Digression -- We had a South Coast 23 when I was a kid. It was a
rather heavy Alberg-style design with a full cruising keel and a sweet
sheer. A pretty boat and I remember it fondly, but it was only barely
launchable off a good ramp because of the draft. It would have been
quite suitable for what you plan, otherwise. We had a friend with a
South Coast 22 that was a lot more like what you describe, so I'm a
bit confused.--End of Digression

Just be aware that there is no such thing as reliably fair weather in
a Florida summer. On the coast, you should expect violent
thunderstorms in the area every day. A friend of ours blithely took
off for his first sail in florida on a beautiful day and got caught
out when the daily deluge boiled up seemingly out of nowhere. His
quote when he got back: "Gee, that might have been fun if I'd thought
I was going to live through it." When it's not storming, very light
to non-existent winds are common.

2 recommendations: First, consider shooting for spring or fall. Much
better chance of good sailing then. Second, consider island hopping
down the Keys instead. Try one of the cruising guides for an idea
what the area is like.


On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 01:01:24 GMT, Brian Whatcott
wrote:

Wanted: A Sensible First landfall in the Caribbean for Inland Sailers.

My son and I would like to take a baby step offshore from Florida to a
Caribbean destination, in fair weather, aboard a SouthCoast 23
(A trailerable centerboard sloop) as a first voyage, next Summer.

I hope that this is not a question of the kind that if you have to
ask, you shouldn't be doing it.....
I would appreciate any and all advice on the topic.

Thanks in advance.

Brian Whatcott Altus OK