Sailing up to Jacksonville from the Keys

JagsBch · #1 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

How long should I expect the trip to take, and what are some sights that I ought not to miss along the way? I am entertaining the notion of turning a 4-5 day trip into a 10 day trip. With the Bahamas seemingly on the horizon it seems that missing the opportunity to stop off there for a couple day's would be uncivilized...

PBzeer · #2 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

The question of time is dependent on how you plan to go North. Non stop, offshore, weather permitting, it should be a 4 day trip. Going inside on the ICW woud be at least a week.

AlanBrown · #3 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Wow! What an open-ended question compressed into so few words. I'm not even sure what kind of vessel you'll be cruising in or when you plan to travel.

There is no way in a post such as this that one can describe the most interesting things to see from the Keys to Jacksonville. What I will say is that if you follow the ICW, it will be very time consuming as you wait for each and every bridge to open. Consequently, I would ride the Gulf Stream north, but make stops at interesting places. (St. Augustine is a personal favorite) I would also pay close attention to the weather and get ready to duck inside if things don't look good. A good FL cruising guide, like Skipper Bob's should help you identify places you'd like to visit.

As to visiting the Bahamas, it is a wonderfully different world. From the Keys, a trip over to Bimini would be no big deal if the weather's good. Great little island to visit!

From there you can head north and make landfall at Grand Bahama Island. Port Lucaya has several marinas and has great restaurants and a casino.

From GB you can head NW back across the Stream and re-enter the U.S. at places like Stuart or Ft. Pierce.

There are 2 drawbacks to heading over to the Bahamas. First, you'll have to pay for a Bahamas cruising permit. They run $150 for vessels under 35 ft. Over 34, it jumps to $300. Second, you'll have to jump through the Homeland Security hoops when you get back to the States.

Anyway, I hope you have a safe, enjoyable trip, whichever route you choose to take!

JagsBch · #4 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Sorry for the confusion I will be going offshore in a 40' Ketch.
Bimini sounds good, Port Lucaya as well, but the $300.00 and the homeland security are news to me.

But jumping through hoops and the $300.00 obstacles are smething I imagine I can handle... Speaking of hoops what is the deal with Titusville and the Kenedy Space Center.

I am trying to use this time to get my ducks in a row, I really appreciate this forum knowing their are those in it who hold the keys to what could be make all the difference when it comes to making this trip one to be treasured in the memory banks...

speciald · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

You can ride the stream as far as Daytona. North of there it turns too far off-shore. I agree that St.Augustine is a good stop. Where are you headed in Jax? Most marinas have been turned into condo projects. I kept a boat in Jax for about 15 years and know the lay of the land.

JagsBch · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Beach Marine

I have sailed from St. Augustine to Jacksonville, that was the first time I sailed offshore on my own. I actually spend a lot of time working there. My Sister-in-law lives there.

I still have not got around to plotting the course, and would love to hear any advice you have speciald. By the time we hit Daytona, I imagine saving a few hours sailing would be appreciated...

camaraderie · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Personally I would not do the Bahamas with just a few days as you can't really get anywhere nice...just touristy places and the $300 bucks is a stiff premium along with the check in hassles.
As far as neat places to stop...I like Miami's Coconut Grove area, Lauderdale beach is fun with the muni marina having slips and a few moorings within shouting distance of the beach and all the action, Vero Beach muni marina is also a great stop for cruisers with moorings at $11 a day and all the ameneties like free transportation, clubhouse, hot showers etc.
Shouldn't be any problem with Titusville/Canaveral unless there is a shot going up. You have to time the bridges there as they close for NASA rush hours. Halifax Harbor marina in Daytona has a West Marine on premises and is very nice. You already know St. Augustine...but try the Havana Cafe right in front of the muni marina if you like Cuban food and music (weekends), and the Lightner Museum there is a treasure that is little known.
Have fun!