Early Cruise Planning

[Pete]

Yes, it is a little early to be planning the 2008/2009 winter cruising plan, but I am one of those people who measures 8 times and cuts once, in hopes of getting it right.

The admiral and I have not cruised in Florida. So far it has been Canada south to Georgia. But we have agreed that next winter will be our first winter in the deep south. So I am here requesting information from those in the know on where to go and what to do. First let me inform you of the important consideration. The admiral is a daily swimmer and exercise person, and since most of us know, if the admiral ain't happy, nobody is happy, this resource is a prime consideration. We have no preference on east or west coast. Time in the Keys sounds good, but is not mandatory. Ports of call with "curb appeal" or should I say "shore appeal" are a definite plus for the admiral. As you would expect my considerations are decent docks and weather/wake protection.

Also, I could use some help sorting out the Florida laws about cruising boats. Our boat is documented, based in NC, and I pay annual personal property tax on it each year to NC. What do I need to know to avoid problems while cruising. I have read that "no state registration equals a marine police ticket", that there is a time limit on how long you can stay before you owe Florida some sort of tax, etc..

Thanks for the help

Pete

 

[Nonchalant1]

Pete,

We just went through all of Florida and the East Coast to NY City last winter. You might read my daily blog for those sections at dougandkathysboatlog.blogspot.com to see where we stayed and what we enjoyed. It's intended to be a picture story book account of the cruise.

I use a simpe Excel spreadsheet cruise plan. I could email you a copy of my Great Loop cruise plan from last year if you'd like. You could use the format and change it to suit your needs.

I could also just list some of my favorite anchorages, marinas and stops to see if you'd like. Send me an e-mail if interested.

Doug Shuman

 

[Freestyle]

I understand teh swimming thing.

I suggest trying to get your yacht club or someone to sponsor you so you can stay at the various Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. All but a few of these clubs have competition pools and workout facitlities. They are located throughout Florida with no more than a 100nm gap between clubs. With a little planning, you can usually get in for a day or two.

For a long term stay in the Keys, consider going to Plantation Yacht on Plantation Key. It is open to the public and has a beautiful 50 meter competition pool. It is also very reasonable. You can't walk to anything much but a good dinghy gives access to a lot fo keys like restaurants and bars.

Hope this helps. I enjoyed just thinking about it.

Bruce

Freestyle
1976 43 DCMY
Tampa

 

[Bill Allen]

I'm also heading back out next season either back to the keys or to the bahamas. I find early planning REALLY helps to make it through the winter months. As far as the ride goes it's a greta trip. Skipper Bob's pubs can help as far as the trip goes, both the icw and also the marinas. You'll love it, at least the admiral and I did. Bill