I have a similar conundrum, at almost the same age as TFM. Some years ago my totally inexperienced brother came down the intercoastal with us, intent on crossing from
Lake Worth. We had head-winds all the way from Titusville, and upon arriving at
Lake Worth found people who had been waiting weeks for a favorable
wind. I did not want to cross with my brother, who would have become an instant liability in the six foot seas, so we turned round and had a superb sail all the way back.
I am now considering February, again with inexperienced crew who have to give advance notice to their workplace—which we do not. So I’m inclined to either put it off until say, late March, or have them meet us when we eventually get there.
It’s only a short 60nm, a distance I am used to doing
single handed, and we have a powerful schooner.
Why hamstring yourself to newbies on a schedule, which theDangerz rightly says, is the worst thing you can do on sailboat. Yet we still do it don't we?