[PUP] Pamama to Key West

[bob Austin]

I have done this trip 3 times (2 North 1 South)  The seas can be rough, but
the only really bad times are if you get a Norther.

How long is your longest passage so far?  Often it takes 3 to 4 days to
acclimate to the sea.  I also wonder about the scop patches.  There are also
some other prescription RX which can be helpful.

I would say that the San Blas are definately worth the visit--and time.  They
also give you some Easting, and make the passage to Provendicia or San Andres
slightly better.  It is rarely I disagree with Peter, but in this case, I
would suggest going straight between points.

I would avoid the Cayos Miskitos (there have been some incidences there)  and
push on to  Cayos Vivarillos.  Then it is to Roatan and The Rio Dulce.  Pretty
much easy cruising (unless a Norther) up to the Isla Mujeres.  If you time it
right for the run to Key West (Dry Tortougas first) it is only a couple of
days.

Even going to the San Blas it is only about 1400 miles--If you go night and
day and make 175 miles a day that is an 8 day delivary--allow for weather and
two weeks is ample.  But then you miss some of the best cruising--Honduras,
Rio, Belize, Mexico.  You will do better waiting until later in the year, when
there is less chance of a Norther.  Even if you arrive in Florida in June, it
can only take a few weeks to get to Maine, and you still have 2 months up
there and then work your way South.  next Fall head for the Caribbean.

We had a similar situation on our trip in 1983.  We were sailing along with a
Valiant 40 whose "Admiral" was pregnant and was having a difficult time with
the mal de mar.  We loaned Marie's cousin who was our 3rd man to them from
Panama on, she flew to Key West, and we shared their kids on their or our
boat, depending on the passage.

Have your wife fly over the longer hauls, and get a couple of guys to help you
on the passages.  Don't give up yet--you are just getting started!

Bob Austin