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

Maine isn't that far in your case.

In that week you were contemplating sitting at anchor in the Florida
sun, ducking into the cabin for the frequent thunderstorms, and
waiting for a hot, still, airless, patch of weather that would let you
motor across the Gulf Stream, you could drive along the scenic Great
Lakes, St. Lawrence corridor with your trailer sailer, working in
daysails in such places as Georgian Bay, the Thousand Islands, and
Lake Champlain depending on weather when you pass by. Then, you would
be in Maine.

--

Roger Long



"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

Roger Long wrote:
Maine isn't that far in your case.

In that week you were contemplating sitting at anchor in the Florida
sun, ducking into the cabin for the frequent thunderstorms, and
waiting for a hot, still, airless, patch of weather that would let you
motor across the Gulf Stream, you could drive along the scenic Great
Lakes, St. Lawrence corridor with your trailer sailer, working in
daysails in such places as Georgian Bay, the Thousand Islands, and
Lake Champlain depending on weather when you pass by. Then, you would
be in Maine.



Better yet... order a copy of this cruising guide and then trailer as
fast as possible to Nova Scotia.
http://ca.binnacle.com/product_info....roducts_id=413

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