Dry Tortugas

brucelongman · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2004

Am cruising with two other boats to the Tortugas in April sailing from Tampa. We plan to sail gulf side direct - estimate 40 hours. Anyone have any recommendations for anchorages and any tips on the area? We plan to spend a few days there and then head for Key West. Also a goof anchorage in Key West? I don''t want to marina due to exhorbitant transient fees!

admiral · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2004

We are also planning to go to the Dry Tortugas in early April after picking up our new boat in Bradenton. We might stop in Naples on the way, however, to see some old friends. When were you planning to leave?

brucelongman · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004

Sorry for delay in responding, I have been out of town on business (sucky). We are leaving Tampa on April 2 (friday) in three sailboats (cool armada!). Planning to overnight sail there in 50 hours arriving Sunday morning.

sadie14 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004

Sailing superstition says you can''t leave on a trip on a Friday!

brucelongman · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004

Sure, but that kinda dates back to the late 1800s and earlier. I''m not superstitius. In fact my boat was renamed without any ceremony (God forebid!) over 20 years ago. 50,000 miles later no ill has befallen her. So I''ll take my chances!

Stede · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004

brucelongman,

I sailed my boat from Key West to the Dry Tortugas last Spring. You might want to read my comments that I previously posted on the subject. You can find them by doing a search: Dry Tortugas - Then the comments are under the sub-topic "Learning to Sail" where I responded to another sailor that had questions concerning the Tortugas. Have a great trip!

brucelongman · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004

Thanks, Stede. That is very useful information.