BVI to FL course suggestions

[pete33458]

Hi all: I'm probably going to help garyf9 deliver his ex-charter Beneteau from Tortola to Punta Gorda, Florida. I was hoping to get some suggestions about the preferred route, including a few easy-access ports along the way, in case of weather or other problems. I'm guessing just follow the trench, staying between Cuba the Bahamas, and heading for Marathon. Is there anything we should known about? I'm also looking for information about FL Bay and the Gulf, not so much stops at that point but the preferred course for sailing. I've never sailed there before.

Thanks for your input. Best, Pete

[tryrsh]

Have done the Marathon to Punta run several times, most recently ten days ago in my Beneteau 411, its a milk run. Just lay in a course for the outer marker for the entrance into Charlotte bay and enjoy the next 30 hours or so. The shallow waters and proximity to the Florida west coast make for a generally pleasant sail with the prevailing easterly's. Most of the lobster and stone crab pots should be picked up by now. There is a couple shoals you'll need to work around leaving Marathon. I can recommend Fisherman's Village Marina, in Punta if your needing a dock.