I went on a similar trip in April of 2002 while I was still 50. It was with J World of Anapolis on a 37' J Boat. We left Fort Lauderdale, went out 100 miles or so and turned left up to Charleston, about 500 miles total. We had allotted 5 days so we could tuck into port if the weather was bad. We did the trip under 48 hours.

The Gulf stream was racing and we had perfect winds off the beam the whole way. including the squall with 60 plus winds. John Kohansky, owner of J World was gracious enough to provide an additional weekend at his fall school to make up for the shortness of the trip. I did not feel short changed. I was glad it was over so quickly. Banging through big seas is exciting but also tiring and violent. I could not believe the bruises I had when I got home. If I was at sea a few more days my memories would probably not be as pleasant.

I have subscribed to many sailing magazines for the past 15 years of sailing, and have fantasized about big sea sailing while looking at the numerous articles and photos. I now have an idea what is entailed and no longer get melancholy with envy. I enjoy the 15 foot Montgomery lake sailing, thank you.

A friend of mine was departing from the same airport while I was flying down to Fort Lauderdale. He asked what the weather was going to be like and I told him that unfortunately it looked like the weather was going to be good but boring. I told him I was looking for big wind and big seas. He said I should be careful for what I ask for. He was right of course, but then I would not have had such a perfect understanding of your description of your trip. Or worse, I might be planning a second trip before my next 50th.