We are based in Panama City, Florida and Destin would be a nice weekend run. But I am scared of the pass. Most references such as the coast pilot and Maptech's Embassey guide recommend local knowledge. Any local knowledge out there??? Last spring we sailed direct from Pensacola to Panama city. We could see the bridge and pass from offshore but decided to sail on through the night. The Pearson 323 has a 4.5' draft and a 45' mast. Also once inside the pass is Rocky Bayou the best anchorage or are there others. We have anchored by the bridge on the eastern end of the bay but it is pretty exposed. Thanks Tom
Running the pass at Destin Florida
- Thread starter p323ms
- Start date
- Status
Mexico Beach Area
Hello PC. We haven't been to Destin but our area is a great place to sail. Generally 11' minimum depth and well marked channels. Port Saint Joe has a full service marina with average depth of 15'. Shark hole is a great anchorage with 30-50' depths almost up to the shore. We anchor over there regularly. Come join us.
Hello PC. We haven't been to Destin but our area is a great place to sail. Generally 11' minimum depth and well marked channels. Port Saint Joe has a full service marina with average depth of 15'. Shark hole is a great anchorage with 30-50' depths almost up to the shore. We anchor over there regularly. Come join us.
Pass is Not That Bad
You would not want to exit the pass when the tide and wind are opposed of course bu it is well marked and very wide. Rocky Bayou is a good place to anchor but there is nothing there. There are a few other places where you can get to a place to eat or to shop. I can recomend places if you give me an idea what you prefer.
You would not want to exit the pass when the tide and wind are opposed of course bu it is well marked and very wide. Rocky Bayou is a good place to anchor but there is nothing there. There are a few other places where you can get to a place to eat or to shop. I can recomend places if you give me an idea what you prefer.
Port Saint Joe is great
I have been to PSJ several times and like it a lot. Where is Shark Hole??? I know of Eagle Harbor at the state park. We usually anchor just around the "hook" of the penninsula. Which is good for a SW or west wind. Also what is the best place in a south wind situation?? Tom
I have been to PSJ several times and like it a lot. Where is Shark Hole??? I know of Eagle Harbor at the state park. We usually anchor just around the "hook" of the penninsula. Which is good for a SW or west wind. Also what is the best place in a south wind situation?? Tom
Destin Pass
Went thru the pass at 6 in the mourning under sail (bad fuel pump) with all of Destin's fishing fleet leaving as I was returning. So you can make it.
Went thru the pass at 6 in the mourning under sail (bad fuel pump) with all of Destin's fishing fleet leaving as I was returning. So you can make it.
Sailing Out the Pass
We were sailing out the pass one afternoon as the tide was on the way in. We were zooming along at 5.5 kts through the water thinking we were really moving along. I looked up at the beach and there was a woman walking along picking up sea shells and she was moving down the way faster than we were. We stayed like that for an hour having a ball as the power boaters could not figure out what was going on.
We were sailing out the pass one afternoon as the tide was on the way in. We were zooming along at 5.5 kts through the water thinking we were really moving along. I looked up at the beach and there was a woman walking along picking up sea shells and she was moving down the way faster than we were. We stayed like that for an hour having a ball as the power boaters could not figure out what was going on.
spring break!
I am planning a sailing trip, and have been looking at the Apalachicola Bay area. I don't know anything about the area, except that it looked good on a florida map. I will have 7-8 days of sailing time... Any suggestions on good runs with anchorages along the way, if the wind is good this time of year, and any favorite restaraunts or marinas? Thanks for any information anyone may have! Richard
I am planning a sailing trip, and have been looking at the Apalachicola Bay area. I don't know anything about the area, except that it looked good on a florida map. I will have 7-8 days of sailing time... Any suggestions on good runs with anchorages along the way, if the wind is good this time of year, and any favorite restaraunts or marinas? Thanks for any information anyone may have! Richard
Great Area
On one of our many trips to Fort Walton, via the ICW from New Orleans, we decided to sail back from Destin to Pensicola. Navigating the pass was no problem. Just watch the markers and keep a sharp eye. The big problem is that the charts gave the bridge clearance at 50ft. Not! We wife and I swung out the boom and hung from it while my brother piloted, until we cleared the bridge. We in a 1990 H-28 and had waited until low tide.
On one of our many trips to Fort Walton, via the ICW from New Orleans, we decided to sail back from Destin to Pensicola. Navigating the pass was no problem. Just watch the markers and keep a sharp eye. The big problem is that the charts gave the bridge clearance at 50ft. Not! We wife and I swung out the boom and hung from it while my brother piloted, until we cleared the bridge. We in a 1990 H-28 and had waited until low tide.
