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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/27/2005 : 20:50:02

For those of you familiar with sailing in Florida during the summer months, and know how fast an afternoon thunderstorm can pop up...what advice would you give a newbie (sailing for almost one year) if he was to head down the coast from Tampa Bay just for a long holiday weekend cruise. Planned stops would be the Crow's Nest Marina in Venice and ultimately, Cabbage Key (cheeseburger in paradise fame). Not going to be far off shore and not many places to run for safety. I always keep an eye on the horizon and listen to the weather reports. Do I just drop the sails, power up and try to outrun? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Don B
86FK/SR #5216 "Mighty M"
Southwest Florida

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2005 : 21:20:49

It sounds like a fun trip.

I have been tangled up in a few storms here.

Option 1- Run. Not a good option. The storms move at 20-30 kts.

Option 2- Anchor. Good idea when in a protected area.

Option 3- Motor. Works well until the seas get too big and motor comes out of water.

Option 4- Sail. It all depends on how bad it looks. I would consider sailing with a patch of jib out.

I would estimate the average dlack cloud of doom to bring 30-40 knots for a brief time. It is not uncommon to have a 20 knt blow. It can also go 60 knots pretty easily. The big thing is to be ready. You will see it coming. If anchored, get the engine running. Be ready to ditch the anchor if needed. Where will you go if it drags??

If sailing, get the sails down! At least get down to reefed main. Check your seaway. Obstuctions?

In all of the above, have a life jacket on and keep the boat as watertight as possible with the poptop dogged down and the crib boards in place.

Tom.

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2005 : 21:56:54

Don, I don't know where your cruise begins, but if you are stopping in Venice, you might want to go a trifle further in the inlet, pass the Crows Nest, continue to the ICW, keeping the small island ("Snake Island") on your left, and make a sharp right turn as soon as you can, keeping close to the houses and canals on your right (West) hand. Just after the Venice Yacht club is a small park called Higel Park, which has overnight free docking on a first-come basis. This is a regular stopover for persons who know it, from all local ports. When leaving Venice and going South, you can enter Stump Pass, about half way down to Boca Grande, and anchor just inside the pass in good weather, on the South side. Or you can go in to the ICW, follow it South, and go to Palm Island Marina, which has good docks and allows full usage of all the facilities of the resort to docked boats, including ferrying over to the beach side for Gulf swimming, Rum Bay restaurant (ribs) etc. If you continue South and go in at Boca Grande pass, there is an anchorage at Pelican bay which is popular, on the south side.This area is North of cabbage key, where there is a popular restaurant. The whole area of Charlotte harbor and Pine Island sound is fine for cruising, a bit warm this time of year. As to thunderstorms, for daysails, we always said "out at ten, in at two" , by which time the thunderheads would start to build up in the afternoons. It is often quite calm in the early mornings, and in the afternoon an onshore breeze builds in. I think you will enjoy the area, Fair winds, ron srsk Orion Venice, FL

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2005 : 10:50:49

Just a little further south of Cabbage Key on the ICW is the most beautiful resort (IMHO) on the west coast, South Seas Plantation, on Captiva Island. I've cruised the Florida west coast a dozen times, and that place is always the highlight of the trip. In the past, they were always welcoming to small boats.

To me, the best way to cruise the west coast is to check the weather radio in the a.m., before you leave, and decide whether to go outside or on the ICW. If it's bad, stay on the ICW. If good, go outside. Also check weather periodically during the day. Plan fairly short trips each day, about 15-20 miles. Coincidentally, that's about the average distance between most of the passes along the coast. That way, you'll get back into the more sheltered ICW by early afternoon, before the occasional late afternoon storm comes through. If you see foul weather coming, abandon your plan, and head for the nearest and safest pass, even if you have to backtrack.

One other thing. Make some simple insect screens for your forward and companionway hatches. The no-see-ums are pests in the area.

Don't be afraid of that area, just be careful. It's gorgeous!

Edited by - Steve Milby on 06/28/2005 10:53:00

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2005 : 13:36:45

FYI - South Seas Resort's marina is open for fuel and pumpout only, no dockage. Still rebuilding from Hurricane Charley. May not be open until Christmas.

And I agree with Steve Milby, it was/is a beautiful place to stop.

Steve

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2005 : 21:04:03

Only caveat about South Seas is, there are tall buildings around the dock area that block the breezes in a lot of slips, so if you do not have A/C, it can be quite uncomfortable at times. Fair winds,ron srsk Orion in Venice

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2005 : 23:30:43

To all, thank you for the great advice and information about that beautiful area. It should be an exciting time and I expect the weather to play a big factor. This last week we've been able to set our watch as to when the afternoon thunderstorms roll in...blinding rain, strong winds and usually lasting 1-2 hours...your typical Florida summer.

Edited by - Don B on 06/28/2005 23:32:21

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.