Hi All, I just completed the Florida 120 (a 4 day, 120 mile cruise along the Florida intercostal waterway in a small sailboat). Wow ! That was Fun !! Over 30 boats started the event and half dropped out due to mechanical failure or pilot fatigue. Not only did I complete the entire journey, but I was one of the few who did it solo without using a motor. For me it was a test of sailing knowledge & skill and a testament to the seaworthiness of a Com-Pac 16 pocket cruiser. I still have much to master, but all those articles on boat handling, anchoring, navigating, costal cruising, and sailing in tidal currents & wind shifts are starting to make sense now. The Florida 120 was truly an adventure worth pursuing and one that I would like to do again. Albert Sweany
Where and when was this? East coast or west?
Al,
Congrats on completing the 120! I've wanted to attend this event since it's inception a few years back. I've thought about doing it in our Compac 19 next year, but have decided to go for broke and sail our little 15 footer. I'll be working on it most of this summer to insure it will be ready to go next year.
A few questions...
Did you sleep on board or bring a tent?
I too would like to complete it without an auxiliary motor, any regets?
Did you have to drop the mast to clear any bridges?
Are you contemplating the Texas 200 now?
carl
The Florida 120 was last week (May 12-15, 2011) in the waters around Pensacola on the panhandle. Details can be found on Facebook (search Florida 120). I started with the tent, but the rain sent me to the cabin. Not using the motor forced me to improve my sailing technique (I was slower, but no regrets). All of the bridges were much higher than my mast. Note: There was talk about changing the route for next year. Someday I'd like to do the Texas 200, but not sure if I'm ready yet or if a CP 16 is a good choice for the shallows. I think the CP16 would be fine on a broad reach with high winds and 4 foot rolling waves, but others disagree.
Al,
Congratulations! You can be justifiably proud of your accomplishment, especially having done so without using a motor.
Looking back on my many years of sailing, I can remember how truly wonderful it felt after having accomplished some difficult and challenging passages while cruising.
Savor the flavor now, fellow sailor, and fear not, there's surely more to come your way.
By the way, did you happen to notice in the mirror this morning that somehow you appeared a little taller?
capt_nemo
Compared to most of the members in this group, I'm still just a rookie at costal cruising (or sailing for that matter). The Florida 120 was a blast and a welcome challenge for my sailing knowledge & skill.
Did you take any form of auxiliary power such as oars or paddles or a way to scull? Figuring 120 miles in 4 days being 30 miles per day is a lot of hours at the helm unless conditions were perfect so my hat is off to you. What were the average conditions that you faced and do you have a comprehensive write up of the adventure? I for one would love to hear your account. I am considering taking something like this on in the next couple years and would like to know what you would do different/better next time if anything.
Congrats,
Lee
A summary of my entire adventure is in work. More details to follow in the near future .....
Sweet, cant wait to read it.
Al-
What a fantastic achievement. Congrats, can't wait to read about it.
cant wait to read it as well great adventure nothing like a cp16
Hi All, My article on the Florida 120 finally got published. You can find it on page 35 of the Sept / Oct issue of Small Craft Advisor. Al
Hi Al, my wife and I spent the evening at Barnes and Noble earlier this week, and I picked up the SCA and read the story.. great job. it is nice to have an organized event like .. kind of helps one get motivated to get out there and try something new! We are pretty new at all of this as well. I wish that there were something similar up this way ( jersey coast) maybe there is, and I am simply not aware of it.. of course, we do have Bob, and he likes to organize events :) Will you be doing it again next year? if so, what have you learned regarding changes in preparation etc. and, do you have any plans for cruising on your own?
One of the ideas that I have is that i would like to do some extended cruising - up the coast to Maine or up the hudson river and into lake Champlain or across the erie canal and then up to the thousand islands... how am i ever going to fit all of this in! the saving grace is that I am a teacher, and, although I have worked just about every summer, I am ready to take the time to do some fun things.. the other thought is that I would go to these places and then spend time there, leaving the boat at a new marina each winter.. i guess that time will tell!
good luck with your next adventure! jt
Al,
I read your article in the Small Craft Adviser and found it to both entertaining and educational. I want to thank you for the well narrated story. Not having had much experience other than day sailing on my Compac 16, your article made me visualize much more realistically what this adventure was like.
Perhaps some time soon I will partake in such an endeavor myself.
Also, congratulations on getting published.
Robert
Thanks Robert, glad I could help. Getting published was also a pleasant experience.
JT, I would like to do the FL120 again, as well as, some solo trips someday. With respect to local cruises, you may want to look at the 2012 OBX 130 in North Carolina (September 10 - 14th).
Just checked out the OBX 130 site...seems like the 23's draft might be a bit deep for this. Does anyone with experience at this event have any input?
bob23
http://www.obx130.com/default.htm
Hi All,
Next years Florida 120 course appears to be in more open waters - perfect for a Compac 16. Not sure about sailing east of Navarre, but just in case I need better performance, I just got a Idasailor Rudder in the mail. Can't wait to try it, but the lakes around here are still dry. Are any other CP-16's planning to join next year's cruise ?
Al
Just bringing this post back for continued discussion.
I'm highly considering doing the event in 2013. Sounds like a lot of fun, being a sailor, camper, and love adventures (albeit haven't taken one in some time!!)
Al, I read your article and it's full of nuggets. Many thanks for taking the time to do that.
Are you going this year? Anyone else?
Mike,
As you already know, my vacation is set and I'll be heading down this year.
If I solo, I'll be sailing the 15'r long summer daze. If Joanie comes along, our Compac 19 Miss Adventures will be our cruiser.
Either way, I'm looking forward to a fun and interesting time.
Joan just bought me a GoPro waterproof video camera for my B-day, so I'll return with some video to share.
Indeed..I can't wait to hear your trip report!!! And video!
Are you doing anything special to prepare?
i'm most likely going it alone so i'll take the small boat.
replacing the shrouds and fore stay. (precautionary)
building another rudder for a back up.
having reefing points put in the main.
double check the center board (the cable is new)
buying one of those chairs like yours, who manufactures it?
that's about all that needs to be done. i have everything else from previous trips and the boat is in great shape.
the trailer bearings will be inspected and the tires may need to be replaced.
carl
Carl- It's called a Sport A Seat. Definitely prevents the dreaded monkey butt!
When we were shopping, this was the cheapest place (could be different now). http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?50188
They are kinda expensive for what they are, but seem well made and they are darn comfy.
Hi All,
WOW ! There appear to be 50+ boats signed up for the FL120 this year. Two of those boats are CP16's. I will probably be there and I saw Carl on the list with a different boat. Anyone else going ?
Al