FL to Puerto Rico

[Boogie60]

We are planning to "commuter-cruise". Leaving the boat in the Caribbean.
I work one month, have one month off.
We are in the process of buying a Hunter 33 in FL, and plan to sail it south in November and January. But I am unsure how much preparation I need, and how much sailing time we will get.
Therefore I am looking for good marinas on the way were I can leave the boat until I return. I know I may sail direct going direct east then south, but we would like to daysail and see some of the nice scenery on the way.
I'm looking at both south and north of DR.
We are not newcomers. We have sailed in this area 15 years ago (from Norway and back over two years), but then we were staying on-board all the time.
Any suggestions are welcomed!!!!

[pete33458]

Not sure I understand the question fully, but if you are asking about how to get from FL to PR via short sails, the answer would have to be through the Bahamas to Turks & Caicos, then across to DR and make your way up the coast. The usual resources (van Sant guide, Active Captain) can identify marinas for you along the way, if you want to leave your boat periodically. Pete

[Scott Berg]

The best guides I know are by Frank Virgintino and they're free in Padaf format and just $10? On Amazon. http://www.freecruisingguides.com




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[pete33458]

Don't see Bahamas or T&C there, but should help with the DR and PR parts. pete

[Boogie60]

Hi, thanks for all the replies.
Yes, we do plan to short sail. And I know how to get there. That is not the challenge. The challenge is that I will not be on-board for a month at a time to attend to the boat.
And when I search the net, I can hardly find any good marinas on this route. Most places we will have to anchor. I am not happy about leaving the boat at anchor (to herself) for a month.
I know about Frank Virgintino but us you say, he does not cover the Bahamas and T&C. There seems to be a good marina on the south side of DR close to Santo Domingo though. Frank has done a great job!
I also know about Bruce vS, but I don't have his book with me so I can not consult it right now.
I know about his "Gentlemans passage", which I have used several times. But I may not have time to wait this time.
If I had an overview of secure and good marinas on this path, it does not matter how long it takes. I can use 1, 2 , 3 or even 4 months. I am not in a hurry, but needs to be safe.
If I find safe marinas, it may take a long time to get there.
If not I may have to get there in one go.
Active Captain is new to me. I will check it out.
Thanks.

[pete33458]

I posted some reviews on marinas on the N shore of DR a few months ago, have a look. I would have no reluctance to leave a boat at Ocean World Marina near Cofresi. At Luperon, we watched a boat sink at a marina while nobody cared. So I wouldn't leave a boat there. There is a good marina at the eastern end of DR, I have never been there but AC has details as I remember. pete