On Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:59:54 -0700 (PDT), Dennis
wrote:

I am planning a trip from Annapolis to Jacksonville, Fl. Having not
done this trip in the past, I was wondering about the pros and cons of
going outside from Norfolk to Jacksonville versus going down the ICW
thru Albermarle and Pamilco to Beaufort, NC and then out to
Jacksonville.

Conventional wisdom says that it is better to go inside from Norfolk
to Beaufort, NC. The weather off of Hatteras has a reputation for
being rough and unpredictable. There is nowhere to hide out there.
In addition you've got shoal water and gulf stream effects to deal
with.

Have you ever been offshore before or run long legs requiring over
night passages and watch standing? If not, I'd recommend that you
stick to short hops that you can cover in one day until you learn more
about the issues.