Flordia Bound

[txgypsySoul]

Well 'Gypsy Soul' is going in the water near the end of Febuary. I will be single sailing form Corpus Christi, Texas to Jacksonville, Fla. via the Lake Okeechobee route form Fort Myers to the Atlantic if it high enough, other wise I'll take the Keys route. My question is to all you great sailors, as what charts should I use, 411# of the gulf is the largest, but What other charts should I take. I have thought about useing the ICC but The number of charts is gona be EXPENSIVE . I know I saw a Chart that showed the open water shiping lanes, that clear the oil rigs. The rigs are one of my most fears do so many at are not lite and sailing alone So Any help or suggestion would be great. You can address your answers to me at txgypsysoul@cableone.net if you not want to use the list. Thanks ahead of time for you inputs.


Richard Retired USN OSMC

[Freesail99]

I may be mistaking but the lake Okeechobee route doesn't have enough water. Have you looked closely at this ?

[txgypsySoul]

My draft is only 5 ft and all reports say I can, but I will be checking just before I make the trip.

[PBzeer]

Febuary is not the greatest time of year to cross the Gulf. There tends to be quite a few North'ers blow through, often one after another. So you should be aware of that. You might want to think about heading down to the tip of the Yucatan, then coming up to the Keys. Then you can go either way heading north. I draw 4 1/2 and was not able to go through the Okeechobee last May. And winter is the dry season here.

[txgypsySoul]

Sorry I guess I got my dates messed up I do not plan to leave til late April or may. But that Idea to go to tip of the Yucatan, then coming up to the Keys might be best. any suggestions on the route and stops

[PBzeer]

Are you going solo, or will you have crew? Also, what is your mast height?

[centralFLsailor]

I second PBzeer's suggestion. Okeechobee still is reporting low water depths. Even parts of the ICW can be a challenge at low tide with a 5' draft in the Daytona - Palm Coast area.

Kevin

[xort]

last report I saw, last week, was Okechobie was at 4.5'. Dry season is here so it won't get any better for a while. Need a few hurricanes.

[NOLAsailing]

You can also stay inside until you get to New Orleans and then take advantage of the MS sound islands and then the many dockage options along the Florida coast, if you want to avoid long distance solo sailing.

[PorFin]

Originally Posted by PBzeer

Are you going solo, or will you have crew? Also, what is your mast height?

Master Chief,

Know that you've probably already seen this, but the Port Mayaca railroad bridge only lifts up to 49 feet --

Fair winds & following seas,
PF