CP16 completes Florida 120 (Published in SCA)

[Al]

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

[Billy]

Where and when was this? East coast or west?

[crazycarl]

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

[Al]

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.

[capt_nemo]

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

[Al]

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.

[lee5267]

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

[Al]

A summary of my entire adventure is in work. More details to follow in the near future .....

[lee5267]

Sweet, cant wait to read it.

[Salty19]

Al-

What a fantastic achievement.  Congrats, can't wait to read about it.

[kickingbug1]

   cant wait to read it as well   great adventure   nothing like a cp16

[Al]

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

[jthatcher]

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

[RCAN]

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

[Al]

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).