Has anyone ever sailed from Mobile AL to St. Pete FL? If so, would they consider doing this in a 26.5 in the open sea. I am sure I could hug the coast to get there, but was wondering if anyone has taken any smaller boats out beyond the 20 mile range. I would like to plan a trip this spring, and am gathering as much information as possible. Also what would be equipment that is absolutley essential. My list so far is E-perb, GPS, sextant, solar panels, and auto-tiller. The funds for doing this trip are on a shoestring budget. Thank You TJ
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bill walton
across the gulf
Two friends and I sailed my P42 from Pensacola to Clearwater last MAy then continued to Key West. We had a similar set of gear to you describe except we had a genset rather than solar panels. We had a great trip, slthough we we had to motor all day the last day into Clearwater and then again for a day into KW due to a lack of wind. We took the direct route and only saw a couple of other vessels until we got close to the coast. We were buzzed by a pair of F18s somewhere in the middle of the Gulf, saw lots of dolphins, some turtles and other critters. Prepare for it and do it.
Two friends and I sailed my P42 from Pensacola to Clearwater last MAy then continued to Key West. We had a similar set of gear to you describe except we had a genset rather than solar panels. We had a great trip, slthough we we had to motor all day the last day into Clearwater and then again for a day into KW due to a lack of wind. We took the direct route and only saw a couple of other vessels until we got close to the coast. We were buzzed by a pair of F18s somewhere in the middle of the Gulf, saw lots of dolphins, some turtles and other critters. Prepare for it and do it.
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Larry Barnes
prepare for the extreme
Hi, I'm not a blue water sailor because my life has only begun to allow this as a possibility. I am, however, beginning to assess my skills, strengths and knowledge to determine my desires. I spent 4 years, in the USCG, doing medium endurance cutter patrols. This entailed search and rescue as well as scheduled supply tender, for light house and light ships, on the north coast of California. Humbolt Bay was our station and since then I've learned that it's considered the Cape Horn of the Pacific. I was young, and I loved it! I did however, on numerous occasions, participate in rescue of disabled ships, of all discriptions. The sailors were the ones that stand out in my mind as being the most terrified of the bunch. May I recommend that you prepair for the extreme. I didn't say don't do it. There's a book... it's titled "Rescue in the Pacific", (june 3-5 '94, Queen's birthday Storm). It's extreme! It describes the experience of being in a aweful storm, for a long time. The knowledge I gained hasn't talked me out of the dream of adventure but it did show me what measures and preparations to take, to survive the worst. Pardon me if this information is already known to you. There's no way for me to know your background and experience. The Gulf is also a very different environment, which I'm unfamiliar to. It sounds like you're being diligent in your prepairations so I hope this message is helpful. All the best, Trailer Sailor, Larry Barnes s/v "CNTRL SEA"
Hi, I'm not a blue water sailor because my life has only begun to allow this as a possibility. I am, however, beginning to assess my skills, strengths and knowledge to determine my desires. I spent 4 years, in the USCG, doing medium endurance cutter patrols. This entailed search and rescue as well as scheduled supply tender, for light house and light ships, on the north coast of California. Humbolt Bay was our station and since then I've learned that it's considered the Cape Horn of the Pacific. I was young, and I loved it! I did however, on numerous occasions, participate in rescue of disabled ships, of all discriptions. The sailors were the ones that stand out in my mind as being the most terrified of the bunch. May I recommend that you prepair for the extreme. I didn't say don't do it. There's a book... it's titled "Rescue in the Pacific", (june 3-5 '94, Queen's birthday Storm). It's extreme! It describes the experience of being in a aweful storm, for a long time. The knowledge I gained hasn't talked me out of the dream of adventure but it did show me what measures and preparations to take, to survive the worst. Pardon me if this information is already known to you. There's no way for me to know your background and experience. The Gulf is also a very different environment, which I'm unfamiliar to. It sounds like you're being diligent in your prepairations so I hope this message is helpful. All the best, Trailer Sailor, Larry Barnes s/v "CNTRL SEA"
forewared is forearmed
Larry: This sound like good advice to me. I read one of the episodes of one of the sailors comming down the coast from Washington State to California and think that this area is a GOOD PLACE to stay away from. I figure that when you go off shore, everything that can go wrong Will.
