Tampa-Keys-Ft.Lauderdale-ICW-Norfolk-Newport

[4square]

My wife and I just completed the above in 5 weeks. I will report in installments so that you all don't get bored!
1. Tampa to Keys
2. ICW to Norfolk
3. Norfolk to Newport RI.

Jack D:

[gershel]

Get to see ANYTHING?

[nelsonsmoody]

Nice going in what size and sail or power?

[4square]

Not Much ... we were on a delivery.

[4square]

Sail 52' Island Packet Mast 63.5' draft 5.5' 100HP Yanmar

[davehales]

Sounds like a blast. We have a place on the Currituck sound where we sail my Hobie and my friends Hunter 216. We have been learning for 2 years now. We see the boats go up and down the ICW every weekend. We will be taking the ASA 101 and 103 tests here soon and hope to be one of those on the transit here someday.

[4square]

Sorry to be so tardy with first installment.
The boat is an IP485. Draft 5'6", Masthead 63'6" (not counting the antennas)
52.5' overall, 15' something wide. 100 HP Yanmar. Left Bradenton FL on 5/26 with 4 aboard. Overnited to Bridge at Marathon part sail mostly pig sail. The bridge at marathon is listed as 65' We pinged - dinged through and changed underwear shortly thereafter. Doesn't do much good to edge up on it unless you can get someone to climb. Even with that I doubt you could call it and stop in time. To be on the safer side try to go through these close calls at dead low tide if possible. Anyway no damage to antennas. Went North to Rodriguez key and anchored in 20' SSE of the Key. Very pleasant --no bugs! Early on this spring I asked about the crab/lobster/fish pot situation along the West coast of Fla. Well we went out about 20 NM and still there were pots everywhere. Fortunately we have a full keel and pushed them all aside. However I don't think a pendant or wing keel would fair the same. As usual a close watch is important. Many many fishing trawlers out there at night. Radar watch/alert at 6 nm helps a lot.

Next installment is ICW from FT. Lauderdale to Norfolk

By for now ... 4square