Sailing around Florida

[Rick Perez]

Hello all,New to this list. I don't know if this is the right place to post this. Just in the process of purchasing a 336 model in St. Petersburg, Florida. I have to move it to where I live in Merritt Island (port Cape Canaveral). I have many years of sailing experience on smaller boats in lakes and inland waters and some close coastal sailing. I'm not up to sailing it all the way around on my own. At least to Miami. Once in Miami, it's straight up the coast or I can go North on the intercoastal. My last resort is to hire a professional Capt. which I don't really want to do, but it's the smart thing rather than take the risk alone. Anyone in the Tampa or St. Pete area willing to help or going to Key West any time soon or can you suggest someone. I'd like to either go in a group or have someone aboard that's experienced. Time frame is mid October to early November. You may reply to me personally if you like at rjperez@lanset.comThanks,Rick

 

[Debra B]

ockechobee option

How high is the mast? The railroad bridge at the east end of the ockechobee waterway is 48 ft. or so. This may be an option. Check the charts and the water levels - we have had a lot of rain, and the lake may be high. This can severly decrease the clearance.Post your question in "Ask All Sailors" to get non-hunter owners.Sailnet has a west florida email list that may also be of some use for people in the Tampa St. Pete area able to get away.

 

[Robin]

I am going in mid December

Eventually heading to the Bahamas. Love to have a buddy boat.

 

[Brian]

Marathon

I have gone both ways from Canaveral to St. Pete and back. You can shave time off by going to Marathon and and then heading to Miami.. It will save you about 2 average sailing days. It is really a pretty easy trip. The longest leg is (for us anyway) was RSW down to Marathon, about 80 miles I think. (unless you want to go to Key West) You sail that leg in smooth water with an easterly all the way. Once past Marathon, the Hawk Channel is the way to go. Most of it is protected by the reef and unless you get really strong winds, you can expect seas to be less than 2' with lots of marinas and anchorages. The intercoastal is an option, but it is real easy to bump bottom and you will end up motoring most of the way.Once you get past Key largo, the intercoastal is a good option again. Due to all the draw bridges though, I would option for the outside route with weather permitting, till north of Lake Worth inlet. BE WARNED. The Julia A. Tuttle bridge just north of Miami is only 56'. Severaal boats have been dismasted there thinking it was 65' like all the other fixed bridges on the east coast of FL.I would say get some good charts, plan it well and it will be a very easy trip since you don't have to be exposed to the open ocean very much.Brian