Brian,
Assuming you're still in Altus (yes I know where Altus is, I was born in
Pauls Valley) it's approximately 1400 mile to Ft Lauderdale and about 1800
miles to Rockland. So roughly 25% further. And IMHO a much prettier drive.
I've not done the Florida to Bahamas so can't comment, but I have cruised
the West Coast of Florida several times and Maine for the last 3 years and
perrsonally prefer Maine, but both are deffintly worth doing when time
allows.
Both can test you navigational skill as well. I've not actully hit anything
in Maine (yet) but have come close and would if I hadn't had sudden
inexplicable needs to look at my charts. Can't say the same for Florida, but
happily it was just sand each time.
Another, closer option is Corpus / Padre. I've not sailed there, but looks
like it's also worth a try.
BF


"Brian Whatcott" wrote in message
...
What a wonderfully helpful thread, addressing exactly the question I
posed - but with some interesting alternatives worth considering!

Thanks to Worldwide Wiley (Yes its an SC22 - my brainfart)
Rosalie B., BF, 2462, Thomas W., Wayne B., Roger Long, Jeff,
GM1234, Don White, DSK, DB Ohara, Glenn Ashmore,

I heard the Bimini rush idea, the island hopping proposal, the Maine
cruise (pity its so far) the reading list, and above all the
appropriate season for sailing out, and the weather/wind/fetch
warnings.
Thank you all.

Brian Whatcott and Richard Whatcott