Gulf Passage from Clearwater to St. Marks Florida

[PrivateerAnthem]

I'd welcome input from those with experience on passage from Clearwater to St Marks Florida? Any thoughts on typical Gulf weather/sea conditions in December, January, February? Vessel is 50' trawler with 5' draft. Thank you.

[RTB]

Just pick a nice day between cold fronts, and you'll be fine. We've done Carrabelle to Clearwater twice in the winter. Once late January and once early November. Both were nice crossings, but we always wait for a solid window. Don't rush, because the Gulf can get very nasty.

Ralph

[four winds]

Have done this run a few times in Jan. or Feb. And a couple of times in June. I think the cool weather crossings are easier to manage the weather decisions. More unforcast local storms off shore in hot weather.

Watch the wind forecasts before and after a front passes down from the panhandle. I think usually a day or two after a front passes the wind will be from the east, maybe ENE. I think that might create the best sea state for you.

Check passageweather.com now for the front currently crossing and these conditions are shown for around mid week upcoming. Recalling this from looking last night for a possible hop up the coast with offshore favorable winds to sail.