I am going to sail from St. Simons, Georgia to Pensacola, Florida early this summer and would like to know if there is any advice or tips on where to cut through once I get past Miami and I want to enter the Gulf Coast? Also any other information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. Charles
- Status
A Little Info
Charles, You may know most of this already, but before you get to Miami, you could cut through the ditch from Stuart, FL through Lake Okeechobee to Charlotte Harbor. From there, you could ride the ICW up as far as Tampa Bay. Once you reach the northern end of Tampa Bay, the ICW ends and you will have to cut across the Gulf 132 NM to Apalacicola, FL, which is where you will pick up the ICW again. From there you will have about a 170 trip in protected waters, and it is one nice and peaceful trip. Where in Pensacola will you be heading to, there are several execllent marinas in the area, and some of the most beautiful sailing waters in the world. Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
Charles, You may know most of this already, but before you get to Miami, you could cut through the ditch from Stuart, FL through Lake Okeechobee to Charlotte Harbor. From there, you could ride the ICW up as far as Tampa Bay. Once you reach the northern end of Tampa Bay, the ICW ends and you will have to cut across the Gulf 132 NM to Apalacicola, FL, which is where you will pick up the ICW again. From there you will have about a 170 trip in protected waters, and it is one nice and peaceful trip. Where in Pensacola will you be heading to, there are several execllent marinas in the area, and some of the most beautiful sailing waters in the world. Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
Mr. Ben Allen could you e-mail me
Mr. Allen: Could you e-mail me at enjoylifetwoday@joimail.com, I would like to correspond with you some more if you do not mind about Pensacola because I will be looking for a permanent slip for my boat. Thanks, Charles Atlanta "Windwalker"
Mr. Allen: Could you e-mail me at enjoylifetwoday@joimail.com, I would like to correspond with you some more if you do not mind about Pensacola because I will be looking for a permanent slip for my boat. Thanks, Charles Atlanta "Windwalker"
other ports of call
I don't have any sailing experience in the gulf but there are a couple of places to stop between Tampa and Appalachicola. Crystal River, Yankeetown, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, St. Marks and Panacea are short hops. The water is thin for a mile or so offshore in many places around here, so it is important to locate and use the channels to approach these scenic and remote ports of call. There are good places to eat and relax at many of these.
I don't have any sailing experience in the gulf but there are a couple of places to stop between Tampa and Appalachicola. Crystal River, Yankeetown, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, St. Marks and Panacea are short hops. The water is thin for a mile or so offshore in many places around here, so it is important to locate and use the channels to approach these scenic and remote ports of call. There are good places to eat and relax at many of these.
Pensacola
Was just in Pensacola visiting my parents and did the normal sightseeing trip around to the marinas. One individual or company is buying up the marinas around town. Don't get me wrong they are drasticly improving the marina but at a cost. Most of the people I talked said the rate doubled to about $8-10 /foot. One guy said he was paying $285 a month for a 28 footer. One of the prettier marinas is located right downtown at the municipal pier. Picture included. It's only a couple of blocks from "Trader Johns" great place for a drink and history. Jim S/V Java
Was just in Pensacola visiting my parents and did the normal sightseeing trip around to the marinas. One individual or company is buying up the marinas around town. Don't get me wrong they are drasticly improving the marina but at a cost. Most of the people I talked said the rate doubled to about $8-10 /foot. One guy said he was paying $285 a month for a 28 footer. One of the prettier marinas is located right downtown at the municipal pier. Picture included. It's only a couple of blocks from "Trader Johns" great place for a drink and history. Jim S/V Java
Attachments
Port St. Joe
Last year I sailed from Pensacola to Port St. Joe 'round trip; out via the ICW, back open water. I highly recommend the marina at Port St. Joe. I've been up and down the Fl Gulf coast a bit, and since this is an exclusive forum (I don't want to spoil the best spots on incidental tourists, but those of this forum are worthy) I'll share this secret. This is without any comparison in my haphazard experience the best marina along the Florida Gulf. I was going to anchor out that night, but ventured in and found a uniformed attendant was at my aid to cheerfully sell me 3 gallons of gas. I went to pay, and was so impressed by the gracious staff found there I decided to spend the night, finding the rates too accomodating to refuse (while still thinking I had stumbled into a private yacht club). I luxuriously showered in their facilities and then, at the recommendation of staff, dined in their restaurant. Minus the "cheeseburger in paradise" syndrome (I factor in my previous deprivation when making this critique) the food was exceptional. They have this dill sauce over grilled grouper that, despite the fact they shared the recipe willingly after a tour of their kitchen, I can't re-create. What I am trying to convey is that this place is one of the last areas of Florida that still has any charm. DON'T MISS IT! Make your way into Appalachicola, go left from the ditch, and and don't let what you see on your way discourage you. Make way to the Port St. Joe marina. With warm feelings from there leave via the Gulf (the "ditch" is just that); the next civilization is in Destin (and I have connections for one hell of a sandwich there). Email me at memajor@juno.com for more info. Mark Major, s/v Lesismor 86H23
