T&T: Winter ICW cruising?

[Mike Curreri]

Dear Listees:

 

After two years of planning and building, the long-awaited BLUE GROTTO
(Selene 55) will be ready for us to begin our cruising lifestyle, leaving
from near Annapolis.  Unfortunately, that readiness will have taken a few
months later than expected and will not allow us to depart for warmer
climates until at least January 1.  Additionally, for business reasons
mostly, my wife and I have decided in this first winter cruise that we will
stay in the coastal waters of the US, rather than head to the Bahamas or
beyond.  Staying near enough to airports to be able to return to MD within a
couple of days is the general idea, though not a hard rule.  

 

So, we had planned on getting out of MD and deep into NC as soon as
possible; and then heading in a more leisurely fashion to Charleston and
beyond.  On further study, though, it appears that NC (and maybe even SC)
from January through early March may not be all that pleasant a boating
experience.  Do any of your have experience with this?  We have no real
destination (other than to return in the late spring and get ready for a
cruise up to Toronto this summer), but want this first cruising experience
to be a pleasant and save one.

 

Thanks.

 

Mike

 

Capt. Mike Curreri

USCG 100GT Masters, Near Coastal
Blue Grotto (Selene 5578)