Cruising Guide to area
Try getting a copy of "Cruising Guide to the Northern Gulf Goast" 3rd ed. by Claiborne Young. Some stuff has changed since Ivan visited but generally still a good source - plenty of places to anchor (the Destin harbor is great if you want to party or go east for more peace and quiet) Enjoy - nice area. Smile a ton, Bill
Try getting a copy of "Cruising Guide to the Northern Gulf Goast" 3rd ed. by Claiborne Young. Some stuff has changed since Ivan visited but generally still a good source - plenty of places to anchor (the Destin harbor is great if you want to party or go east for more peace and quiet) Enjoy - nice area. Smile a ton, Bill
Rick, tell me more
Hey Rick, I'd like more info on the pass also. Two years ago I pulled my V-22 down to the pass and heard the stories of the dangers of the narrow opening and heavy wave action. The weather was not co-operative while I was there and wound up sailing the Bay mostly. I will be pulling my 26S down in a couple of days and will be in the area for about three weeks and really want to hit the open water, but the pass frightens me as well. It's not so much the going out as the coming back with waves coming at the stern that concerns me. As long as my bow is attacking it, I feel pretty good, but had a really wild ride from nothing more than being overtaken by a large tug and getting caught up in its wake. I was without control for longer than I cared for and the thought of a series of waves coming at my stern with as narrow a pass and the shallows at Destin concerns me. Tell me more. Do you navigate the pass often? Are there times you know not to go? What criteria do you look for to make the trip? When do you say, "Not Today"? Mostly, what advice do you have regarding the coming back in, either under power (6hp) or under sail with the prevelent SW winds? What experiences have you had with the waves to your stern there at the mouth of the pass? Thanks, Larry
Hey Rick, I'd like more info on the pass also. Two years ago I pulled my V-22 down to the pass and heard the stories of the dangers of the narrow opening and heavy wave action. The weather was not co-operative while I was there and wound up sailing the Bay mostly. I will be pulling my 26S down in a couple of days and will be in the area for about three weeks and really want to hit the open water, but the pass frightens me as well. It's not so much the going out as the coming back with waves coming at the stern that concerns me. As long as my bow is attacking it, I feel pretty good, but had a really wild ride from nothing more than being overtaken by a large tug and getting caught up in its wake. I was without control for longer than I cared for and the thought of a series of waves coming at my stern with as narrow a pass and the shallows at Destin concerns me. Tell me more. Do you navigate the pass often? Are there times you know not to go? What criteria do you look for to make the trip? When do you say, "Not Today"? Mostly, what advice do you have regarding the coming back in, either under power (6hp) or under sail with the prevelent SW winds? What experiences have you had with the waves to your stern there at the mouth of the pass? Thanks, Larry
Been there, done that
Rick, I chartered a 30 Ericson in Destin in about 1984. I know what you are talking about. I was heading out of the pass in some pretty good waves and I was OK with it, but I had a couple of people on board who had not been sailing before and they were too afraid to take it so I turned around and went into the bay. The day before we had gone out through the pass with no problem. I believe you have the typical problem when you have an outgoing tide running into the incoming swells that kick the waves up pretty good. A friend of mine tried to go out through there in a 20' ski boat and almost sank it, and did end up destroying his lower unit. I don't claim to know a lot about that pass, but I do know that it can be tricky at times. As I said, I think that the tide and the wind direction will have a lot to do with it because the first afternoon we went through it with no problem, but the next morining, as I said, my crew got me to turn around. I'm sure you'll have a great time, it's a beautiful area.
Rick, I chartered a 30 Ericson in Destin in about 1984. I know what you are talking about. I was heading out of the pass in some pretty good waves and I was OK with it, but I had a couple of people on board who had not been sailing before and they were too afraid to take it so I turned around and went into the bay. The day before we had gone out through the pass with no problem. I believe you have the typical problem when you have an outgoing tide running into the incoming swells that kick the waves up pretty good. A friend of mine tried to go out through there in a 20' ski boat and almost sank it, and did end up destroying his lower unit. I don't claim to know a lot about that pass, but I do know that it can be tricky at times. As I said, I think that the tide and the wind direction will have a lot to do with it because the first afternoon we went through it with no problem, but the next morining, as I said, my crew got me to turn around. I'm sure you'll have a great time, it's a beautiful area.
