2014 Florida Get Together

[crazycarl]

a trip to the compac factory would be cool.  i plan on stopping there anyway to pick up a few items.


who, besides us, are planning to sleep on their boats?

how many are bringing smaller compacs and want to tent camp?

this will influence where we set up a base camp, unless the tent campers don't mind moving. 

also, we want the late arrivals to be able to find us!


carl

[Tim Gardner]

I'll be bringing my 19, and plan to sleep on the boat.  I haven't finalized it yet yet, but I plan to "stage" my trip by bringing the 19 to St. Augustine in early spring, then trailer it over to the west coast for this event, then back to St. Augustine.   My Florida based Son-in-Law, Pete, may well join me for the event.

Can't Wait.

TG

[atrometer]

There is a group called the "West Coast Trailer Sailor Squadron" that has monthly adventures with their trailer sailors.  The founder Ron Hoddinutt at hoddinr@mac.com would be the one to contact if you choose to invite them.

[HideAway]

that would be way cool to have a pilot house to play with!!!

[capt_nemo]

Fellow Participants,

It would certainly be nice to set aside some time to CONVENIENTLY meet one another, check out other boats in person, and discuss boats and equipment with others.

The most enjoyable gatherings of kindred spirits in my sailing life have included such an opportunity which was greatly appreciated by those in attendance.

Therefore, I suggest we seriously consider kicking off the gathering AT THE DOCKS on Caledesi Island . We could not only CONVENIENTLY accomplish the aforementioned tasks, but also benefit from the LOCAL KNOWLEDGE present and collectively decide on the remaining itinerary with more accurate knowledge of the short term weather forecast.

capt_nemo

[Billy]

I like Nemo's idea of a meet and greet.

[Ted]

Is there overnight parking at  Caledesi Island? Stowing the tow vehicle will be an issue for most of us.

[reedtg3]

I agree that the Caladesi Island SP Marina would be a good rendezvous point.  Tow vehicles and trailers would have to be left at one of the various launch sites identified above as Caladesi is accessible only by water.
Cattail Tom

[Billy]

Is there overnight parking at  Caledesi Island? Stowing the tow vehicle will be an issue for most of us.

Ted,
If you had another driver, it is possible that you could leave your truck and trailer on the Honeymoon Island Causeway. That is only about 5 minutes from Caladesi. But there is no dock and you are basically leaving your rig on the side of the road.
Doable but probably not a good idea.

[bob lamb]

Looking forward to you and your little ships coming to Florida!  My regular sailing grounds are St Joseph Sound and Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands. I sail in and out Hurricane Pass without any incidents.  Just stay close to the markers and keep your depth sounders on.

Sea ya!
BobL

[crazycarl]

I too like the "capt's" suggestion

cc

[Koinonia]

Has there been a decision made?

[crazycarl]

Yes!

The event will take place May 5th thru the 9th at Anclote/Caledesi.

[Koinonia]

maybe by then I will have picked up a little compac to show up with.  Id suspect big Koinonia would be sold by then.   Looks to be a great cruising ground for the 19s and 23s!

[Scott Abbott]

Hello all!  This is my first post on this forum that I have been reading for two years straight.  This trip sounds epic and I hope to make it...that is unless you experts out there tell me to stay home and get more experience!!  My question is exactly that...one of experience.  I just bought my Compac 19 this year and sailed her all summer.  Prior to this I learned to sail singlehanded on a little Victoria 18 about 5 years ago.  I want to make this trip but want to ensure it's something that is recommended for a first time ocean experience.  I am no stranger to adventure...I have thru hiked the Appachian Trail and spent many days on small craft on lakes, rivers, and bays.  I come prepared for that part and is why...exactly why...I feel as though I have always been drawn to sailing.  I now have 2 kids, 7 and 5 and a wife that have learned to tune me out when I am talking about sailing, polishing and waxing techniques, and sail handling.  It's all I seem to think about these days.   

I read all I can about navigation and details about some of the route you highlighted this journey will be taking. I see charts with depths to shallow for comfort and I just want your feedback if this journey that would include a commute from Fort Worth Texas, would be the right move for me at this point.  I suppose I love the idea because I dream of seeing my beautiful boat slip into saltwater for the first time.  I love the idea of other boats being there that are family to mine. I especially love the idea of others being around to say Scott didn't make camp tonight, let's call the Coast Guard for him!   I am realistic enough to understand the preliminary steps I need to take as well and not walk into this trip blind.  I understand it's a trip to come prepared for. 

It seems that owners here are welcoming with open arms and just want to see your thoughts on a lake sailor becoming an ocean sailor on this inaugural trip.   

Scott