2014 Florida Get Together

[crazycarl]

Reading the posts and looking over the wonderful pictures of the Florida trips has me pining for another trip to the Keys.

I think it is time we have a Compac gathering in Florida.

Late fall, or early spring seems like it would be best for us that are snow bound and in need of early/late sailing fixes.

Vacations would need to be scheduled, so maybe a 2014 gathering?

I'm open to anywhere I could sail with those turquoise waters and warm weather when it is not so here in Illinois!

I can see a caravan of Compacs rolling southbound...   Carl

[InertBert]

I am completely on board with this.  Whenever and wherever this takes place, I'll be there waiting with a cold one. 

I would recommend the southern gulf islands, like Sannibel near Cape Coral.  The waters are perfect, there is intercoastal bay sailing to the north, open gulf to the south, plenty of islands to camp, and it isn't so far and expensive as the keys.  The islands there have the best beaches, the people are great, its probably how most people imagine the Caribbean or the Keys to be.  I hope this place never changes so I can retire there in a few decades.

Second choice is Tampa Bay (yes that is a bit self serving).  Anna Maria is one of the prettiest islands around, the bay has intercoastal, bay and gulf sailing, and always good wind.  It is very centrally located, affordable, and camping is available.

However, if this is going to be a major trip for some people, the Keys is probably where they want to go.  They Keys have only two beaches, expensive camping ($50/night), but on the upside, they have the craziest (in a happy way) people on Earth.  There is a special allure and cache to the Keys (I'm a sucker for it) that some people will want.  I would say that the best place to stay in the Keys is Key Largo. Key Largo gives access to the best diving, and excellent sailing including Biscayne Bay.   I know that Key West is something to see and Bahia Honda is beautiful, but the sailing there isn't as good and those are well within daytrip range. 

I know there are people who will disagree with these, and maybe camping or expense isn't a big deal to some people.  I'm not bent on any one place, lets figure it out.

[Billy]

I'm in.
I am a bit bias towards Tampa Bay and the West Coast (after all, that is where all of our beloved boats were born). Port Charlotte is nice too.

But I would love to see the keys!

[Ted]

I am in If the schedule can work - I have a lot of work travel coming up.

My personal preference would also be around Sanibel. I am in Orlando, so I am driving anyway, though, so whatever works for most folks is fine with me.

[Billy]

Cayo Costa is a very nice State park I would recommend. Just south of Boca Grand Pass.

There is a very nice anchorage in Pelican Bay. The tourist welcome center/ranger park sells ice and water. There is a cool restaurant at Cabbage Key. And great water/sailing.

The West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadren goes there twice a year. Once in the fall and once in the spring.

But the keys do have scuba diving. Any divers out there???

[Craig]

Charlotte Harbor is a fantastic  sailing venue! We have the Suncat Nationals here in early Nov and a great time is had by all! SW Fl is a fantastic place. So, y'all come on down!

[crazycarl]

I'm happy to see so much interest!

All these places sound wonderful.

The trip, for me, would have to be next year as I have to pick my vacations in January.

If we can get this "organized" for next year, it would give everyone a chance to make plans and have their boats ready.

It would also give us plenty of time to decide where and when to hold this.

Looking forward to reading other's opinions. 

p.s. I'm a certified diver, but haven't dove in some years.  I always have my snorkel gear on board.

Carl

[mikec]

Key Largo is a wonderful place with John Pennekamp Park with the only reef in the park system.  They have boat ramps and lots of things to do.  I believe you can also leave your rig parked there but not sure about that.  Sailing on the bay side is like on large swimming pool with the average depth 6 feet and a sand bottom.  I have spent many a happy day sailing the Bay side of Key Largo.

[HideAway]

If it were planned well we could use Boca Ciega Yacht Club in Gulfport as a home base and  hit some gunkholes.  I gotta admit Charlotte Harbor or Pine Island Sound  are very tempting.  We sailed down from Gulfport a few years ago to Boca Grande and stayed a week in a cabin - shack really - on Cayo Costa - It was a great time.  But we didn't explore Pine Island sound.   After we got into island time we kinda forgot about sailing anywhere.

Here's the website for the club   sailbcyc.org    I would have to take it to the board for permission but that is just a formality.

I'd love to go to the keys-if you've been following my blog recently you'll know why that would be a major undertaking!

The best times of the year are Oct before the major cold fronts start marching  or late April through mid May before the heat arrives.  We prefer the spring season as the bugs are still groggy from winter.  This spring the weather has been fantastic.  I in our 20 some years here I do not remember it being so cool as in not hot so late in the year.  Besides after Easter most tourists are gone.    M

[capt_nemo]

SW Florida, and specifically Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands is a wonderful area and, in some ways, even better than the Keys with more accessible sandy beaches and anchorages with "civilization" far enough away yet still nearby.

There are a number of us living and sailing in the surrounding area who, with collective local knowledge, could not only help organize such an event but ensure its success with our participation and collective hospitality.

There's Gulf of Mexico open water sailing, somewhat sheltered Charlotte Harbor sailing (100+ sq. miles), the Intracoastal Waterway, and a number of Gulf Islands with great beaches and good anchorages.

After all, THAT'S WHY WE LIVE HERE!

Count me in.

capt_nemo

[Koinonia]

sanibel and coya coasta are great ideas and much shorter on the driving time for alot of people.  There is also the Burnt store marina ramp which one of the members of my sailing club launched his Cape Dory 25D at, then there is the laishley marina where I have launched Koinonia at and will launch again this June.   We will be heading out of Charlotte harbour and going south to the tortugas and keys.  I plan on relaxing a couple days on the backside of Sanibel at tween waters then going to Pelican bay for a day or two before coming home.  This will be happening in June this year.

I have to admit that if people are traveling a long distance the clear waters of the keys would be a nice reward!  maybe a vote is in order!

[brackish]

I'm in.  I've been to Key West, like it, but not sure it is the best venue for this gathering.  I sailed from Jacksonville to Key West down Hawks Channel, lots of nice options.  I've been to Sanibel/Captiva and really like that area.  I've also sailed the upper Gulf Coast from Port St. Joe to the Alabama line.  Some great sailing venues for this type of gathering, but may have to wait until May for this area because it may still be a little cold.  October, however is perfect there but that doesn't get the snow birds away from the cold.

I almost think joining the Sun Cat Nationals, with an already established venue might be nice if accomodations are possible for more people/boats.  After all, someone's got to check up on this Capt_Nemo fella to see what class rules violations he is cooking up with his sail plan.   Wait a minute, I remember now, there are no rules except what makes Tom Ray happy. We non-SunCat folks can race PHRF (I could probably bribe the race committee for a favorable rating) and just stay out of the SunCats way.  Rumor has it there is a Horizon Cat that goes down there and claims victory each year racing against no one.

[bcoonan]

I retire this year and plan to spend a lot of time in FL.  2014 would be great and the description of the Charlotte area sounds fabulous.

[GaryHGnade]

Next spring would be great! If all goes well I will retire early next year and this would be a wonderful way to start.

Gary

[Brev]

A Compac gathering is a great idea.  I'm from the central east coast, but would be willing to travel anywhere in the state. 
....Dave