Destin Pass
I have "done" the pass several times over the past 7-8 years. I do not have any information since the Hurricanes though. Only had an exciting time once as we went out as the tide was going out and the waves were interesting. We were on a 31' Pearson powereing over the swells when the anchor came off the anchor roller. It fell and I scampered up to the bow to retreive it. A very thrilling "bull" ride as I finally just hooked an arm over the bow rail and held on to the anchor. Two lessons learned....Make sure the anchor is secured and check the tides. "They can work for you or they can work against you" Capt Ron.... Other times , No problem. Just be sure about your mast height and the bridge.
I have "done" the pass several times over the past 7-8 years. I do not have any information since the Hurricanes though. Only had an exciting time once as we went out as the tide was going out and the waves were interesting. We were on a 31' Pearson powereing over the swells when the anchor came off the anchor roller. It fell and I scampered up to the bow to retreive it. A very thrilling "bull" ride as I finally just hooked an arm over the bow rail and held on to the anchor. Two lessons learned....Make sure the anchor is secured and check the tides. "They can work for you or they can work against you" Capt Ron.... Other times , No problem. Just be sure about your mast height and the bridge.
Slack tide??? High or Low??
OK so the concensus is slack tide??? IS it deep enough at low tide to stay off the bottom with a 5' draft??? Would high tide put a 45' mast into the bridge??? And I guess that we have also agreed that it is not the place to be when the wind and waves are up and out of the south. My wife called me chicken and says that if a couple we know can take their Catalina 30 through there that we can. The problem is that it is a long way to another inlet that is safe to run in rough weather. Pensacola or Panama city. Worst case we sail all day to get there from PC and it can't be run and we'd have to continue on to Pensacola. Not the end of the world but it could make for a long night. Next trip I'll plan on going to Pensacola and if everything is right duck into Destin. My Maptech embassey guide says that Joe's Bayou is a good place to anchor if you want to go to shore to eat and drink. Any local knowledge on Joe's Bayou?? From the chartkit it looks a little tight. Tom
OK so the concensus is slack tide??? IS it deep enough at low tide to stay off the bottom with a 5' draft??? Would high tide put a 45' mast into the bridge??? And I guess that we have also agreed that it is not the place to be when the wind and waves are up and out of the south. My wife called me chicken and says that if a couple we know can take their Catalina 30 through there that we can. The problem is that it is a long way to another inlet that is safe to run in rough weather. Pensacola or Panama city. Worst case we sail all day to get there from PC and it can't be run and we'd have to continue on to Pensacola. Not the end of the world but it could make for a long night. Next trip I'll plan on going to Pensacola and if everything is right duck into Destin. My Maptech embassey guide says that Joe's Bayou is a good place to anchor if you want to go to shore to eat and drink. Any local knowledge on Joe's Bayou?? From the chartkit it looks a little tight. Tom
Richard to Apalachicola
Hey Richard. We have made two trips to Apalach in the last six months. One via the intercoastal from Port St. Joe and on through the bay from Carrabelle. If you are coming from the outside, Government cut (definitely use a chart) reduces the time neededto get to Apalach. It is gererally 15-20' deep and well maintained. Otherwise, you have to go all the way around Dog Island. When in the bay, stick to the channel. There are numerous shallows. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT try the west pass. It is very shallow and rough. When in the bay, hope for anything but an east wind. Gawd was it rough when we were there. Once passed the bridges (65' clearance on average for both) hang to the left channel. That is where the marinas are. Don't stop at the first several you see, some are very shallow. Keep going down what is called Scipio Creek. It is the left channel. You will pass a sand bar on the right. Lots of fishing and shrimp boats are berthed all along the left. Keep on into the creek, It is fairley deep (when we were there in November, a 42' sailboat with a 6'6" draft pulled in to the marina I am about to tell you about). You will come to Scipio Creek Marina. It is full service with transient slips $1.00/Ft. On premesis showers, fuel, etc. Also there is a great restaurant right at the marina. Good food at a reasonable price. A short walk (maybe 15 minutes) and you are in town with numerous other restaurants. Let me know how things went. If you need any other info, I'll be glad to help.
