Chespeake Bay to Florida

[Richard]

OK -
After suffering through what has turned out to be the coldest winter in Buffalo for some 30 years I've decided its time to get out. So...instead of spending another 5 to 10 years here planning the getaway I figured I would just get on the boat this summer (which is currently located outside of Annapolis) and head south and maybe look for a job at west marine or someplace like that when i get there. This way I could live on the boat while outfitting her and definitely get a lot more sailing time over the course of a year (Buffalo's seasons are way too short!).

So...I have a ton of questions and concerns...starting with where should I go when I get there? Lots more too. Any comments and thoughts would be appreciated.

[irwinsailor]

I sure looks like you and I have the same idea.

[Pisces]

I grew up on the Florida Gulf Coast. My sister and I used to take a boat to the bus stop! We'd come home from school and head out to the Gulf for the rest of the afternoon. Making a loooong story short, I ended up in Ohio. We are getting more snow today. I'm with you Richard, sick of it. It's time to head South. . . . the sooner the better.

[maui]

My wife and I are planning on leaving in 2004 sometime. We are going to sell our house, vehicles, and stuff. I have been with the same company for 15 yrs. and need a change. We plan on working as we go; don't have to be rich- just $$ for diesel, water, food,maint., insur., entry fees, etc.

We are taking this time now to prepare. Getting lessons, reading, talking to cruisers, Ham license, scuba cert., etc.

What is everyone else doing? Dave

[GordMay]

1. Tie a snow shovel to your bow rail.
2. Head south.
3. When someone asks, "what's that on the bow" - you may have found a home.

[AnchorageGuy]

Left the Chesapeake over ten years ago and settled in Marathon in the Florida Keys. Absolutely no regrets. Love the keys. Went off and did a lot of cruising in the Bahamas and Caribbean and returned to the Keys. What a great place.