2 Months Free, Cruising Advice Needed!

[PMac]

Hi All,

So as fate may have it, myself and 2 friends will have 2 months off of work starting at the beginning of May (around the 5th). We decided that we would like go on a sailing trip on my friend's 39' Ericson that he's been living on in the Keys. I wanted to see if anyone had any advice or recommendations on trips that would be suitable & safe (relatively) for this time period.

I've read quite a bit about the thorny path, which seems extremely appealing based on the destinations. However, I've read that it can be quite a rough trip due to the prevailing trade winds that we'd be going against.

On the flip side, I haven't been able to find too much information on trips from the Keys down to Isla Mujeres and the Central American coast during this time period. Does anyone have any experience making this trip during May and June?

Ultimately, my friends and I are looking for any recommendations on quality routes, and their respective anchoring locations, that can be taken during this time period. I myself don't have too much sailing experience but my two friends do, though not much open water experience.

Any advice/comments on these two routes and/or alternatives is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

PMac

[ebs001]

Go to the Bahamas. There's a ton of info about the Bahamas in these forums and it's a great time to do it. Given your limited time plus hurricaine season starts in June you don't want to get too far away from home.

[john1066]

You could head up to Chesapeake Bay. You can go offshore or in the ICW or, much better, a combination of the two as weather determines. It will take anywhere from 10 days to a month each way, depending on how long you dally along the way. Not the exotic charm of the islands, but a great trip nevertheless.

[TQA]

Originally Posted by PMac

Hi All,

So as fate may have it, myself and 2 friends will have 2 months off of work starting at the beginning of May (around the 5th). We decided that we would like go on a sailing trip on my friend's 39' Ericson that he's been living on in the Keys. I wanted to see if anyone had any advice or recommendations on trips that would be suitable & safe (relatively) for this time period.

I've read quite a bit about the thorny path, which seems extremely appealing based on the destinations. However, I've read that it can be quite a rough trip due to the prevailing trade winds that we'd be going against.

On the flip side, I haven't been able to find too much information on trips from the Keys down to Isla Mujeres and the Central American coast during this time period. Does anyone have any experience making this trip during May and June?

Ultimately, my friends and I are looking for any recommendations on quality routes, and their respective anchoring locations, that can be taken during this time period. I myself don't have too much sailing experience but my two friends do, though not much open water experience.

Any advice/comments on these two routes and/or alternatives is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

PMac

Total no brainer BAHAMAS

you would have an easy shot for Bimini starting off from the Keys. Just be sure there is no North in the wind when you go,

2 months will will give you time to explore with out rushing around. Mind you the hurricane season starts then so you would need to be in a position to run for shelter if one threatens. Check your insurance too!

If you are thinking about the Thorny path then getting to Great Exuma would be fun but from then on life could be difficult AND you would be later than Van Sant recommends. Not material for a first cruise IMHO.

[Boatsmith]

Bahamas due to weather and experience and fun factor. JMO

[carl762]

Sounds like a trip of a lifetime. Going to be a long long time before I can get two months off. In the meantime, small trips for this kid.

Have fun. Head to the Bahamas!!!

[harryrezz]

Bahamas. As a sedcond choice, Bahamas!