Sailing form Boston to Florida

cla6665 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

Hi there, I am thinking of sailing from the Boston area to Florida with a 38 footer sometimes in September. Anybody did this? How challenging is the trip and what would be the best time for it.

Thank you

k1vsk · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

Lots do it; some do it every year. It all depends on your/the crew's experience. However, September is probably the worst time to go.

hellosailor · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

September is prime hurricane season on the East Coast. A very bad thing if you hit one en route. A very good thing if all you hit are strong winds and they help speed an offshore passage.

And of course once you reach Florida...you still need a place to secure that boat for another month or two during hurricane season.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

Also, it depends on whether you're planning on going offshore or via the C&D Canal, Chesapeake, and ICW.

CaptainMorgan21 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

From your post, it sounds like you do not have the experience or knowledge to attempt this trip. Even going by way of the ditch can be very trying. If you do not have very good navigational skills, charts, and seamanship skills...I would suggest going with someone who has.

As far as what is the best time to go to Florida, from December to about May. Good luck!

cla6665 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

Hi, I do have sailing experience having sailed quite a bit in Europe. I am new to the Atlantic and I am trying to find out some info before I decide to do so. Charts and skills are not a problem, I am just trying to get some info from somebody that has done it before. I will probably go through the C&D canal. Like I said I am new to the Ocean and I'd like to go the safest way .

cla6665 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

What are the bridges clearance from Chicago to New York? Would I need to take the mast down or is there a way to avoid that?

Thank you

puddinlegs · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

How do you plan on getting from Chicago to New York? And is this supposed to happen this month so you can get to Boston, then sail to Florida in September? Are you thinking St.Lawrence seaway to the Atlantic, or Great Lakes t to the NY canals? If you're planning to go by canal, you'll have to drop your rig. For the St. Lawrence seaway, you'll be fine, but it's a long trip.

cla6665 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

Thanks puddinglegs, I thought about the S.L. Seaway but like you said it's going to be a long trip.
I think I'll have to drop the rig and go by canal, or , but I am not sure yet, get the boat transported by land.
I am looking at different options trying to figure out the best way to get it to the New England area and then go from there.

Thank you

Tempest · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

You don't HAVE to get out into the atlantic until your reach new jersey...

How much time have you allotted?

Get to Annapolis for the boat show in October then start working your way down on the inside.

Hurricanes aside...September and October are two of the best sailing month of the year on the east coast....follow the good weather south.