winter sailing

[sailingduke1950]

We are planning on moving our sailboat from Deltaville, VA to Florida; we will be leaving Deltaville the first week of February via the AICW. Has anybody done the trip that time of the year, particularly the northern section from Norfolk to Georgia? If you have, are any marinas opened, is diesel available along the route and, generally, do we need an ice breaker??

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by sailingduke1950

Has anybody done the trip that time of the year, particularly the northern section from Norfolk to Georgia?
If you have, are any marinas opened,
is diesel available along the route
and, generally, do we need an ice breaker??

Yes, yes, yes, no.
Get a copy of the WaterWay Guide, Skipper Bob's anchorage guide, and if you have internet capabilities investigate ActiveCaptain and Cruisers Net.net.
Warm clothes and a cockpit enclosure are recommended, although if you folks are Newfies you'll probably think it's balmy.
Have fun.

[sailingduke1950]

Mike,
Thank you for the information regarding diesel and marinas; we will certainly take you advice on the enclosure. As tough as we Newfoundlander are -dodging icebergs and polar bears- most of us really enjoy the warmth of the Southern USA, Bahamas, and strong rum.
We will be leaving Deltaville and will sail to Norfolk the first day and will plan the rest of the trip by doing short daily hops in the AICW and a couple of overnights outside. "When the butter melts", on our trip south, we will be much happier.
Hope you have a pleasant season.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by sailingduke1950

"When the butter melts", on our trip south, we will be much happier.

Woke up to temperatures in the 30s and 40s around the Tampa area this morning. Our butter is pretty solid right now!

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by sailingduke1950

... "When the butter melts", on our trip south, we will be much happier.
Hope you have a pleasant season.

Tie-wrap a snow scoop to your bow sprit, and when the dockmaster asks what it is, your butter will begin to melt the next afternoon.

[sailingduke1950]

I am really encouraged by the thoughts of carrying a snow shovel on the bowsprit and eating hard butter; I am starting to get depressed already!!
I was just checking on a website for places to buy diesel in Norfolk and, so far, I found 1 marina that sells diesel year round but, being the consummate optimist, I know there will be more marinas offering year round service and they should be listed in Skipper Bob's publications, which I left on the boat. I need everything in duplicate -now I just have to convince the First Mate/boss to release more funds.
Have a great day!!