Jacksonville to Bahamas and the Exumas in late December 2019

[Kf4eok]

I am planning a trip to the Bahamas. I live in Jacksonville Florida and will be leaving in December 2019. I want to explore the Exumas! I have three months to explore the islands. I was wanting to get some ideas on crossing the Gulf stream here close to Jacksonville then turn south or should I hang close to shore weather permitting or the ICW to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami then cross over. I would really like to go exploring the Exumas. I could just relax in the Abacos or go to the Eleuthera and beyond.
I will be doing this voyage to see how things go with future plans of a year or longer trip all the way down to South America then turning back west to go along the coastline until we make a large loop back to Florida.
I am looking for Ideas and comments on my idea and what you think.

A little about myself and vessel. I am 51 years of age and love being on the ocean. I was involved in a auto accident a year ago which broke my left foot and ankle and also shattered a vertebrate in my back. I had a fusion of T11 through L4 on my back. I owned my own business up to the point of the accident but I haven't worked since. I am getting around good now with just a cane but do not lift anything heavy. I have sailed from Jacksonville to Key West twice this year.

I have a 1971 40 foot Morgan Pilot House named Spirit of Ol Henry II which has been completely updated and in great condition. I now have a new water maker on board also. There will be two of us on this voyage, myself (Daniel) and my better half I call Lovie (Polly)

We would like to meet other people along the way and possibly if our paths cross buddy boat if possible.

I hope to get some good advice here and ideas of what we can expect that time of year as weather goes and places we need to see.

Thanks