Caribbean or FL Keys on Limited Time

[staehpj1]

How much time do you need to be able to do a worth while cruise to the Caribbean or Florida Keys from the Chesapeake? I would love to do this before I retire, but time is limited. I would be hard pressed to have more than 9-10 weeks available if I go after hurricane season this year (a little more if I wait another year). Should I forget it for now or is this possible/reasonable? Retirement is still at least a couple years off

If it is at all reasonable I would appreciate any advice for planning, suggested destinations, recommended reading, etc.

Pete
Aurora (Alberg 30 #554)

[Lynx]

You should have enough time for Northern Bahamas - 2 weeks to get there, 2 weeks to get back, 2 weeks in the Bahamas and another 2 weeks for weather delays. The same for the Keys. Nov crossing is best.

[Pura Vida]

I'm planning on making a Bahamas / Caribbean trip in 2008-2009. This a strictly personal choice but I have no interest in sailing the Gulf to get there. So I plan to ship my boat to Florida from Texas. Granted this idea is is more expensive but it will extend the time you have sailing in the south.