How do Sailing Grounds compare Tampa/St. Pete vs. Miami/FLL vs. Charleston Area?

[TarHeel]

I live in Atlanta and am considering purchasing a cruising boat (in 40-50 ft range). I could base it in either Tampa/ St. Pete or Miami or Charleston, SC. All seem to have big differences in feel, sailing conditions, cruising destinations, sailing support infrastructure, etc. Any opinions on best place to base a boat?

[camaraderie]

Tampa St. Pete is best for LOCAL sailing and plenty of interesting places to go. Draft is an issue so the right boat is necessary in your size range. Lots of good sailing support places.

Miami is poor for local sailing....but both the Keys and the Bahamas are great destinations for vacations. Excellent sailing support facilities in Mia & Ft. Lauderdale.

Charleston as a sailing venue has very little to recommend it other than being a truly great PLACE.

I'm sure others will kick in...but those are my opinions. You're already in the best place for local cruising between the outerbanks and the Chessie!

A lot depends on the time you will have. I'd go Florida East coast if I had the time to enjoy the Bahamas and Keys...otherwise Tampa.

[imagine2frolic]

I really liked Biscayne Bay in Miami. Great for a day sail, and you can always go anchor behind Jennifer Lopez's Home just to say you were there . Yes, the Bahamas, and the beautiful string of pearls called the Keys are great to explore, and right there.

I have never sailed the other places, but look at a chart of Biscayne, and earth google it. Tons of anchorages, and on the weekend hundreds of the beautiful people come out to expose themselves to the sunshine with very little to cover themselves. WELL, at least half are beautiful, and half of them are women ..............i2f