Sail from Key West to Mexico?

[W. Bell]

Happy New Year to all,I have been thinking about sailing my nice little catalina 22' from Key West to Mexico.Has anyone done this in the swing keel version ? As i remember it is a strech of about 100 miles....a long sail. My goal is to sail down the coast to Belize.Any input would be appreciated....Billwbellomni@netscape.net

 

[Tim Schaaf]

It is a LOT further than 100 miles!

Having said that, a 22 footer won the Singlehanded Transpac, and many other boats of this size have made good, if less comfortable crossings. I would focus less on the boat size, and more on its preparation and condition, and in particular, YOUR preparation and condition!

 

[Jerry Villines]

Too Far With Too Little

It is 100 miles Key West to Hemingway and 100 miles to the West coast of Cuba and 100 miles to Isla Mujeras. KW to Cuba is perpendicular to the Stream, the Cuba to Mexico leg is notoriously rough.Your boat will float through just about anything that happens down ther eshort of a tropical storm but are you up to the task?People have gone further with less but why put yourself through the discomfort. You could write a book about the experience if you survive or you could crew with a bigger boat making the trip.I hate to sound so negative about an adventure but this one sounds a little bit too much but doable if you have the skills.