Key West to Ft. Jefferson

[Mark Major]

Our trailer sailor club (www.cfyc.com) is planning a sail April 13-21, likely to take place in the Keys. I am looking for ramp suggestions, points of interest, hazards to avoid, et al, from Marathon and points west, as well as pointers on sailing from Key West to Ft. Jefferson this time of year. Any input would be helpful, and thank you!

 

[Jon Bastien / H25 'Adagio']

Hi Mark...

I responded to some of your posts last year, regarding taking your H23 to Fort Jefferson. April is a good time to be sailing the Keys-- The spring winds are just starting to calm, and the summer calms have not yet taken hold. Weather is usually great that time of year. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have about the area; I'll also try to be a local liaison if you need one. I still have access to much good info about ramps, overnight dockage and moorings, safe parking for vehicles, etc... E-mail me with more details, and I'll see what I can do to help! At the very least, I'd like to share a few cold beverages with your group when they make it down here...--Jonjonbastien@yahoo.com

 

[Steve O.]

Dry Tortugas

Things you need to know about the DTs:1)They really are dry. You have to take your water supply with you, as well as your food and beverages.2)You have to take your trash back with you. No dumpsters on the key.3)No overboard discharging in the marine sanctuary. No fishing either.4)Some snorkeling gear was available at the fort when I was there, but we brought our own. 5)Take the guided tour of the fort, you'll learn a lot. 6) Watch the weather. There are no harbors of refuge once you leave the Keys. We had beautiful weather for a week and then hit a northern front on the way back. Another story, but it wasn't pretty.

 

[steven f.]

additional point

to the last letter. There is no fishing in the sanctuary but you ARE allowed to use hook

 

[Steve Growcock]

CW Mag article about the Tortugas

The December 2001 Cruising World magazine had an article about the Dry Tortugas and all the hints for a good visit. You may be able to see it online atwww.cruisingworld.com (link below)Steve!

 

[Wanderer138]

Hi Mark

The Dry Tortugas are a great cruising destination! Last spring we sailed there from Cape Coral and then on to Key West. Bring lots of water, ice and fuel. We had headwinds the whole way from Ft Jefferson to Key West and ended up motoring the whole way (10 hours). It can also get a bit rough in places.While in Key West we met Jon Bastien, who is a great guy and also knows more about sailing a small boat to the Dry Tortugas than anyone else I've ever heard of.I belong to the Lake Monroe Sailing Association and keep my boat in Monroe Harbor Marina in downtown Sanford. We usually send a contingent up to the Clemens Memorial on Lake Harris as well as the Mt Dora and Eustis regattas and the Mug Race, so I will probably run into you at some point. If you'd like to stop by sometime and say hello, e-mail me or drop me a line in the HOW Smaller Boats Forum. Good luck.PeterH23 "Raven"