Hey Richard. We have made two trips to Apalach in the last six months. One via the intercoastal from Port St. Joe and on through the bay from Carrabelle. If you are coming from the outside, Government cut (definitely use a chart) reduces the time neededto get to Apalach. It is gererally 15-20' deep and well maintained. Otherwise, you have to go all the way around Dog Island. When in the bay, stick to the channel. There are numerous shallows. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT try the west pass. It is very shallow and rough. When in the bay, hope for anything but an east wind. Gawd was it rough when we were there. Once passed the bridges (65' clearance on average for both) hang to the left channel. That is where the marinas are. Don't stop at the first several you see, some are very shallow. Keep going down what is called Scipio Creek. It is the left channel. You will pass a sand bar on the right. Lots of fishing and shrimp boats are berthed all along the left. Keep on into the creek, It is fairley deep (when we were there in November, a 42' sailboat with a 6'6" draft pulled in to the marina I am about to tell you about). You will come to Scipio Creek Marina. It is full service with transient slips $1.00/Ft. On premesis showers, fuel, etc. Also there is a great restaurant right at the marina. Good food at a reasonable price. A short walk (maybe 15 minutes) and you are in town with numerous other restaurants. Let me know how things went. If you need any other info, I'll be glad to help.
Running the Pass
In general I would wait if the tide is going out to run into the pass and would normaly avoid coming in the pass if the tide is riseing but if all the other conditions are faivorable it is not a big deal. The problem with coming in with the tide is you will be moving very fast and it can be unforgiving. The channel is wide and deep so by no means be afraid of it. Going out the channel is simple if it looks bad turn around and sail the bay just do not wait too long to do it.
In general I would wait if the tide is going out to run into the pass and would normaly avoid coming in the pass if the tide is riseing but if all the other conditions are faivorable it is not a big deal. The problem with coming in with the tide is you will be moving very fast and it can be unforgiving. The channel is wide and deep so by no means be afraid of it. Going out the channel is simple if it looks bad turn around and sail the bay just do not wait too long to do it.
Destin
Tom, you should not have any problem with draft as long as you don't try to cut green marker #5. Destin bridge is 49ft, but the normal tidal range here is about 8 inches. Only unusually high south wind for a few days will raise the water by 1-1.5ft. Still not a problem for your mast. Current can run up to 2kt, but very rare to get much higher. As mentioned, Joes's Bayou does not have any restaurants. Cinco Bayou just southwest of the Ft Walton Yacht club has better holding. Rocky Bayou does have a restaurant at BlueWaterBay Marina. Guessippi's Warf at Boggy Bayou was destroyed by Ivan and not re-opened. The Boathouse Landing at the head of the bayou is open, but you would have to dingy ashore.
Tom, you should not have any problem with draft as long as you don't try to cut green marker #5. Destin bridge is 49ft, but the normal tidal range here is about 8 inches. Only unusually high south wind for a few days will raise the water by 1-1.5ft. Still not a problem for your mast. Current can run up to 2kt, but very rare to get much higher. As mentioned, Joes's Bayou does not have any restaurants. Cinco Bayou just southwest of the Ft Walton Yacht club has better holding. Rocky Bayou does have a restaurant at BlueWaterBay Marina. Guessippi's Warf at Boggy Bayou was destroyed by Ivan and not re-opened. The Boathouse Landing at the head of the bayou is open, but you would have to dingy ashore.
Boggy and Cinco Bayou
In addition to what Don mentioned there is a boat ramp next to the Chamber of Comerce building where you could land a dink and it is a short walk to a number of resteraunts a couple very good and to a couple of other stores I do not think there is place close by for groceries and such. There is a marina in the back of the bayou but I do not think it is deep enough for you. You could also land close to the Cinco Bayou bridge and walk to a couple of ice houses or to two West Marine stores all sorts of fast food and a resteraunt or two. Fort Walton Beach Landing has all sorts of oporitunities as well it was torn up pretty good in the storm and I am not sure what it is like now. Spectre Island is a good place to hang out for the night. From Destin Harbor you can get to all sorts of things. Sit out from AJ's and enjoy the music or move on down the harbor where it is quiet. It does get shallow towards the back. We can be more specific if you tell us what your planning on as it gets closer.
In addition to what Don mentioned there is a boat ramp next to the Chamber of Comerce building where you could land a dink and it is a short walk to a number of resteraunts a couple very good and to a couple of other stores I do not think there is place close by for groceries and such. There is a marina in the back of the bayou but I do not think it is deep enough for you. You could also land close to the Cinco Bayou bridge and walk to a couple of ice houses or to two West Marine stores all sorts of fast food and a resteraunt or two. Fort Walton Beach Landing has all sorts of oporitunities as well it was torn up pretty good in the storm and I am not sure what it is like now. Spectre Island is a good place to hang out for the night. From Destin Harbor you can get to all sorts of things. Sit out from AJ's and enjoy the music or move on down the harbor where it is quiet. It does get shallow towards the back. We can be more specific if you tell us what your planning on as it gets closer.
- Status