Would it be crazy to go from Tampa Bay inlet to Pensacola?

[rgano]

40 feet? No problem. Take your time and smell the roses. take a 70-mile run to Cedar Keyand anchor overnight before setting off to either Steinhatchee or Dog Island (80 or 110 statute miles respectively). Once you hit hit Dog Island Pass you can go up to Carrabelle then meander over to Apalachicola before cruising up the Apalachicola River travel through Lake Wimico and thence down the Gulf Cutoff Canal to Port Saint Joe before taking to the outside again to make an idyllic anchorage at Crooked Island Sound about a dozen miles up the coast. Another dozen miles puts you at the St Andrew Bay pass into the Panama City area.

You can cross the Big Bend area any time of year, but some times of year, you have to wait for your weather window longer. We like the early spring and fall before the fronts begin to run through the area every 3-5 days.

[cardude01]

That does sound like a fun cruise. Last time I went straight across from Clearwater to Panama City. I think it was like 22 hours?

I know it may sound strange, but I really like the longer open water passages. I enjoy the solitude of the open water and it gives me time to fiddle with the sails. If I could figure a way to do it single handed I would, but I don’t think I can stay up for 24-36 hours.

[Sailor of Fortune]

Originally Posted by cardude01

That does sound like a fun cruise. Last time I went straight across from Clearwater to Panama City. I think it was like 22 hours?

I know it may sound strange, but I really like the longer open water passages. I enjoy the solitude of the open water and it gives me time to fiddle with the sails. If I could figure a way to do it single handed I would, but I don’t think I can stay up for 24-36 hours.

I agree! No better feeling in the world than being on watch at night on your own little ship,engine purring below your feet. Imagine all the peeps that never get to experience that sense of pleasure.

[McGillicuddy]

It’s not so hard to do the trip solo. I’ve done it several times. Try leaving in the afternoon for an ETA about 3-4 hours before dusk next day. If you can manage a nap before you go you can probably make it through the hours of darkness when your circadian rhythm would normally want you to sleep. Once the sun comes up next morning that need seems to fade away. I always enjoy an open sea passage and very rarely want to sleep once I’m ‘out there’. Last year I did the trip from Tampa to Gulfport Mississippi, 48 hours. Second night was harder.
I agree with rgano’s idea also. That trip can be done solo also. I did that in reverse this spring. Was a fun trip.