input for Florida Keys to Norfolk delivery

[Dive_Buddha]

Hey sailors. I'm making a delivery later this month on a 41 Morgan sail with a 6.5 hull speed. I'm going non stop with a crew on the outside and I'm looking for any input, hazards or suggestions. This will be my first northern delivery on the east coast.

[roverhi]

Made the sail in a Morgan 35 from St Pete. Stopped at Marathon, Fort Lauderdale, Charleston. Went inside at Beaufort, up Albemarle Sound and the Dismal Swamp to Norfolk. Got a big push from the Gulf Stream from Marathon to Fort Lauderdale. Westerly winds and a beam reach for most of the way. Only excitement were thunder bumpers on the West Side of Florida when we couldn't avoid one. It's been awhile but seem to recall took a little over two weeks including the stops. Only stayed overnight on the stops except at Charleston where we spent two nights. Highly recommend stopping at Charleston just for the She Crab Soup and Grits. Left Elizabeth City early in the morning for the Dismal Swamp Cut but not early enough. It was dark by the time we approached the turn off for Norfolk, missed the unlit mark and ended up aground in a farmer's barn yard. Had a glasss of wine serenaded by the cows, got a good nights sleep and kedged off in the morning to finish the delivery.

If you want to do it in one shot would stay outside the whole way and get a lift from the Gulf Stream. Could cut a day or more off the sail. Just be sure you've got a thermometer to find and stay in the Stream. Assume you won't try it with northerly winds which would make for a most unpleasant trip.