Sounds like a great trip
My only warning would be to watch out for barges and large powerboats. Without an engine and with no wind it would be hard to dodge the barges in the "narrows" . The great thing about Santa Rosa is usually a beam reach with no waves. But I have been there with the wind on my nose. It would be hard to tack all of the way. It will be really hot so drink plenty of water.
My only warning would be to watch out for barges and large powerboats. Without an engine and with no wind it would be hard to dodge the barges in the "narrows" . The great thing about Santa Rosa is usually a beam reach with no waves. But I have been there with the wind on my nose. It would be hard to tack all of the way. It will be really hot so drink plenty of water.
Go For It
You should be OK with either boat. Docking (if you need to) could be a challenge with the Mac w/o power. Heat and "no see-ums" are fierce! The Mac would let you anchor close to shore out of the way of barges, but in wading distance to shore in most cases. There are a couple of narrows that you may be a bit vulnerable if the wind wasn't cooperating. For the last couple of days, we've had mostly SW winds, occasionally shifting WSW. In some spots, this wind pattern could make your trip back a bit longer than your trip up. I ESPECIALLY second the recommendation on the Blue Angel performance. Have fun! BrianW
You should be OK with either boat. Docking (if you need to) could be a challenge with the Mac w/o power. Heat and "no see-ums" are fierce! The Mac would let you anchor close to shore out of the way of barges, but in wading distance to shore in most cases. There are a couple of narrows that you may be a bit vulnerable if the wind wasn't cooperating. For the last couple of days, we've had mostly SW winds, occasionally shifting WSW. In some spots, this wind pattern could make your trip back a bit longer than your trip up. I ESPECIALLY second the recommendation on the Blue Angel performance. Have fun! BrianW
Thanks for the info./ motivation
Luckily (unluckily?), I have alot of experience docking w/o a motor as it has been tempermental for awhile now. As long as there isn't too much wind I'm pretty good at getting the proper momentum and angle and then depowering sails. The barges and narrows however sound a bit intimidating...technically I would have the right of way (right?...I know with some narrow channels they can't get out of the way...what's up with the legality of that?), but wouldn't really want to test that or inconvienience them! I'm leaning towards the macgregor... Thanks again, Richard
Luckily (unluckily?), I have alot of experience docking w/o a motor as it has been tempermental for awhile now. As long as there isn't too much wind I'm pretty good at getting the proper momentum and angle and then depowering sails. The barges and narrows however sound a bit intimidating...technically I would have the right of way (right?...I know with some narrow channels they can't get out of the way...what's up with the legality of that?), but wouldn't really want to test that or inconvienience them! I'm leaning towards the macgregor... Thanks again, Richard
Actually, As If It Mattered
You are the give way vessel and the barges are the stand on vessel. If they did not see you they would never even notice you had been there. Most if not all of the barge catains are very profesional and courteous all they asy is for you to stay out of their way as there is little they can do to avoid you. It is almost remarkable that there are not more incidents involving barges and recreational boaters with as many idiots (power boaters) there are out there among us.
You are the give way vessel and the barges are the stand on vessel. If they did not see you they would never even notice you had been there. Most if not all of the barge catains are very profesional and courteous all they asy is for you to stay out of their way as there is little they can do to avoid you. It is almost remarkable that there are not more incidents involving barges and recreational boaters with as many idiots (power boaters) there are out there among us.
YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT.....
There is actually a protocol of sorts and the only thing a sailboat has the right away over is a similar sized power boat. And that is only in open waters. Lots more involved in channels. I think it would be complete lunacy to try to go the ICW route without an engine. Like previously mentioned, even if the tug/barge did see you, he may not be able to avoid you in time. Out in the open you would be a lot safer, maybe....winds are all that dependable in the northern gulf coast in the summer time.
There is actually a protocol of sorts and the only thing a sailboat has the right away over is a similar sized power boat. And that is only in open waters. Lots more involved in channels. I think it would be complete lunacy to try to go the ICW route without an engine. Like previously mentioned, even if the tug/barge did see you, he may not be able to avoid you in time. Out in the open you would be a lot safer, maybe....winds are all that dependable in the northern gulf coast in the summer time.
If you should ever get in front of a barge
and not be able to get clear, the tug skipper that I know will be mad as hell for all the paperwork he is going to have to fill out and the hearings that will be held and when all is said and done he won't feel the least bit sad about wrecking you and your boat.
and not be able to get clear, the tug skipper that I know will be mad as hell for all the paperwork he is going to have to fill out and the hearings that will be held and when all is said and done he won't feel the least bit sad about wrecking you and your boat.
sounds fun
That sounds like a great idea, but I'd stay just off the beach though forget the icw ...if it gets nasty just beach the thing until the weather improves. My uncle and I talked about putting our hobie 16s in around panama and cruising down to the keys. I hope we can pull it off. You should go for it for sure but be sure you're able to right your cat by yourself in bad conditions. I use a shroud extender/ballast bag combo that allows me to get her up even in opposing wind/current situations (I only weigh 165). Let us know how it goes, good luck!
That sounds like a great idea, but I'd stay just off the beach though forget the icw ...if it gets nasty just beach the thing until the weather improves. My uncle and I talked about putting our hobie 16s in around panama and cruising down to the keys. I hope we can pull it off. You should go for it for sure but be sure you're able to right your cat by yourself in bad conditions. I use a shroud extender/ballast bag combo that allows me to get her up even in opposing wind/current situations (I only weigh 165). Let us know how it goes, good luck!
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