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[capnd1964]

hello all ,
last year about this time I purchased my 20 year dream ,a 38 ft ketch.I have since had new garmin nav equipment installed along with all new lighting (L E D ) both externally and inside the boat . Rewired all questionable shore power ,charging system ,outlets etc. I believe I am ready to sail . I have sailed some and have taken a sailing class in boston several years back . the boat yard in Baltimore is telling me I either need to launch or I will be blocked in for the winter . I want to get my boat to florida asap but weather is now a concern as it seems to keep blowing up storms . I lean towards just do this and I have to start at some point . I have not sailed this boat alone and have only been on it in the Chesapeake for about an hour at the demo when I bought it . any suggestions from actual qualified veteran sailors would be greatly appreciated I have 1 week to decide .

[ranger58sb]

Some options, to further the conversation:
- launch, and move to another marina in Baltimore for a while
- set sail, maybe short hops down the Chesapeake as you become more comfortable
- hire a delivery captain and let him/her get it to FL for you
- hire a teaching captain to accoompany you as you take the boat to FL yourself
- invite some experienced crew to help you sail south
- some combination of the above
- wait until next year

If you pay attention to weather windows, the Chesapeake in November can be OK... especially if you're not particularly schedule-driven and if you're willing to beat feet into the nearest port if necessary.

-Chris