Florida to Chesapeake Bay - 74' mast clearance

[ranger58sb]

From memory, I think there are some "(relatively) short inlet/no bridge" options along the way. Charleston, SC; Georgetown, SC; Beaufort, SC; Southport, NC... Not a recommendation, just a thought...

-Chris

[MamaKube]

Have done the outside a few times due to our mast. Think through sailing at night- watch shifts etc. It is the easiest solution to avoid the time in and out of ports.
We did Florida to SC for a rest then off to the Chesapeake. Total 5 days.
I have learned to be very awake near Savanna as the port is very busy, especially with tugs and tankers. I also suggest literally drawing a pencil mark on your route around Hatteras to learn the off shore markers. It is pretty shallow, and any weather magnifies the sea.
The entrance to the Chesapeake is also worth studying, particularly if you arrive at night.
Also, really examine the

[geekoman]

How far off the coast, leaving Florida, do you go before heading north. That is, how far into the gulf stream?

[Hartleyg]

geekoman,

You want to be in the center (more or less), as that's where the water is moving the fastest. You should download a map/prediction for the Stream just before departure - here is one: NCOM Hi-Res Model Ocean Currents in the East Coast Gulf Stream Regions but there are others, some easier to read. NOAA inserts an "edge of the Stream" mileage into the Marine forecasts for much of the SE part of Florida, which can give you a good idea where to start. I like to make a list of waypoints along the Stream, especially where there are turns, so it's easier to visualize
The best way to know when you're in the Stream (other than SOG) is water temperature - the warmer the water, the faster it's moving.

You'll also want to know about the eddies and swirls off to the side, as when you're departing the Stream itself, it really helps to be in an eddy going your way!

Hartley
S/V Atsa

[s/v Moondancer]

Originally Posted by geekoman

How far off the coast, leaving Florida, do you go before heading north. That is, how far into the gulf stream?

Going out and chasing the Gulf Stream is an error. In South and Central Florida the northerly current is within a few miles of the beach as you go north it gets further out and basically runs due north until it turns north easterly off Georgia.

Plan your journey and if you get a good lift all well and good but going east for hours to get into the Stream and then comming in back towards land just negates the effect of the Stream.

I do Miami to Charleston as a single jump, they are almost on the same longitude, just go due north once you have cleared Lake Worth where the Stream is very close in. Off Jacksonville you will be 70 miles out not to stay in the Stream but to be on the rhum line to Charleston, the lift from the Stream will just be a bonus.

Coming south off central and south Florida you have to be close to the beach to stay out of the northerly flow especially off Fort Worth.