Sailing from Marco Island to dry tortugas

[spiritsailor]

Hi everyone:

I am new at posting on this venue so bare with me. We are wanting to sail my Catalina 28 from Marco Island to the Dry Tortugas between January and March. What is the best time to take this trip, how long will it take and return?

Regards,

Bob Begani
SV CIAO 28 Catalina

[Wolfe10]

That is basically a 100 mile run each way. A reasonable overnight (leave and arrive in good daylight.


You will need to check for a suitable weather window in each direction. Easterly wind usually has less wave height, as the fetch is shorter.

[Jebtrois]

It will take you about 24 hours each way. Don't go during foul weather. That said, if you can't figure this out on your own, you may want to do more sailing in your local area first.
JEB

[spiritsailor]

thanks for your comments. I have been sailing for 40 years on Lake Michigan and in SWFL both are 28 foot boats, and have had some interesting long distance voyages. In additon, my partner on this trip has sailed all over the USA in various boats. The two of us together should be safe travel. Again, this is my boat and am trying to get more information.

Over the years listening to comments on this forum, they are the same as you mentioned.

We wil sail from my home in PUNTA Gorda down the ICW to Marco Island which I have done several times and back in various sailboats. Just wondering is Marco the take off point for the tortugas or is there other anchorages farther down the shore of the everglades?

Again, any comments are appreciated.

Bob

[AA3JY]

Watch out for the fishing fleet that cruise just outside the National Marine Sanctuary Protection Boundry for the Dry Tortuga’s they give no quarter ��

Also the Rangers will come aboard to check your head for compliance.

[Boatguy30]

Depending on weather Shark River is a good stop. Almost no bugs I cooler and windy winter conditions. VERY buggy in calm conditions

[kmacdonald]

You can leave from Ft Myers if you want. No need to go south first. Its easy to get there but not as easy coming back. If you go back to Ft Myers it will be more favorable wind direction wise. The prevailing winds are from the east.