Winter Small Boat Cruising Paradise?

[archer]

Hi, all. My first post here, but been reading the forum for awhile, lots of good information. I was hoping you guys could give me some perspective on a plan/daydream I've been kicking around.

Basically I'm wondering if there's someplace warm and beautiful I could go over the pacific NW winter (6 soul-sucking months, really) where I could (without too much hassle/expense) buy a small centerboard sailboat, rig up a boom tent, and cruise the local coast line and islands. (a la Margaret Dye, Ida Little)

The point is to find a way to continue building up my sailing skills and gain some insight into the cruising life without having to take the plunge and buy and outfit and maintain a cruiser capable of carrying me to this hypothetical paradise. Maximum sailing, minimum responsibility. ;]

So this place would need good winter weather, interesting coastline to explore, used market where I could find this kind of boat and sell it when I leave (even if at a loss), ability for a US citizen to stay for a good length of time, not super expensive on shore since in such a small boat I wouldn't be living aboard/sailing full time. This wouldn't be $500/month shoestring, but still low budget. Say twice that or a little more, not counting the boat. Which I guess might rule out some otherwise ideal places in the Caribbean. Seems like it should be achievable many places though—I don't drink, live pretty simply, and would be off beach camping a lot. Time frame flexible, but 3-6 months, definitely January and February.

What do you think? Crazy talk? Specific suggestions welcome, both geographical and logistical.

[tbodine88]

Florida


Its a long drive from PNW, but it meets your criteria.

[Boracay]

What about this boat?



Phuket gotta be nice at that time of year.

[mrohr]

Bahamas, nuff said.

[zeehag]

banderas bay. always pretty always has a good breeze, and perfect weather all year round--winter doesnt get below 56 F. better than florida....

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by mrohr

Bahamas, nuff said.

YEP! I some ways, I'd almost rather be in the Bahamas in a small shoal draft boat! Not crazy at all! I've seen a couple of groups of older guys with 20-23 foot boats cruising all over the PNW. A lot less forgiving waters up here I would think....