Sailing East Coast from MD to FL.

[Hook'Em]

I just purchased a Newport 30 and I'm interested in sailing it down the Atlantic coast from Chesapeake Bay to Fort Pierce, FL.

I understand this is not an offshore blue-water cruiser, so I would need the most favorable winds and seas.
What is the best time of year to make the trip?
How many days would one expect to make the journey?
Also, any advice on float plans, good moorings enroute and must stop locations.

Thanks,
Hook'Em Horns

 

[sailaway78]

Very Nice Trip

You can do pretty much this whole trip inside, if you want. The fall is wonderful, if you go before it gets too cold. Lots of it you can duck offshore if you get nice weather, and make short offshore hops. Get some charts, and one of the many cruising guides available. Skipper Bobs is considered by many to be the best one. If you are competent, that boat should be able to handle any offshore hops you want to make, if you watch the weather.

 

[LRlovetotravel]

Moving my boat

Is there anyone on this board who will help me move my boat from Slidell to Mobile? The job will pay well. If willing you can contact me at my e-mail addresss. Thanks.

 

[Hook'Em]

Thanks, Nice N Easy

I'll check out Skipper Bob's guides.

TO:
LWlovetotravel. I think what you just did is called piggybacking. :naughty: Please start your own thread and I am sure you will get more responses and not detract from this thread.

 

[Buck420]

Hook'Em

I've made the trip (back and forth) many times; and (this year) will be leaving Norfolk ~ Nov. 4th; heading back down...

To answer your 2 stated questions ... October; and 10-60 days; depends on how fast you want to go.

If you would like to e-mail me at ... sail420lat@yahoo.com ... I'll try to answer your questions...

Buck

 

[CalebD]

Piggybacking or hijacking, what ever.

There is a good article on cruising world by Jon Eisenberg (a denizen of the csbb - aka 'Cruisers Forum') on the ditch, aka: ICW, nautical 95 etc.
http://www.cruisingworld.com/destinations/north-america/an-insiders-icw-34398.html

 

[nonlinear]

Nice N Easy & Buck420 Got it right

We have been up and down the ICW for 8 years.. Don't be in a hurry. Make it fun.. connect with another boat.. we call them "Buddy Boats". Also pick your weather.. Move only when you can enjoy it..That is the most important thing..

 

[Hook'Em]

Thanks to all...

Buck420 I will contact you. I will glean all I can from your experience.

Quite an excellent article CalebD, I am beginning to formulate a plan.

Looking foward to this great trip.