Advice on crossing to the Bahamas

[SparkyDorado]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

An M26 would not be my first choice, but It all depends on the day...specifically the weather that day. The waters between FL and the Bahamas can be almost flat calm or horrendous. On a calm day almost anything would make it across.

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[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by SparkyDorado

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Yes, Ive seen them underway at high speed...there is a certain comic aspect to a small sailboat flying across the water.

[mjscottinnc]

Originally Posted by skipgundlach

Although you likely could do the Bahamas just fine, having 9 days only is a recipe for disaster or stranding.

Weather windows are just too unforgiving.

I waited 10 days for a weather window to cross over in December and waited another 8 days to cross back March of last year.

I sailed from Stuart to White Sand Ridge, took around 10 hours at 5.5 knots. Anchored about 6 miles onto the bank and then sailed to and cleared in at Grand Cay the next day.

Lots of options. Plan your trip well, be smart and you will enjoy every minute. The only down side is that once you return to the US, all you think about is your next trip back.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by mjscottinnc

The only down side is that once you return to the US, all you think about is your next trip back.

Ain’t that the truth!

[Davy J]

Thanks!! I think we’ve decided to go with sailing through the keys. What are your favorite destinations through the keys? Where’s a good place to start for 9 day trip?

The answer to this question will be dependent on what are your interests.

The Keys are mostly about fishing, diving and snorkeling. Of course there is clear water and beautiful sunsets, the rest of the Keys is about tourists.... hotels, restaurants and bars. Key West in an entity all its own. If you haven't been there, a couple of nights at the Key West Bight Marina can be a unique experience.

You can also anchor out in remote places all up and down the chain. Or, pick up a mooring in Boot Key Harbor. It's also an interesting place, with a combination of cruisers, liveaboards and derelicts.........

The only thing to be aware of is: if you travel down Hawk Channel, sometimes coming back north can be a real challenge. The wind is typically east to SE.

With your draft though, you could spend the entire time on the Bay side. Plenty of things to do/see there as well.

[Trialsbikeadam]

Love the skier picture �� we’re excited about the keys! Great tips and advice. I think we might be looking to set off from marathon key and just go exploring from there. Probably in a down the chain direction.