My only requirement would be to allow me to share my skills & local knowledge of the cruising areas I am familiar with and that we rely on one another to insure the
safety of the
boat and all aboard. Also I suggest that there be zero contraband drugs onboard as the FLA
marine patrol will most likely do a boarding and you would hate to pay the
price for that. They are pleasant and professional providing all is in order. Personally I am 100% drug free but I do enjoy a glass of wine when secure in a nice anchorage. But no need if you run an alcohol free boat. I was boarded numerous times while sailing in
Florida.
Yes I am very interested in assisting. Would love to get back into my old stomping grounds. I have transited the Coloosahatche Ft Myers to Stuart and that was an awesome trip. Had to lay over in Labelle since its a two day motoring trip across. There is a max height limit under one bridge of 49 feet. How tall is your
mast above the
water. Saw lots a gators and wildlife along the way. Its like going back in time.
http://www.jacksmarine.net/caloosaha...river-info.pdf
I also have
family in Slidel LA that I might be able to touch base with if we are near by. I have a great friend in Naples (Ft Meyers area) so if we need anything we can tap her for trips to West
Marine or what ever. I know some great
anchorages and cool little restaurants on the
water in and around Sanibel & Captiva. Actually I have done the ICW from Tampa all the way down to Marco Island a couple times and some of the best shrimps can be found at cool little dockside restaurants along the way. Tampa bay bridge is a
work of art and worth seeing if time allows.
The shortcut across FLA might saves a several days but scooting down through the Keys (Marathon) and up the Atlantic side or ICW is beautiful. Stuart is quite far north of
Miami. Ft Myers to Marathon is an easy overnight. And if you are interested in seeing the
Dry Tortugas &
Key West, I have been there many times and its a sight to behold for a day or two. I really don't have any obligations and since I would be flying almost 6000 miles to get there, I don't mind exploring if you care to. But if you are in a tight time frame to complete the
passage, that is OK with me as well.
Visit the Dry Tortugas. Ferry Food Drinks Snorkel 100% Price Guarantee!
Prior to meeting up with you in Lake Charles, I will stop in north TX to take a look at a nice
Islander 36 on a lake that I may want to buy. After the trip I will be spending time in Fort Meyers as my wife and I are looking to buy a place with gulf access and relocate back there. Margaret will then fly in to join me and visit her
family in Orlando. So you see making this trip to Florida has been on my
radar and throwing in a great sailing adventure along the way is perfect.
Tell me a little about your boat and what
equipment concerns you have regarding a gulf crossing. Did you just
purchase it and how old is the standing
rigging. Does she have any type of auto pilot,
electric or
wind driven. Sure makes a difference if you don't have to steer all night long. If there isn't one on board, installing an inexpensive auto
helm might be a good investment. Easy to install with a few nuts and bolts if its either tiller or
wheel steered. It can get nasty out there and you are correct to complete this prior to the summer
hurricane season. However I have seen some brisk northerly storms blast down and across the gulf. How many will be aboard the boat for this trip.
Well I suppose thats enough for now. I will check on some flights to see whats available. Anything else you would need form me to assist in your selection process for your crew. Mid March is right around the corner so best to keep the ball rolling since I'm so far away.
Chris L