[PUP] Key West and ICW

[thataway4 at cox.net]

Key West and S. Florida are all expensive and $3.00 a foot is not unusual, I have heard of $4.  I am glad you took the prudent path,   This is "off season" so slips should be fairly easy to get.  However, you need to buy Skipper Bob's publication on the Atlantic ICW, the Southern Boating Guide, and probably Claiborne Young's excellent guides to East Florida, Carolina and Georgia.  Also check his web site "Salty South East"  This is for shoaling and restrictions on the ICW.  Also it is good to moniter the Water Way Radio and Cruising Club net--7268 LSB at 7 AM EST if my memory serves me correctly--for potential problems, and anchorages etc.  

The worst shoaling will be in the Carolinas.  However, you may elect to run outside along much of Southern Florida because of the limited bridge openings (noted in Southern Waterway guide)--and updated on Salty South East web site.  

We found the best plan was to head North to Maine as fast as possiable and then work our way South was the season changed.  But you are coming into Florida a bit early for that.    We did go offshore from Norfolk VA to Mt. Desert Island Maine--which cut the time going North (as well as running outside).   

Good sailing--and congratulations on being almost "there"--I don't think there are any "northers" in the next few days, and you should be back to expensive Key West soon.

Bob Austin