Sailing in Fort Lauderdale

[SailingPandas]

In the process of purchasing our first boat. Will have a Gemini 105mc in Fort Lauderdale.

Hoping to find others in the area that may be more experienced and up for a sail to help me learn.

While I’ve read books and done classes, I’m new to the area and vessel.

All advice to learn welcome!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Pandas.

[Hudson Force]

I'm very fond of Fort Lauderdale as this was my "home town" growing up; however, despite being a sailing mecca, there is no sailing in Lauderdale other than out the inlet. The exception to this would be some spots for dinghy sailing in places like Middle River, Lake Sylvia or parts of the Stranahan River. Without doubt there is great ocean sailing, but there are so many other places in Florida where you can be sailing just a few minutes from the dock and enjoy sailing more frequently, spontaneously and still have ocean access.

[s/v Moondancer]

Sailing in Ft Lauderdale you are either in the ICW or the ocean...not a good place to learn. I keep my boat on Biscayne Bay...one of the best places in the world to learn and sail especially in a shallow draft cat.

It is much easier to drive to Coconut Grove than it is to sail out of Lauderdale...I might be available to teach you, I have 75,000 bluewater miles and sail a multihull myself. I never charge for teaching and even assist in owner deliveries without payment.

https://www.cgsc.org/ Is a great club and you would be part of a learning system with organized trips in the Bay, and after Covid, to the Bahamas.

[SailingPandas]

Originally Posted by s/v Moondancer

Sailing in Ft Lauderdale you are either in the ICW or the ocean...not a good place to learn. I keep my boat on Biscayne Bay...one of the best places in the world to learn and sail especially in a shallow draft cat.

It is much easier to drive to Coconut Grove than it is to sail out of Lauderdale...I might be available to teach you, I have 75,000 bluewater miles and sail a multihull myself. I never charge for teaching and even assist in owner deliveries without payment.

https://www.cgsc.org/ Is a great club and you would be part of a learning system with organized trips in the Bay, and after Covid, to the Bahamas.

Hi Phil,

Thanks for the offer. I actually owned a small '77 Morgan 8 years ago that I had in CGSC. Loved the club, and it was a great boat to learn on.

With two small kids and a busy work schedule, I'm concerned that I'll be another one of those boat owners with a boat that isn't used if I keep it ~80 minutes away. Thinking we're more likely to get on it if it's close, even if the conditions aren't as good and we're spending more time motoring around the ICW.

Ultimately, I believe it to be a great family bonding activity and a good learning activity for the children to grow up on the water.

I'll message you directly once the transaction finishes and we're planning a few days out. Any other resources that you'd recommend to help me get started?

Nate