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Why not sail into the gulf?
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Author:  wanderoo222 [ Fri Dec 09, 2016 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Why not sail into the gulf?
Recently purchased a Getaway and have been sailing off Dunedin Fl. I usually sail out hurricane pass and into the gulf of mexico. I'm 60 and hadn't sailed since my late 20's but I feel comfortable sailing out there. Winds are usually from offshore ENE at about 10 to 15mph . I've read several posts where individuals state they prefer not to sail into the gulf. Are there safety reasons for this? My Wife and I are planning a trip out of Placida fl down to Cayo Costa. We plan on skirting the gulf coast. It's about 15 miles one way. Should i stick wth the ICW? I'm pretty a confidant sailor.
Author:  Tim H16 [ Sat Dec 10, 2016 10:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
Wanderoo222,

I'm 66 and sail my H16 off the same Dunedin Causeway as you mentioned and feel comfortable sailing solo in the Gulf, but prefer a westerly on-shore breeze (just in case of a problem).

From Hurricane Pass you can easily sail south along Caladesi Island and Clearwater Beach and then back along the shoreline or then go through the Clearwater Pass and back up through the ICW. You can also sail north out of Hurricane Pass along Honeymoon Island, Three Rooker Island and Anclote Key.

Image

Ideally, on-shore winds are safer and more fun since you can make fast beam reaches both ways and you can easily watch the scenery along the shoreline. If the wind is more from the east (on-shore), I prefer sailing in the ICW.

Besides the wind direction and speed, you may also want to take into account the tides since it can make it very interesting when you are sailing through one of the Passes while there is a strong tidal current. I use the following NOAA website's plots:

https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/stationhome.html?id=8726724
Author:  wanderoo222 [ Sun Dec 11, 2016 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
Thanks for the link Tim. I have sailed the courses u suggested. Beautiful area. I'll watch for ur boat next time we are out there.
Author:  John from Tampa [ Fri Dec 23, 2016 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
Tim and wanderoo, please keep an eye out for my Hardline trailer. It disappeared from the Clearwater sailing center in November. The Fla. tag number is CKVS52.
Author:  Tim H16 [ Fri Dec 23, 2016 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
John,

Do you have a picture of the trailer?
Author:  John from Tampa [ Sat Dec 24, 2016 3:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
No, nothing that would help. It's galvanized steel, with new wheels and tires (single axle) and black rollers. The Hardline sticker is black on red.
Author:  TexKat [ Thu Feb 23, 2017 1:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
If the only boat out sailing with possibility of no immediate assistance I never go out on gulf with offshore breeze when only sailor around. Such thought paid off a few years ago. I was out a mile or better in gulf and shroud decided to pop of course when you least expect it for the breeze was not very stiff. At any rate we had onshore breeze and inevitably drifted and with a makeshift "sail" made it back to shore though a couple miles away from vehicle. Nonetheless I couldn't imagine the feeling of offshore breeze and having a breakdown with no assistance in sight.
Author:  TAMUmpower [ Tue Mar 07, 2017 11:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not sail into the gulf?
I launch from the causeway and if the wind is blowing out into the gulf I just play around the islands. I've had my main clew rip off and couldn't use the main before and it was slow progress to get back to shore with just the jib. You never know.
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