Thoughts on Leaving Okeechobee?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

After our shakedown time, we have to decide whether we go west or east. If we go west, we have an assist from the Caloosahatchie River.

Southbound down the Gulf Coast, we'd get a current assist as well as coming back up the east side. Thoughts? I'd like some sage advice from an older heads.

[skipmac]

Just so I'm clear on your plan, you are in Lake Okeechobee and planning to head south towards the Caribbean/Bahamas/Cuba?

First, east or west out of the Lake you will have a current assist. But if you are heading south once you hit salt water on the Atlantic coast you will be fighting the Gulf Stream. If you hug the coast the northerly set is usually not as bad but I have seen it 2-3 kts north just a quarter mile off the beach around West Palm.

I would probably head south down the west coast of FL which would put you on course to the Dry Tortugas if you like, cruise the Keys and beyond then as you mention, returning up the east coast of FL with a big boost from the Stream. Down side to that route is you will be against the wind from the Dry Tortugas until about halfway up the Keys. Also a beat if you plan on the Bahamas but then that would be the case from anywhere in FL.

[Blue Crab]

Skipmac: Down side to that route is you will be against the wind from the Dry Tortugas until about halfway up the Keys.

I did this eons ago in a 20 footer. 20-30 kts on the nose. Felt like a salmon going upstream without the grace and strength of a salmon. Much easier the other way particularly inside.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

I did this eons ago in a 20 footer. 20-30 kts on the nose. Felt like a salmon going upstream without the grace and strength of a salmon. Much easier the other way particularly inside.

I made the trip once in a 32' in similar conditions. With the wind directly against the current, the waves, though not that high, were very steep. We were pounding so bad we turned back and anchored out at the Dry Tortugas until the winds moderated.

But have also made the trip with the winds SE 10-12 kts and it was lovely.