2013 Sailing In The Fl Keys

[high tide is up]

Well thanks to Sailing For Dummies and this AWESOME site I am no longer drive way sailing anymore.  Had my 3rd sail since December and it was so much fun!!!  Water is a chilly 73 here in the Keys but I jumped in and took this pic!!!  Brrrrrrrrr  
][/img]

[/img]

[Billy]

That looks great!
Really like the color of your hull.

Where in the keys did you take this?

I'm in Tampa Bay and hope to make it down there soon.

Billy

[Bob23]

HT:
  Thank you for braving the frigid, dangerous waters of the keys just to bring us that photo. Your commitment to the site is unparralleled. The boat looks great...also love the color. Many happy sailing days to you!
Bob23 in NJ- 18 degrees right now! Even the driveway is cold.

[high tide is up]

Thanks guys....yeah the PO painted it that awesome blue color.  We have yet to put the name on the side which is "Miss Ellie" (named afte our dog).  I live on Big Pine Key and have access to tons of boat ramps.  This pic was at Bahia Honda State Park.  We buy the season pass which is good for all State Parks in Fl. 
Yeah it's tough to get in the water here when it drops below 80 degrees haha ha But I wanted to try the ladder out (which totally sucks) hope to find a swim platform ladder in the future.  Wanted to see where exactly the water line was in reference to where to paint the name and had no pics yet from in the water.  We drew straws to see who went overboard!! ha ha ha

[Ted]

I sailed the Keys about two years ago with the Admiral for five days on a CP16. It was very nice although we hit lots of wind - too much for me! There were small craft advisories out but we had to get home... Anyway, I am in Orlando - will be coming down your way, soon, I hope! Boat looks great.

My 16 had no ladder when I got it. I installed a version with flat steps - so much better than the ladder on my 19, which is just the tubed stainless steel. I am going to cut some pool noodles to place on the ladder for when I am cruising. I also hang the extra gas out on the ladder when I am underway. Maybe a platform ladder could help with that as well....

[Billy]

Ted,
let me know when you plan to go to the keys. I'll go with you....if you want the company.

I would even be up for a trip to the dry tortures.

Billy

[Ted]

I think we have to just put it on the calendar. I will text you.

- Ted

[high tide is up]

Well if any of ya'll get down here let me know....Winds been anywhere from 9-12 with 15-20 knot gusts.  Maybe a little to much for a green horn sailor like me but what do I know ha ha ha   For the most part the surrounding water here is only 4-6 foot deep so the worst I figure is I have to stand up!!!  No really I've been launching at the safest places depending on the wind.  But man has it been FUN!!!!  I am so hooked.  I can't wait to do a couple overnighters when the weather gets warmer!!!!
Thanks for ALLLLLLL your advice on here!!!  You guys Rock!

Dawn

[Bob23]

   Thanks Dawn for sharing... your enthusiasm is contagious! And,  yes- I'll admit that I'm a bit jealous and my poor 23 sits in the driveway dreaming of spring. And if I make it down thar, you'll be the first to know.
   I don't know which I like better: The color of the water or the color of your boat!
Bob23

[Citroen/Dave]

I will be going down the Keys next week for business and pleasure, Bahia Honda SP probably Tuesday the 19th, Wednesday or Thursday without my CP16, "Slow Dancing".  I just could not get the airline to take my boat in their cargo hold.  I thought I might get a flat rate for mailing the boat in a box as per the original shipping carton but no luck.  This trip will probly drive me over the edge without a boat to sail, even for a few minutes. . .  Next Saturdays low temperature forcast in Lynchburg, Va is 13 degrees!

Envy, Envy,

Citroen/Dave

[riggerjohn]

Was in The Keys this past weekend and saw your blue boat @ a local restaurant as we drove to Key West. The blue really looks nice. Very jealous of having your boat in the Keys. The weather was great and we did not want to leave! Looking in to trailering the 16 down this summer.

[keyskid]

Hey there! I sent you a PM but just wanted to say HI from the other end of the seven mile bridge! Rough weather lately, right? I almost had to turn the A/C back on the other day 

[high tide is up]

Thanks for ALL your responces!!!  If any of you EVER get to the Keys let me know!!!  Our warm Keys hospatalty is alwas available.
I would love to do the Marquesas trip that Robert Burgess mentions in his book which is now on my bucket list this year.  I will turn 50 years old and this is something that I really want to do......Wish me luck!!!

Dawn

[high tide is up]

P.S. Beware if any of you make it to the Keys I'll probably bend your ear off with more questions ha ha ha

[high tide is up]

   Thanks Dawn for sharing... your enthusiasm is contagious! And,  yes- I'll admit that I'm a bit jealous and my poor 23 sits in the driveway dreaming of spring. And if I make it down thar, you'll be the first to know.
   I don't know which I like better: The color of the water or the color of your boat!
Bob23

Hey Bob,

The color of the water down here is something I never get tired of!!!  I drive over it, swim in it, snorkel in it and now sail over it!!!  It really does amaze me everyday I've lived here!!!