We are looking into the wintering on the west coast of Florida this coming fall and winter. Charlotte Bay catches our eye and yet it is rumored that the winds during the winter are not favorable for comfortable sailing. Any shared information about this plan will be appreciated.
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Allen
Charlotte Harbor
I have been sailing out of Burnt Store Marina located on the east side of Charlotte Harbor for about 6 years. I really don't think you could find a better sailing spot on the west coast of Florida. Charlotte Harbor is approximately 12 miles wide and 12 miles long. Even during exteremely windy days you can find areas that are fairly protected and you can either reef or just wait for a better day. There are days that you will not want to venture out into the Gulf through Boca Grande Pass because it can really get rough out there in a hurry. There are great anchoring spots i.e. Pelican Bay on the west side. Other sailors may have had different experiences, but I see no reason not to consider the area.
I have been sailing out of Burnt Store Marina located on the east side of Charlotte Harbor for about 6 years. I really don't think you could find a better sailing spot on the west coast of Florida. Charlotte Harbor is approximately 12 miles wide and 12 miles long. Even during exteremely windy days you can find areas that are fairly protected and you can either reef or just wait for a better day. There are days that you will not want to venture out into the Gulf through Boca Grande Pass because it can really get rough out there in a hurry. There are great anchoring spots i.e. Pelican Bay on the west side. Other sailors may have had different experiences, but I see no reason not to consider the area.
Allen
Allen, Is "STUMP PASS" by Manasota key open or is it to shallow to use? Thank you Frank for letting me jump in and to add to your question: The weather in January just north {Tampa Bay} can be effected by cold fronts making for chilly days but mostly you would find it to be in the high 60's during the day and upper 40's at night. It can go one way or the other but not by much. The water is too cold for swimming till March. March is beautiful, much like the summers up north. good luck, Jack
Allen, Is "STUMP PASS" by Manasota key open or is it to shallow to use? Thank you Frank for letting me jump in and to add to your question: The weather in January just north {Tampa Bay} can be effected by cold fronts making for chilly days but mostly you would find it to be in the high 60's during the day and upper 40's at night. It can go one way or the other but not by much. The water is too cold for swimming till March. March is beautiful, much like the summers up north. good luck, Jack
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Ed
SW FL sailing
The farther south you are the better. I sail out of Naples and the sailing s great. the Gulf can get rough when the wind gets up. we get periods where the wind is 10 to 15 for a week at a time. 15 out of the North, South , or West can cause uncomfortable seas. I sail when the forcast is for 10 - 15, but not when it is 15 - 20.
The farther south you are the better. I sail out of Naples and the sailing s great. the Gulf can get rough when the wind gets up. we get periods where the wind is 10 to 15 for a week at a time. 15 out of the North, South , or West can cause uncomfortable seas. I sail when the forcast is for 10 - 15, but not when it is 15 - 20.
I'll second Burnt Store
What a beautiful place. I'm bragging but I just returned home today from a charter there. Manatee's in the marina, Dolphins, Turtles, a short sail to Cabbage key. I'm jealous of Allen.
What a beautiful place. I'm bragging but I just returned home today from a charter there. Manatee's in the marina, Dolphins, Turtles, a short sail to Cabbage key. I'm jealous of Allen.
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Allen
Stump Pass
Jack I would not use Stump Pass. Even with local knowledge it can be very tricky ( not worth the risk). I have made the trip from Tampa Bay several times and only use Longboat Key Pass or the Venice Inlet in that area to get in to or out of the ICW.
Jack I would not use Stump Pass. Even with local knowledge it can be very tricky ( not worth the risk). I have made the trip from Tampa Bay several times and only use Longboat Key Pass or the Venice Inlet in that area to get in to or out of the ICW.