Larry: This sound like good advice to me. I read one of the episodes of one of the sailors comming down the coast from Washington State to California and think that this area is a GOOD PLACE to stay away from. I figure that when you go off shore, everything that can go wrong Will.
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Eric on S/V Troon
Sounds good........
I am planning a similar trip next fall ( November ) in a 30 ft. I have talked to several folks who have made that journey including one in a 26.5. They took the Gulf ICW to Apalachacola and cut across from there to Tarpon Springs. That way, they can get a good forecast of weather for the 30 hours (approx) that it will take to sail it. At Tarpon Springs, you can get back into the Gulf ICW again if need be. I am planning on sailing from Destin to Panama City on the outside if the weather is good. And the same from Panama City to Apalachacola. But if the weather is bad, I'll just take the Gulf ICW. Good Luck and Good sailing.........report back to us how your voyage goes. Later, Eric on S/V Troon.
I am planning a similar trip next fall ( November ) in a 30 ft. I have talked to several folks who have made that journey including one in a 26.5. They took the Gulf ICW to Apalachacola and cut across from there to Tarpon Springs. That way, they can get a good forecast of weather for the 30 hours (approx) that it will take to sail it. At Tarpon Springs, you can get back into the Gulf ICW again if need be. I am planning on sailing from Destin to Panama City on the outside if the weather is good. And the same from Panama City to Apalachacola. But if the weather is bad, I'll just take the Gulf ICW. Good Luck and Good sailing.........report back to us how your voyage goes. Later, Eric on S/V Troon.
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Scott Wells
You can do it...
TJ That strech of water between Mobile and St. Pete can be a mill pond, a terrifying sleigh ride or both and usualy is. It looks okay on the map but I would suggest you treat it with the utmost respect. I grew up right in the middle of your intended route about 5 miles west of St. Marks at Shell Point, FL, later in Fort Walton Beach and later in Pensacola. During this 20 some odd year residency I had the opportunity and did trips up and down the entire west coast of Florida as far west as Gulf Port Mississippi. Should you choose to make the trip my recommendation would be to prepare for weather that would included seas to 15 feet (very short duration) and winds to 75 knots. These are conditions that I personally experienced on different trips (we even got hit by a waterspot anchored on the west end of Dog Island on a 40 foot shrimper). I have friends who have encountered worse. On the flip side, one trip from Destin to Clearwater, not one sail was trimmed, not even one time. It was a beautiful trip. I would agree with the advice to plan your trip around the ICW so that you can get out of the bad stuff if you need to. You will be exposed from Apalachola to Tarpon Springs and that can be a rough strech of water when the weater and baramoter head south. Plenty of boats have sunk out there. Conversely, a wonderful trip and beautiful sail as well is Mobile to Panama City. You can sail right down the coast (I mean within a 1/2 mile of the shore if you like) and can get into the ICW every 60 or 70 miles or so. Stops could include Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Narvare Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Panama City and just a little further east you will find Mexico Beach and a great anchorage that I believe is called Eagle Harbor (drug an anchor on an Out Island 41 22 years ago and nearly put it on the beach there in an over night squall). Good luck, plan well and your trip will be a success. Scott Wells S/V "Wells Cargo"
TJ That strech of water between Mobile and St. Pete can be a mill pond, a terrifying sleigh ride or both and usualy is. It looks okay on the map but I would suggest you treat it with the utmost respect. I grew up right in the middle of your intended route about 5 miles west of St. Marks at Shell Point, FL, later in Fort Walton Beach and later in Pensacola. During this 20 some odd year residency I had the opportunity and did trips up and down the entire west coast of Florida as far west as Gulf Port Mississippi. Should you choose to make the trip my recommendation would be to prepare for weather that would included seas to 15 feet (very short duration) and winds to 75 knots. These are conditions that I personally experienced on different trips (we even got hit by a waterspot anchored on the west end of Dog Island on a 40 foot shrimper). I have friends who have encountered worse. On the flip side, one trip from Destin to Clearwater, not one sail was trimmed, not even one time. It was a beautiful trip. I would agree with the advice to plan your trip