St Augustine to Bimini or Berry - experiences ?

[Gboy]

Hi ..

I will be making my maiden voyage last two weeks of May..

Rather ambitiously bought a Conser 47 CAT, great boat, great overall condition, mostly new (now) major components. ~ 4ft draft, its a perfomermance CAT capable of 20-25 knots, with CF rotating mast etc..so I will be very cautious, reefing REALLY early.

Starting out of St Augustine...
Destination Bimini and Berry, but only have 9-10 days. Back into Savannah.

Realizing the weather/wind governs. But typically which would be the best approach..and exit..??

I am considering, South from St Aug as far as possible but avoiding the ICW..likely down to Cape Canaveral and cross the GS there +/-..then likely onto west end, maye direct to North Berry...few days in Berry, cross the Grand Banks to Bimini area, then back up..can go the other way around ?

Night sailing will get us further, and "think" we are up for it..we have all the electronics, HD radar with alarms etc.. whats the shiiping traffic like..naturally will always plan to arrive anywhere in good light.

I am quite a novice..chartered several bare CAT, similar size, but mostly in the easy BVI area. Sailing not really an issue, correct planning and nav maybe my weakness..

Any advice on this trip, this time of year would be great..also anyone I can converse would on the sail plan and issues would be great...

Thanks all...excited that I toke the plunge :-)

Geoff