Sail a 22 footer in the ocean?

[sailaway78]

Atlantic vs Gulf

The difference between the Gulf and the Atlantic is major. When I posted up my previous response, I didn't read your post close enough. In S. Florida there is some very good sailing, and at the risk of offending anyone, the gulf side is much nicer than the Atlantic side. There are thousands of small islands, beautiful anchorages, and lots of shallow water on the gulf side. I would be much more comfortable in a 22er on the gulf side. So, like all before me have said, watch your weather carefully, pick your days and sail your boat.

 

[Benny]

Don't get rid of the boat just use your trailer.

Other than a launching pad for the Bahamas the Atlantic coast of Florida does not offer good sailing grounds for any boat size. The Gulfstream rushes north near shore reacting to a little north wind bu turning into the nastiest steep chop you would likely experience. The exits or inlets between the ocean the intracoastal are few and far in between. Trailer that boat to Byscaine Bay, the Keys or to the Gulf side and you will get the best sailing in the area. Go across the Okechobee waterway and sail some of the inland lakes. We have sailed in the intra-coastal and it is no fun because of the traffic, narrow bends and spoty wind. Also some bridge tenders, especially in the FT Lauderdale area will not open up the bridge until you drop your sails. Figure that!

 

[Ross]

Benny come to the Chesapeake March to December of

no hassel sailing. no heartburn, lite traffic compared to the Ft Lauderdale region.

 

[Rick1198]

22 foot fun

My first boat was a c 27, and all i used it for was open water off the coast of NC and SC. I got on line with ncsail.org and started wanting to sail some inland and lake sailing so got a C22. I learned in one on lake Mi. I have tken a 22 across lake Mich. a bunch of times and have taken my 22 out on the east coast a few times. With out problems. Watch the wx and do not do like some dumb ass do! Set the boat up just as you would any boat. radios, ant on the mast, safty gear. Rember a $5 life jacket is for a $5 life, What is yours worth. Each year they have a C22 gettogather down there, another reasion i have a c22, they go out and do a great sail. We go out with a group from ncsail and most of them have smaller boats and they do runs out side about 3 or 4 times a year. We do look after each other and its a great way for a new guy to learn. I love my Irwin 33 and the price tag that goes with it. Slip fees up keep , ect. Size is not the big thing, but fun. A guy told me not to buy the biggest boat i could afford but the smallest boat that would do what i wanted. I will be leaving Dec. the 29 and coming back about jan 5 or 6, We take out every year for a new years sail, so i use my boats but most will site and not see the open water but a few tims a year. What i am saying is I would rather have a 22 footer that i use than a 50 footer that i look at.Rick SV/ Sirius