First trip for me (wife) down the ICW

[Oceandeep]

Hi Viturina,

If you are still in the SF Bay Area this weekend be sure to check out Fleet Week. There will be 100's of sailboats in the Harbor today watching the airshow. This is one of the last major events on the water before the snow birds head south to Mexico and beyond

We cruised the ICW a few years ago from Clearwater FL to Annapolis. You will have a great trip along the way. The hospitality in the Carolinas is wonderful and Florida is one delight after another. Be careful in Georgia. The ICW gets to be a brown narrow ditch and it's easy to run aground. Might be a good idea to go outside and do a little sailing if weather permits. I'd also be careful of Cape Hatteras this time of year and go through the dismal swamp instead.

Have a great cruise!

[Viturina]

We are on the East Coast - in Cape May NJ, but thanks for the info

[Cadence]

I'm not sure the tread was on Hells Gate. Someone posted it was not the hairy place it was. As he put it the Corps used TNT to make it better a hundred years ago. Maybe he will see this and give you better detail? My detail would be from a hundred years ago. I think the thread may have been on the ICW,

[Vasco]

Two words.... "Towing Insurance"!! We have a preference for TowBoatUS. Been doing the Waterway for quite a few years. Did not need their help for many years then bingo three tows in three years.

[Viturina]

Already have it - thanks

[Viturina]

Cadence - Thanks - Hell's Gate was fast but Henry and crew watched the tide charts and were on the favorable side of things, so they blew through it at a quick pace, but it was an easy passage Not fun in bad weather going against the current, but they were with the tide, had a sunny day, and had a beautiful view of the city

[Waterway Guide]

Hi Jen, Hope you have a fun and safe trip, and take time to enjoy it. We've been in coastal Georgia in Nov. when it snowed and got down to 26ºF, and we always considered the "line" to be about Vero Beach where the winter is very comfortable (mostly). St. Augustine, Vero, Stuart, and other communities on the "Treasure" and "Space" Coasts have great cruising/boating communities without the crowds and expense of Miami/Ft. Laud/Palm Beach, and, despite a cold snap or two, should be pleasant for the winter. The Keys will have the truly balmy/tropical feel...Boot Key Harbor is a popular spot for a long stay – reasonable, and pretty much "all boaters." Have fun, and happy cruising!

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Viturina

Hudson, We've never felt that the original 5'9" was at all acurate by the time we owned her, empty. She was built in 1937 with plenty of modification along the way, so we use 6'6" as a safety. She draws all of 6', and more with crew, gear, etc. She was originally built with an engine, but subsequent owners added huge fuel & water tanks, plus other gear.

BandB, thanks for the awesome listing - we've lived in Naples for the bulk of the past 12 years, so we are a bit sensitive to weather below '60 but not against it

Well, I love the west coast and the Naples area too. Actually, Venice is just one of our favorite stops but we've enjoyed Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Sanibel....the list goes on and on until you reach St. Pete and Clearwater, then across....oh so much to see.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Oceandeep

I'd also be careful of Cape Hatteras this time of year and go through the dismal swamp instead.

Have a great cruise!

I'd be careful of Cape Hatteras but with their draft I'd probably not make the Dismal Swamp my first choice. I'd take the NC Virginia Cut from Norfolk to Coinjock.

[Hudson Force]

I use the Dismal Swamp route, but I agree with BandB considering your draft. Norfolk to Beaufort, NC inside with the open sounds and some sailing options cuts a fine route. Weather choices can make for some nice hops outside from Beaufort south.

[ironhorserider2]

I can't imagine a more friendly boater community than Oriental, NC. In addition the boatyards are all excellent...but I'm particularly impressed with everyone at Sailcraft.
Renard

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[Sulaire]

+1 for oriental and +1 for sailcraft.

I have very good memories of oriental and sailcraft from a few years back getting my boat ready to cross atlantic.

Great people , great place... I plan to return one day.....

Charlie.


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