Florida to Bahama's Crossing

[Pantherssa]

I am planning on making my first crossing to the Bahama's from Florida in late March. I am looking to find a buddy boat to share the crossing. My plans are to leave Daytona Beach in early March, spend a week or two sailing the east coast and upper Keys, then make my way back to Lake Worth and wait for weather. Any suggestions on where and how to find buddy boats looking to make a similar crossing. I am flexible on time.

Thanks fo any suggestions.

[PaulSommers]

I will also be making my first crossing about the same time - stay in touch if you would. We have to get down thataway first - boat is currently in Deltaville, VA and we will be heading down the ICW as soon as we can get the boat going after a launch tentatively scheduled for 2/27.

Paul Sommers s/v Dragon's Wing

[Pantherssa]

That sounds good. Please let me know if you get launched and underway. The company would be most welcome. I'll touch base with you between now and then with a few updates.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Pantherssa

I am planning on making my first crossing to the Bahama's from Florida in late March. ...
... spend a week or two sailing the east coast and upper Keys, then make my way back to Lake Worth and wait for weather ...

I wouldn't give up my "Southing", by returning North to L. Worth.
Instead, depart for Bahamas from Upper Keys; which is a much faster, safer, and more comfortable crossing.

[sy_gilana]

Agree with Gord. I have done Lake Worth to Bahamas 4 times or so, you have to aim east and go like hell, and you still land up making a Camel's hump. Andy my friend has done a thousand literally from LW to Freeport. Go from Miami, aim at Bimini, ride in comfort and then cross the banks. Do NOT go in any wind with a N in it.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by GordMay

I wouldn't give up my "Southing", by returning North to L. Worth.
Instead, depart for Bahamas from Upper Keys; which is a much faster, safer, and more comfortable crossing.

+1


.....

[CSY Man]

Agree with Gord:

Don't go back North to cross...

Hang out in No-Name Harbor for a day or two then cross at the best forecast.
No big deal unless ya have big fronts come through with North winds.

Go during day-light the first time, don't listen to the guys that says you have to cross at night night to get in during day light.

Get there in the evening, then anchor for the night, check in next day at slack tide.

[dennisjay]

I've only crossed twice, and plan to do so again week after next. My plan has always been to sail south to Lake Worth, and if the weather window allows, cross. If not, continue south until the weather breaks. Crossed both times from Lake Worth with no problem.

I agree with others, though, that if you already are south, it doesn't make to travel north to cross.


There are usually several boats anchored in Lake Worth as well as places in the south like Dinner Key waiting to cross, so you might want to get on the radio and ask. Also, posting here a day or so beforehand might also help to find a buddy boat.

[Lowcountry]

Wherever you cross from, I think that once you get into the Bahamas you will ask yourself "why the heck was I dicking around on the east coast of Florida for two weeks when I could have been sailing in the Bahamas that whole time?"

[dennisjay]

Good point, Lowcountry. Although if I have the time, there are a few places I greatly enjoy on the east coast like Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, Ft. Lauderdale and Key Biscayne, although there's no place like the Bahamas to sail.