around the ICW so that you can get out of the bad stuff if you need to. You will be exposed from Apalachola to Tarpon Springs and that can be a rough strech of water when the weater and baramoter head south. Plenty of boats have sunk out there. Conversely, a wonderful trip and beautiful sail as well is Mobile to Panama City. You can sail right down the coast (I mean within a 1/2 mile of the shore if you like) and can get into the ICW every 60 or 70 miles or so. Stops could include Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Narvare Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Panama City and just a little further east you will find Mexico Beach and a great anchorage that I believe is called Eagle Harbor (drug an anchor on an Out Island 41 22 years ago and nearly put it on the beach there in an over night squall). Good luck, plan well and your trip will be a success. Scott Wells S/V "Wells Cargo"
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Robert Rose
Weather is you vital key
Back in 1983 when I decided to chuck it all and purchase a 35 foot Coronado Sloop I took one of many great adventures. I came down the Atlantic side and crossed Lake Okeechobee (everyone needs to do this-wonderful!) and headed out of Ft. Meyers up the ICW and out at Tarpon Springs to Appalachacola along the coast. Back then I was advised that the USCG was not patrolling the "big bend" that heavily although drug dealers were stealing boats in this very desolate area. It was a bit harrowing everytime I saw a power boat in the distance but I did make the journey without incident. Today all that has changed and the "big bend" is safe. The key to your success is going to be the weather, plain and simple. Know that the high pressure will be around and that you will have 2-3 days of clear weather. Staying along the coast offers security and beauty as well. The EPIRB (Class C) is fine and is needed on any coastal cruiser, but what you need to make sure you have in any event, is good ground tackle (alot of chain and two anchors), power for your VHF, a damn good flare gun and double clamped thru-hull hose fittings. Least we forget good reefing tackle, tuned engine and even that dinghy if you can get one. Its not as bad as you may anticipate...........just remember to go with the weather on this. A straight run through the Gulf in bad weather is about as tough a test as one can face, especially in a light vessel. Hell, you might as well try the "horn" if you are not considering the forecast!! GO WITH THE GOOD WEATHER...........and you will be just fine. Enjoy.......and a safe passage to you. "Loose Change"
Back in 1983 when I decided to chuck it all and purchase a 35 foot Coronado Sloop I took one of many great adventures. I came down the Atlantic side and crossed Lake Okeechobee (everyone needs to do this-wonderful!) and headed out of Ft. Meyers up the ICW and out at Tarpon Springs to Appalachacola along the coast. Back then I was advised that the USCG was not patrolling the "big bend" that heavily although drug dealers were stealing boats in this very desolate area. It was a bit harrowing everytime I saw a power boat in the distance but I did make the journey without incident. Today all that has changed and the "big bend" is safe. The key to your success is going to be the weather, plain and simple. Know that the high pressure will be around and that you will have 2-3 days of clear weather. Staying along the coast offers security and beauty as well. The EPIRB (Class C) is fine and is needed on any coastal cruiser, but what you need to make sure you have in any event, is good ground tackle (alot of chain and two anchors), power for your VHF, a damn good flare gun and double clamped thru-hull hose fittings. Least we forget good reefing tackle, tuned engine and even that dinghy if you can get one. Its not as bad as you may anticipate...........just remember to go with the weather on this. A straight run through the Gulf in bad weather is about as tough a test as one can face, especially in a light vessel. Hell, you might as well try the "horn" if you are not considering the forecast!! GO WITH THE GOOD WEATHER...........and you will be just fine. Enjoy.......and a safe passage to you. "Loose Change"
Good weather forecasting is the key
