Need input.

[ofasonofasailer]

Hi, my name is Richard.
The summer after my senior year in High School, two friends, my brother, and I plan on sailing from my home town of Pensacola, follow the coast (possibly cut from st george sound to dark island), sail along the gulf coast to the keys, and then continue up to Jacksonville. We have not really gotten far into detail having just decided to do it about a week ago. I want to sail at least a 26ft for more space, and reliability during a possible storm. Input would be highly appreciated. Tips? Ideas? Suggestions? Fatherly advice? Places to avoid? Must haves? anything

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard the forum, Richard. I'm sure you'll get good advice here.Only a small portion of your route is in unprotected waters, so just be patient and pick your window carefully. I'd recommend getting some cruising guides for your route to help you plan and for reference on the water (we publish the Waterway Guide...our Southern Edition covers your entire route; plus Skipper Bob's Cruising the Gulf Coast, and Anchorages Along the ICW will help). There are also a lot of online resources (including WaterwayGuide.com). Hope you have a great trip...sounds like a blast. Happy sailing!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Richard.

[brankin]

Great idea and it sounds like a fun trip. Have you bought your boat yet? The reason I asked is, boats in that size up to 30' are basically free for the taking down in south Florida. Owners can't sell them and they abandon them in the marinas who now just want to get rid of the boat to make room for a paying customer. Be patient and the next phrase you will hear is "just get the damn thing out of my yard"