Last year I sailed from Pensacola to Port St. Joe 'round trip; out via the ICW, back open water. I highly recommend the marina at Port St. Joe. I've been up and down the Fl Gulf coast a bit, and since this is an exclusive forum (I don't want to spoil the best spots on incidental tourists, but those of this forum are worthy) I'll share this secret. This is without any comparison in my haphazard experience the best marina along the Florida Gulf. I was going to anchor out that night, but ventured in and found a uniformed attendant was at my aid to cheerfully sell me 3 gallons of gas. I went to pay, and was so impressed by the gracious staff found there I decided to spend the night, finding the rates too accomodating to refuse (while still thinking I had stumbled into a private yacht club). I luxuriously showered in their facilities and then, at the recommendation of staff, dined in their restaurant. Minus the "cheeseburger in paradise" syndrome (I factor in my previous deprivation when making this critique) the food was exceptional. They have this dill sauce over grilled grouper that, despite the fact they shared the recipe willingly after a tour of their kitchen, I can't re-create. What I am trying to convey is that this place is one of the last areas of Florida that still has any charm. DON'T MISS IT! Make your way into Appalachicola, go left from the ditch, and and don't let what you see on your way discourage you. Make way to the Port St. Joe marina. With warm feelings from there leave via the Gulf (the "ditch" is just that); the next civilization is in Destin (and I have connections for one hell of a sandwich there). Email me at memajor@juno.com for more info. Mark Major, s/v Lesismor 86H23
Bridge Height/Mast Height
Charles, If you are planning to take the Okeechobee Waterway across the lake, you will save about 6 days of travel compared to going all the way down through the upper keys before turning north. However,there are considerations that need to be adressed. There is a railroad bridge just before you enter Lake Okeechobee itself that has a 44'-47'clearence depending on the water level at the time you are crossing. (Call the Port Mayaca Lock for up-to-date info (561)924-2858) If you can't get under the bridge, you have to go down through the Upper Keys to the Yacht Channel that is just to the north of Long Key. Next, how much do you draw? Anymore than 5' and you will need to take the outside route down the keys in Hawks Channel until you get to Channel #5, then make your way north through the Yacht Channel and on up toward your final destination. Either way its a great trip. Good luck, PM
Charles, If you are planning to take the Okeechobee Waterway across the lake, you will save about 6 days of travel compared to going all the way down through the upper keys before turning north. However,there are considerations that need to be adressed. There is a railroad bridge just before you enter Lake Okeechobee itself that has a 44'-47'clearence depending on the water level at the time you are crossing. (Call the Port Mayaca Lock for up-to-date info (561)924-2858) If you can't get under the bridge, you have to go down through the Upper Keys to the Yacht Channel that is just to the north of Long Key. Next, how much do you draw? Anymore than 5' and you will need to take the outside route down the keys in Hawks Channel until you get to Channel #5, then make your way north through the Yacht Channel and on up toward your final destination. Either way its a great trip. Good luck, PM
Great Info Here
Check this site: http://s-3d.com/americanvictorytour/hear.php He is doing the trip the hard way
Check this site: http://s-3d.com/americanvictorytour/hear.php He is doing the trip the hard way
P'cola Native
when you get to Pensacola, check out some of the marinas west of town along Grande Lagoon and Old River. this is the Peridod Key area. the prices are a bit more reasonable. My boat is on Grande Lagoon and we love it due to the great siling in the loggon and the proxiity to the Pensacola pass which is only about 1 1/2 miles from the dock. When will you be making the trip? I am scheduled to bring a sportfisher from Marathon back to P'cola the last week of March. If you need any local knowlege of the area let me know. Fair Winds Mark
when you get to Pensacola, check out some of the marinas west of town along Grande Lagoon and Old River. this is the Peridod Key area. the prices are a bit more reasonable. My boat is on Grande Lagoon and we love it due to the great siling in the loggon and the proxiity to the Pensacola pass which is only about 1 1/2 miles from the dock. When will you be making the trip? I am scheduled to bring a sportfisher from Marathon back to P'cola the last week of March. If you need any local knowlege of the area let me know. Fair Winds Mark
I can't forget that bridge
I came up close to size up my situation when the lock tender opened the lock and the current pushed me right thru. Took my tri-color right off. I found it in my furled mainsail a day later.
I came up close to size up my situation when the lock tender opened the lock and the current pushed me right thru. Took my tri-color right off. I found it in my furled mainsail a day later.
- Status