Fl. to Bimini, Info & Advice

[ChetW]

We're planning a trip from S. Florida to Bimini in May 2014 and I'm interested in knowing about Jumping off points south of Miami. 2 locations catch my eye. One is the southern end of Elliot key. Was thinking of sailing down Ocean side from the Cape Florida Channel, pulling in the channel at Elliot key for an overnight anchorage. The other is Angel Fish Creek. Like that idea better but concerned about draft transiting the creek from behind Pumpkin Key. We draft 5' 10". Our plan was to leave around 3:30am but High tide isn't until 6:30 am. Is anyone familure enough with Angel fish creek to know if we actually need to wait until high tide? Any and all info and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by ChetW

We're planning a trip from S. Florida to Bimini in May 2014 and I'm interested in knowing about Jumping off points south of Miami. 2 locations catch my eye. One is the southern end of Elliot key. Was thinking of sailing down Ocean side from the Cape Florida Channel, pulling in the channel at Elliot key for an overnight anchorage. The other is Angel Fish Creek. Like that idea better but concerned about draft transiting the creek from behind Pumpkin Key. We draft 5' 10". Our plan was to leave around 3:30am but High tide isn't until 6:30 am. Is anyone familure enough with Angel fish creek to know if we actually need to wait until high tide? Any and all info and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Angel Fish is deep enough, but for your first time through darkness is going to play havoc with your mind. I would transit it the day before in bright sunshine and record your track. It'll save staining your shorts @ 3:30am. The ocean side is the part you want to see in daylight.

[ChetW]

Ah, Thanks, good info. I much prefer Angel Fish Creek as it gives us a better point to deal with the Gulfstream. Thanks also for the advice of exploring the creek in daylight. We can set a tract on the GPS for that.

[Painkiller]

Chet, you have been on this forum since 2009 and this is your 3rd post?
I thought I was the browser. Can't wait till May! Bimini here we come.

[ChetW]

Thanks Mr. PainKiller, oh do you have crew for Saturday's race? I'm with ya Sunday!!!

[Painkiller]

No crew for Saturday, unless Mark shows up, I think I will email him.

[pete33458]

I would agree that night time transits of Angelfish Ck are hairy, even when you've been through there hundreds of times. However, I am not so sure I would agree about going through with 5'10" draft at mid-tide (which I believe is what you are saying, three hours before the high). Personally, I would not do it unless there are very positive low tides on that date. You can search for other posts from me about this, I believe the controlling depth (just inside #2) is currently about 5' at MLW, the nearest tidal station to the controlling depth is Ocean Reef. And it's a hard bottom around #2).

Having said that, I always sail out of Angelfish to go to Bimini. Pete

[s/vPainkiller]

Did somebody call for a Painkiller?

[brutb]

Originally Posted by s/vPainkiller

Did somebody call for a Painkiller?

Now one of these Painkillers is a medical drug person and the other is one needing some

I wonder if they are twins separated at birth?????

[the_alpine]

Agreed that Angelfish is in the 5ish range at MLW. Came through in June on a mid tide and it was 6-7 feet. We also left around 3 and were docked in Bimini before noon - the boost from the stream really helps. Make sure it's a fat tide or depart closer to 530.

[ChetW]

Good Info, Thaks for the reply.

Everybody Look Out For That PainKiller .............

[s/vPainkiller]

Originally Posted by brutb

Now one of these Painkillers is a medical drug person and the other is one needing some

I wonder if they are twins separated at birth?????

I assure you that I have nothing to do with healthcare. My association is purely recreational!

Scott

[CSY Man]

I have always used No-Name harbour for a jumping off point.
Leave early morning, do the channel, then head Southeast untill the Gulfstream kicks in, then motorsail the bearing to Bimini.
Get there before sundown, anchor off Radio Beach in 12' of water. Have a coctail, cook dinner. Next morning after breakfast, go to Weeches at slack high or slack low tide. (Strong tidal current in the harbour)
Check in with Custom/Immigration and spend the night at the dock.

Been doing the above almost 30 times..