Once again I'm planning a trip to the Keys.
(barring any injuries/surgeries)
My plan is to launch from Key Largo January 6th and sail until February 3rd. From there I'll be driving to Cape Coral where my wife will be waiting at her sister's house.
Joanie hasn't purchased a plane ticket yet so I'm flexible on the dates until she does.
There are only 2 keys I definitely want to see again, so I'm flexible on destinations too.
This invitation is for anyone interested in joining me for a day, several days, a week, or the entire trip,
ALL UPDATES WILL BE POSTED ON THIS THREAD.
Suncat Second Wind is hoping to be there.
I might make a week or so too. Count me as a definite maybe. Sail on, Al
Hi Carl,
When you get to Cape Coral come up to Punta Gorda and I'll give you a ride on my Corsair 24 Trimaran. Sailing at 15 kts is addictive.
Bryan
That sounds great, thanks Bryan.
If a suitable weather window opens, I'd like to sail to the Dry Tortugas.
Doing some research on the Dry Tortugas. Apparently March - May the water is the calmest. December to March may produce a rough crossing.
We were in the Dry Tortugas last Feb. We had a great crossing but the previous day, they had 9 foot rollers. ugh and barf.... I guess the later in the Spring, the better. But, what a great place to sail to.
take lots of pics for us to see
I will also take some video, with my 2nd action camera.
Airline tickets have been purchased so I will be leaving Key Largo for Cape Coral February 9th.
The dates for sailing...January 6th to February 8th.
I'll be researching launch sites and places to store the vehicles.
All suggestions are welcome.
Now that life has slowed down, I'm working on readying the 19 for the Keys. I installed a new windex and checked all the electronics. Installed new eyebrows and power washed her. I checked the anchor chain and rode for deficiencies and bought new dock lines. Tomorrow all the exterior teak will be removed for refinishing. A pile of equipment and must haves is growing. I have 2 months and 1 day until departure.
Sounds divine, Carl! Wish we could partake in the adventure! Will have to live vicariously through you — keep the camera(s) rolling and hope you'll be sharing some journal/log entries with us during the trip!
How many vessels are participating?
Thanks Chelle. It will just be Chris and myself, but Al may be joining us for a couple days. Also, I announced it on the Trailer Sailor forum and some locals said they meet up for a day or two.
hey carl, first i would love to go but i just cant get away, second if you could put up the clr info on that trailer sailor forum
Once the dates are set I'll post.
Carl,
Are you sleeping on your boat?
My wife and I did a trip around the keys a few years back in our compac 23. Big time!
Yes, we'll be anchoring out. This will be my second sailing trip in the keys. I spent six weeks soloing on a Starwind 19 in 2010. Lots of bad weather that year. Couple days of cold temps caused a big fish kill. Bahia Honda beach was littered with them.
ok so far we are shooting for june 16th thru ?
whatever monday is
The teak has 2 coats of oil so far. I haven't removed the bow sprit yet as the mast is up and although the stainless steel frame is holding the weight, the teak does keep the frame from twisting. I've been building a mock up of new drop board rails. Hoping to design them to give a better seal to keep mud daubers out. 🤞
Going through the many bins of sailing paraphernalia, I located some shroud covers. The old ones are grey and came off brittle and in pieces. My daughter is making a sunbrella sleeve to slide over the roller furled genoa when trailering. If things keep progressing this easy, the boat will be ready at the end of next week.
Quote from: crazycarl on August 31, 2025, 09:06:20 PMDoing some research on the Dry Tortugas. Apparently March - May the water is the calmest. December to March may produce a rough crossing.
I sail the keys in my eclipse and have been thinking of sailing to the Dry Tortugas. Please keep us posted on the research.
Quote from: alsantini on September 02, 2025, 09:51:38 AMWe were in the Dry Tortugas last Feb. We had a great crossing but the previous day, they had 9 foot rollers. ugh and barf.... I guess the later in the Spring, the better. But, what a great place to sail to.
What boat did you sail there on?