George: Several M boaters are sailing from Key West to the Dry Tortugas from April 27 - May 8. I do not know how flexible you are but it is always nice to launch with fellow M sailors. I will not be sailing but may be in the area and will try to stop by for dinner. I will forward an e-mail to you that was sent out to those interested in East Coast Cruises. steve Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY ************************************************** Hi George: I am in Miami and I have an M17. I would recommend that you launch at Sea Bird Marina. It is a good central spot and you can leave your car and trailer there. It is just south of Islamorada. Just do an internet search, the have a website. Make sure you sail to Bahia Honda, good anchorage, protected. In my opinion the middle-lower keys are the best sailing area. Looe reef is also worth a visit for fantastic snorkeling. Have fun, Maria On Mar 19, 2009, at 7:53 PM, George Johnson wrote:
Hello to all,
After much work, my boat and me are finally ready take a real cruise. I've camped out on the boat several times on local lakes an along the Texas coast (Aransas and Corpus Bays) but am ready for something more adventurous. My plan is to tow the boat to the Florida Keys beginning the second week of May (not looking forward to the drive, but want to sail MY craft instead of rent an expensive bareboat!) for two weeks of sailing / cruising (.A few days driving, 10 days on the water)..... I haven't been to that part of Florida so would greatly appreciate hearing from those who have sailed/cruised in those parts. I am debating where to plunk the boat in the water to start out, and destinations for a 10 day on-the-water experience. What are the "don't miss this!" areas in the Keys? and which are overcrowded, not so nice. I plan on mostly anchoring out each evening for quiet and scenery, hitting a marina every few days to charge up the battery, filling up water jugs and ice (essential for adult tropical beverages)......
Any suggestions would be welcome and greatly appreciated!
George Johnson M17 #600 "Sancha" San Antonio, TX ___________