Santa rosa sound

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I have been talked away from my St. johns river trip :( My "mate" was game, but seemed more excited about the pensacola area...In alot of ways I agree, and don't want a potentially "unthrilled" woman on a 26s for 6 days! I have been sailing around both pensacola and choctawhatchee bay. And have read here in the archives that santa rosa sound is good sailing. My questions are: How tough is navigating the narrows section just west of choctawhatchee bay...can this be sailed or is it too narrow/crowded? Does anyone know of some good anchorages with easy access to good beaches or walking area along the sound? deep water anchorage where I can nose the boat onto the beach verses dingying in is preferred. Thanks for any info!!!
 
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Most of the channels

Most of the channels east of Pensacola bay until you get into Chocatwhachee bay are basically too narrow to sail much. Both bays are good sailing though. I would highly recommend Big Lagoon as an anchorage. It is just west of the Pensacola channel, with easy access to the gulf. Or you can go east into Pensacola bay, farther if desired. There is good holding around Redfish point, and while you can't nose up the the beach, you can get fairly close. A short dinghy ride, and a walk of 20 yards or so and you are in the surf. You can anchor up at Spanish Pt. but it gets kind of crowded in there on nice days. Another plus to Big Lagoon area is the Blue Angels practice there. Many mornings, you can have coffee in the cockpit, and watch them come by. Sometimes so low they are making rooster tails on the water. If more info. wanted, drop me a line. Several posters on this board from that area, so I am sure some more info. is coming.
 
Jun 7, 2007
875
Pearson- 323- Mobile,Al
Depends Upon Wind Direction

I sailed from Choctawhatchee bay to Mobile Bay one time only motoring in the cut beteen Ingrams's bayou and Mobile bay. But much of it is too narrow for tacking. Pensacola's pass can get pretty rough at times but Santa rosa sound is usually pretty flat. Nice n Easy is right about big lagoon being nice and anchoring around fort McCree on the western side of the pass is nice. There is a hole south of the large sand dune that is very sheltered in most directions. There is a lot of traffic in the ICW and the Pass!!!! When the jets are flying it can be noisey. With a Mac I would spend more time to the east in Santa Rosa Sound. Choctawhatchee bay is large enough to be interesting for a week. I think that I might put in at the Ramp in Panama City and motorsail the ICW and choctawhatchee bay. It would take about 6 days to go to the western end of Choctawhatchee bay and back to PC. Another great option is to sail from PC to Saint Joe. If it is nice take the outside if not the sailing in East bay is good and then motor the ICW and then go into St Joe through the connecting canal. Remember the alligators if you go swimming. I do not recommend night swimming. But almost anywhere between Port Saint Joe and Mobile you can spend an enjoyable week. I spent a week on my old 1988 mac 26 just in Saint Andrew's Bay. Parked the truck and trailer at the state park. Anchored behind Shell Island at night and sailed all three bays during the day. The pass at Panama City can be extremely busy.
 
Apr 24, 2006
194
Hunter 33_77-83 Mandeville LA
i love sailing there.

we have sailed in the area many times. love it. East of Pensacola Beach is kinda narrow and very shallow near shore. My choice would be go west. There is a lot to do. Pirates cove. The forts. Perdido. check out link. Little Sabine at PB has a great market. The marina there is very nice and the people are great. Also lots to do in PB area.
 
Jun 16, 2004
203
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Thanks for the info.

I have stayed at the fort mcree anchorage (my second salt water trip on my boat...set the sailing hook hard into my jaw!!!) I was sipping coffee when surprised by a blue angels fly by!!! And had a great sail to pirates cove for tasty rum drinks and cheeseburger. I felt [relative to my own limited sailing, yet imaginative mind]like captain cook or something. Bit of a bummer when I was told that mt boat was only good for lakes...but after realizing he had never sailed on a mac (mine is a 94 26s); and my boat was docked in SALT WATER, I got over it. Sailed to pirates cove and a little of perdido bay...which is why I was thinking of heading west to link up with choctawathcee bay (which i sailed once). I think I will sail a bit of the santa rosa sound from fort mcree...and sail some more of perdido bay and check out little sabine. maybe derig and drive *yks to choctawachee bay. I have sailed to crooked island from panama city and have always wanted to keep going to port st. joe.... So many places...so little time. Though I'm glad to have a job....it must be great to head out with no temporal agenda!!! Thanks for the info. As always, this site is a great source of knowledge.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,507
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Here is a Thought

Put your boat in around Appalachicola and sail to Panama City or as far as Fort Walton rent a car and go back for your trailer.
 
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