TJ: A good short-term weather forecast is definitely the key to this trip. At this time of year, cold fronts are the dominant weather feature. These fronts approach from the west and northwest and can pack high winds which are made even more powerful because the air is cold and dense. The onset of a cold front is usually preceded by light wind (10 kts or less) from the east or southeast. The wind will gradually swing south and then southwest and can strengthen to 15 or 20 kts. High cirrus, haze and rain often accompany the shift to the SW. The leading edge of the front will usually pass within 12 to 24 hours, with colder temperatures (a 20 degree drop is not unusual), clearing skies and strong wind from the northwest. As the cold, high pressure air behind the front settles in, the wind will shift gradually to the north and lighten and the temperature may drop some more. The faster you see these changes happen, the faster and more powerful you can expect the front to be. I have seen very strong fronts go through in four or five hours. Strong fronts can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and freezing temperatures. The good thing is that the air clears once the leading edge of the front goes past, and the sun will usually warm things up pretty quickly. There are two problems with cold fronts in the Gulf . The first is that the Florida peninsula is a lee shore, so running off ahead of a strong NW wind may not be an option. The other problem is that the water is very shallow there. The rhumb line from Cape San Blas (off Port St Joe) to St. Petersburg is almost parallel to the 100-foot depth contour and the fetch is very long (all the way back to Texas). This means the potential for large waves that will shorten and steepen as they approach the Florida Gulf Coast. Not fun. My suggestion is to keep a close eye on the national weather picture (The Weather Channel and CNN are widely available and pretty reliable) and get going a few days in advance of the next approaching front. This is the same trick that many sailors going from Florida to the Bahamas use to cross the Gulf Stream. Leave when the wind is from the east to southeast. You may have to motor for a few hours because the wind is on the nose, but as it swings south and then southwest, you should be able to reach most of the way and then run the last bit as the front get close. Just try to give yourself enough time to make landfall so you can either get into the ICW or behind a barrier island if it gets really nasty. Also, watch out for fronts that are close together (they are usually five to eight days apart, but they can be as close together as 36 hours). I hope this helps. Good luck and have a good trip. Peter Suah s/v Raven
TJ: A good short-term weather forecast is definitely the key to this trip. At this time of year, cold fronts are the dominant weather feature. These fronts approach from the west and northwest and can pack high winds which are made even more powerful because the air is cold and dense. The onset of a cold front is usually preceded by light wind (10 kts or less) from the east or southeast. The wind will gradually swing south and then southwest and can strengthen to 15 or 20 kts. High cirrus, haze and rain often accompany the shift to the SW. The leading edge of the front will usually pass within 12 to 24 hours, with colder temperatures (a 20 degree drop is not unusual), clearing skies and strong wind from the northwest. As the cold, high pressure air behind the front settles in, the wind will shift gradually to the north and lighten and the temperature may drop some more. The faster you see these changes happen, the faster and more powerful you can expect the front to be. I have seen very strong fronts go through in four or five hours. Strong fronts can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and freezing temperatures. The good thing is that the air clears once the leading edge of the front goes past, and the sun will usually warm things up pretty quickly. There are two problems with cold fronts in the Gulf . The first is that the Florida peninsula is a lee shore, so running off ahead of a strong NW wind may not be an option. The other problem is that the water is very shallow there. The rhumb line from Cape San Blas (off Port St Joe) to St. Petersburg is almost parallel to the 100-foot depth contour and the fetch is very long (all the way back to Texas). This means the potential for large waves that will shorten and steepen as they approach the Florida Gulf Coast. Not fun. My suggestion is to keep a close eye on the national weather picture (The Weather Channel and CNN are widely available and pretty reliable) and get going a few days in advance of the next approaching front. This is the same trick that many sailors going from Florida to the Bahamas use to cross the Gulf Stream. Leave when the wind is from the east to southeast. You may have to motor for a few hours because the wind is on the nose, but as it swings south and then southwest, you should be able to reach most of the way and then run the last bit as the front get close. Just try to give yourself enough time to make landfall so you can either get into the ICW or behind a barrier island if it gets really nasty. Also, watch out for fronts that are close together (they are usually five to eight days apart, but they can be as close together as 36 hours). I hope this helps. Good luck and have a good trip. Peter Suah s/v Raven
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