Flagler or St Augustine Florida Sailing

ambianceack · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011

Well with all the snow, cold temperatures and the boat on the hard, we are starting to think about an investment property in warmer climates. That is points south of New England. This would eventually be a retirement home six months or so a year. Does anyone know if Flager Florida or St Augustine Florida area provide opportunities for sailing and scuba? We are just beginning our search. I have found a few sites online that are of interest but would like to hear the positive and negatives of living in this area. Beyond that, any advice or thoughts you might have on this lifestyle. Essentially, looking for a condo for the winter and summer in New England. I only want to do cosmetic improvements to the property. I would also like the boat 20 minutes or so away, if that. Anything would be helpful. Thanks!

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011

Yes, there's a fair bit of good sailing in St. Augustine. The municipal marina there is an excellent facility, and only a couple of blocks from downtown. However, I don't think there's a whole lot in the way of good scuba dive locations there. If you're really interested in good dive locations, I'd aim for the Keys instead.

bigdogandy · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011

Have you looked at the Cocoa Beach / Port Canaveral area? There are several good marinas and a lock controlled inlet that makes getting in and out easy in almost any weather. No good open water scuba here, though, or anywhere else on Florida's east coast until you get down toward Miami. There are lots of springs in central and north Florida, though, and the diving there can be interesting.

southwindphoto · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

I'm from St Augustine... and I'd recomend SE Florida for what your looking for.

St Augustine has good sailing 8 months of the year, but in the winter time the inlet can get rather choppy from NorEasters.

I just experanced one such day yesterday.. What looked a nice day to go turned in to more than we wanted in the inlet area, with 5 knt currents outgoing, and countering 15 knt winds from the E, NE.

And the diving in St Augustine is not the best with most dives being 80-feet or more.