GL: Cross Gulf

[Jonathan Gray]

While I didn't read Ms Osborne's message as saying they were going in bad
weather, I thought I might make a general comment. We completed the loop
recently without incident until I managed to make a few blunders on this leg
which was our final leg to Clearwater. I was warned by a friend there (very
knowledgeable salty type) "That corner of the gulf can be a real mess" I
arrogantly assumed that was for small boats and being used to blue water
cruising and rough sea conditions we figured we would be ok in our 56' Boat.
The first attempt put us on a sand bar at Government cut after departing
Apalachicola apparently the bar shifts dramatically week to week, must have
been divine intervention as the winds later gusted to18 knots. The second
attempt we were turned back after leaving Carrabelle in 10-15 South
Easterly's what I would consider pleasant forecast. The further out into the
gulf we got the worse it got, so we turned back to Carrabelle and ate some
humble pie for not heading Buddy's (the Dockhands) advice the night before.
Our final attempt was in 10 Knots and it was rough for about 75 miles and
was only doable by being on plane and trimming the boat to suit the
conditions. I could not imagine doing the same at 8 knots even in a Defeaver
for which I have great respect for its sea keeping capabilities..the boat
will be fine it's the occupants who will be worn out.
Just my thoughts for what its worth,

All the best

Jonathan W. Gray
Graycious!

-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces at lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of veiner at juno.com
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 9:10 AM
To: great-loop at lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: Cross Gulf

Ms. Osborne,
I don't know why you would cross the Gulf from Panama City to Tarpon Springs
if the weather were bad. Yes, you have a seaworthy vessel, but occupants
take
a tremendous beating under those conditions.

If you feel you must move and make progress, then continue east on the GICW
to
Carabelle, and then even to St. Marks in short hops. Then depart after a
cold
front has passed through the area.

Martin Veiner & Margaret Shearon
Cruising aboard the trawler Micha
Located: Key Largo, Florida (MM 106)
Email: veiner at juno.com or martin.veiner at gmail.com
Website: http://www.micha.talkspot.com
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