Jacksonville, FL to NY

[Tom Stewart]

I just bought a 49' Wellington Cutter located in Jacksonville, Fl. and will be taking it up to the Great Lakes via the Hudson River and Erie Canal . I'm wondering what the best route would be late May early June for the voyage and should I go outside or inside in route to NY.

Thanks,

Tom

[Eric M]

Tom,

From Jacksonville many folks head to Fernandina, FL, you can either go inside or outside weather dependent and then wait for a weather shot to go outside straight shot to Charleston, SC. The distance outside is significantly less than the distance inside due to the curve of the coast across this stretch in addition to the winding nature of the ICW thru the same area. I don't have any advice from Charleston north.

[xsboats]

It is a long haul to NY by way of the ICW. You still need to go outside along the Jersey coast. I would recommend heading out at Mayport all the way to the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream. Once you can lay a course for Ambrose , while allowing for a possible NE blow off of Hatteras, do so, but be sure to leave lots of room to leeward. I allow about 30 miles when I'm there . You will be leaving the Stream at this point , but it's a straight shot up the coast .I use Beaufort , N.C. as a bailout point , in the event that the wind goes NE. It is about 205 miles inside to Norfolk from there, but sailing in NE winds off of Hatteras is no picnic.Allow for a 2 day minimal weather window to round Hatteras after leaving Beaufort off the port beam. Feel free to contact me if you more questions about this trip. I have made it many times. You can see video of the last trip on Youtube ,"delivery of S/V Calypso", Scott

[speciald@ocens.]

I go from Jax to Charleston outside. From there I usually go to Beufort but if the weather stinks, I've gone inside between Cape Fear River and Wilmington. From there I go to Beaufort. The Big decision is either going up the Bay or continuing outside up the Delmarva Coast. Outside is much shorter and bypasses the Delaware Bay - probably the worst part of the trip. Weater permiting, I would stay outside from Beaufort, passing Hatteras in good winds - this will save you a week compared to going through the ICW to Norfolk, up the Bay, through the C&D Canal, and down Delaware Bay to the Atlantic again.

[Inkwell]

You will be better off if the weather is good to go outside from Jax ride the stream up to to NY direct. About 750NM, avoid Cape Hatteras for the reasons mentioned above. The ICW will take you for ever. One month Vs. 8-9 days. Have fun and enjoy it.

[Tom Stewart]

Thanks for the info everyone!