Massachusetts to Florida

[cla6665]

Finally started to plan the move to Florida. We have a Morgan 416 and are wondering if anybody sailed to Florida from Massachusetts.
Just trying to find out the best way to sail south.
Thank you

[dennisjay]

Not sure there's a "best" way. If you're in need of a quick trip and like offshore, that's one thing. If you've got time and are into exploring scenic towns and rivers, that's another.

[skipmac]

Lots and lots on the forum have made the trip south from N England. Some do it every year. I have only made the whole trip once.

Second the post from dennisjay. Need more info. In a hurry and want to go nonstop or want to stop and smell the roses?

I did something in between. Started from Bristol RI, stopped in Essex Ct for a few weeks, went down LI Sound, East River and out NY harbor. Down the Jersey shore overnight to Delaware Bay. Anchored overnight there, left early and did overnight again down the shore to Norfolk. There entered the ICW, day sailing (actually mostly day motoring) anchor or dock at before sunset. Back outside at the SC border to Charleston. Outside overnight Charleston to Brunswick GA. Again outside to St Johns River.

With the Morgan you can stay in the ICW and have little worry about draft or mast clearance. You will have to go down the coast to get past NJ, there are non opening bridges on the NJ canal that you can't clear. Once you reach Delaware you can stay inside all the way if you like.