Only first timer once

[twoblocktom]

Hi all

My name is Tom and I have one season of sailing behind me! My wife of 25 years and I bought our first sailboat (a early 70’s Santana 25) in March 09 and have been out on the lake near our home every weekend. I am the luckiest guy, to have a wife that loves sailing even more than I do! We have talked of trailer our little boat down to Florida for the winter. She’s a sound craft and I’m confident she’s up to it, but I’m not so sure of what I’m getting into as on the lake I can, and have, run to the dock if the weather seems to much for us. The last thing I want to do is spoil sailing for either of us due to getting in over our heads. I’ve thought of using the little money we have on a week long sailing school but for the same money we could put our boat in somewhere in Florida and stay until she sank, or we had enough. (If that’s possible)
I know there is not much room on a 25’ boat but we think we could do OK on space but I don’t know about other aspects of that small a boat in the Keys or wherever we might go.
Most of what I’ve learned in life I learned the hard way (it seems to stick better) but I don’t want to endanger my wife or myself.
What are your thoughts on a sailing school or just learning as you go?

[smackdaddy]

Hey twob - welcome to SN dude! Just sail. Especially on a lake you're in relatively safe waters. The lessons are very valuable though - as is finding experienced people to go out with you every once in a while. It would be great to take those lessons in FL on your boat.

So mix it up. But sail!

[twoblocktom]

Thats a great idea !!

I had not thought of taking me boat and then getting some help with whatever I may be lacking in experience. Sounds so logical now!

Thanks
Tom

[imagine2frolic]

TBT,

Might I suggest Biscayne Bay? It is large with many, many anchorages. It is still warm, and swimmable with lots of snorkeling too. The bay is pretty protected, but still has good wind. You could sail all the way to Key West with protection from the sea all along the way. Lots of places to get ice, reprovision, and just love life. Check it out with google earth, and one chart book will cover the whole area.........i2f

[twoblocktom]

That sounds good
I had thought of putting in at St Petersburg and making my way South from there. Although I had no good reason for doing so. What are the differences in the sea, East coast vs. West coast? What else would I need to consider?