I have been sailing for about six months now. My crew (all women) and I are thinking about trailering my boat down to Panama City end of July. Good idea? and any suggestions?
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New Sailor
Kristin, It could be a good idea but, it all depends on whether you're familiar with Panama Bay. Have you taken a safe boating course like the one's offered by the Power Squadron or the Coast Guard? Rivers and bays can hold a lot of unpleasant surprises, like hidden rocks and other obstacles. I once trailered my 14' boat to a place called Cotuit on Cape Cod MA. for a day of fishing with a friend of mine. We motored out of a narrow passage to get out into the bay. Later on when we came back, I couldn't find the passage and we kept going one way then the other, in a frantic search for it. Luckily I happened upon it and was able to get back to the ramp. I was green and just starting out, but I made up my mind then and there that I was going to take a piloting course offered by the Power Squadron. I learned how to read a chart and steer by compass and plot courses. Unless you have local knowledge of this area, you're taking a chance. Then on the other hand, if you're just going to sail withing plain site of the area where you launched your boat, I don't see why not. When you get there, it may be a good idea to get some local knowledge from one of the boaters who frequent this area. Like, "Are there any areas that we should steer clear of?" Then, make sure that everyone wears a Personal Flotation Device, and then go for it. Joe
Kristin, It could be a good idea but, it all depends on whether you're familiar with Panama Bay. Have you taken a safe boating course like the one's offered by the Power Squadron or the Coast Guard? Rivers and bays can hold a lot of unpleasant surprises, like hidden rocks and other obstacles. I once trailered my 14' boat to a place called Cotuit on Cape Cod MA. for a day of fishing with a friend of mine. We motored out of a narrow passage to get out into the bay. Later on when we came back, I couldn't find the passage and we kept going one way then the other, in a frantic search for it. Luckily I happened upon it and was able to get back to the ramp. I was green and just starting out, but I made up my mind then and there that I was going to take a piloting course offered by the Power Squadron. I learned how to read a chart and steer by compass and plot courses. Unless you have local knowledge of this area, you're taking a chance. Then on the other hand, if you're just going to sail withing plain site of the area where you launched your boat, I don't see why not. When you get there, it may be a good idea to get some local knowledge from one of the boaters who frequent this area. Like, "Are there any areas that we should steer clear of?" Then, make sure that everyone wears a Personal Flotation Device, and then go for it. Joe
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