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Bib
Long Boat Key
If and when you have the chance, on the inland side at the upper reach (north) of Long Key is Moores Stone Crab Restaurant. Anchoring areas are execellent and docking for a meal is just fine. We spent several nights at dock many years ago. The place has been around for decades and is just off the ICW. WOnderful folks and a great stop for a superb meal and overnight anchoring. Many great treasures along the west coast. Bob
If and when you have the chance, on the inland side at the upper reach (north) of Long Key is Moores Stone Crab Restaurant. Anchoring areas are execellent and docking for a meal is just fine. We spent several nights at dock many years ago. The place has been around for decades and is just off the ICW. WOnderful folks and a great stop for a superb meal and overnight anchoring. Many great treasures along the west coast. Bob
Allen and Bob
Thank you both for the local knowledge. I will use the advice form both of you. I have some vacation time April 6th and the weather has been so nice that I have decided to sail south and not return for at least a week. I have the "Cruising Western Florida" (2000) guide book but nothing can beet local knowledge. Frank, Thanks for letting me use your posting space, Jack
Thank you both for the local knowledge. I will use the advice form both of you. I have some vacation time April 6th and the weather has been so nice that I have decided to sail south and not return for at least a week. I have the "Cruising Western Florida" (2000) guide book but nothing can beet local knowledge. Frank, Thanks for letting me use your posting space, Jack
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Frank
Thanks and more thanks fellas----->>>
The information you have shared is most encouraging and more appreciated than filled sails on a hot Chesapeake summer day! Because of your input we are encouraged by our next big trip-> south to Florida and maybe even destinations beyond. Much depends upon the worthiness of our 1987 28 foot Cal which draws 3'9" and displaces 7100 lbs. She sails very well, but the Motion of Comfort factor has much to be desired as does her stability in heavy seas. Anyhow, thanks to all for your part in our sailing log and maybe we will even get to meet some of you when er we go. Frank
The information you have shared is most encouraging and more appreciated than filled sails on a hot Chesapeake summer day! Because of your input we are encouraged by our next big trip-> south to Florida and maybe even destinations beyond. Much depends upon the worthiness of our 1987 28 foot Cal which draws 3'9" and displaces 7100 lbs. She sails very well, but the Motion of Comfort factor has much to be desired as does her stability in heavy seas. Anyhow, thanks to all for your part in our sailing log and maybe we will even get to meet some of you when er we go. Frank
Frank
We are always happy to meet new people and, if the timing works out, you are welcome to tie up here for a day or two and charge your batteries. The draft of your boat sounds perfect for down here as shallow water is everywhere. The intercoastal is safe,fun and it's marina's are, of coarse, open year round. If your retired, I would think you would have a ball sailing the intercoastals down here over the winter. It wouldn't be cheap and the weather could be, at times, chilly, but the sailing is great. Are you thinking of sailing down or having your boat trucked down? Good luck, have fun, Jack
We are always happy to meet new people and, if the timing works out, you are welcome to tie up here for a day or two and charge your batteries. The draft of your boat sounds perfect for down here as shallow water is everywhere. The intercoastal is safe,fun and it's marina's are, of coarse, open year round. If your retired, I would think you would have a ball sailing the intercoastals down here over the winter. It wouldn't be cheap and the weather could be, at times, chilly, but the sailing is great. Are you thinking of sailing down or having your boat trucked down? Good luck, have fun, Jack
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Frank
Jack
Morning Jack. Tnx for the encouragement and invite. We too enjoy the adventure of new camaraderie. Being retired and having tried to head south for two years now (our plans were belayed due to the recent hurricanes) let's hope this year's season will be different and although the forecast is that the northeast will have its share of fun and games (hurricane wise) it is hoped that you all will not have a repeat of the past. With all the requirements of the sailing lifestyle, "having a ball", is always in the plan of the day. I believe that sailors are particular in the sense that their determination to sail windward is a characteristic reflection of their overall attitude in life; they would rather be on a reach, but will not run from a rough head sea, if necessary. Thanks again, Frank
Morning Jack. Tnx for the encouragement and invite. We too enjoy the adventure of new camaraderie. Being retired and having tried to head south for two years now (our plans were belayed due to the recent hurricanes) let's hope this year's season will be different and although the forecast is that the northeast will have its share of fun and games (hurricane wise) it is hoped that you all will not have a repeat of the past. With all the requirements of the sailing lifestyle, "having a ball", is always in the plan of the day. I believe that sailors are particular in the sense that their determination to sail windward is a characteristic reflection of their overall attitude in life; they would rather be on a reach, but will not run from a rough head sea, if necessary. Thanks again, Frank
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