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Forum Index: DISCUSSION: Dock Talk:
Looking for advice: Cape Cod to the Caribbean 		Team McLube

 
 


Gordon b
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Nov 30, 2009, 8:51 AM

Post #1 of 5 (2635 views)
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Looking for advice: Cape Cod to the Caribbean Log-In to Post/Reply
Hi, I am preparing to take my boat from Cape Cod down towards the Caribbean within the next few days; I'm looking for advice from someone who has made this trip to learn what to expect between here and North Carolina, from there I'll be taking the ICW. (by the way, this is my first long distance trip)

Thanks
Gordon





DrivinSteve
**

Dec 3, 2009, 9:08 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2572 views)
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Re: [Gordon b] Looking for advice: Cape Cod to the Caribbean [In reply to] Log-In to Post/Reply
Hi Gordon,
You haven't mentioned boat type/size, equipment, available crew, etc.
It's all about preparation and planning. You are getting to the point where weather/cold can easily become a major factor for timing go/no-go second only to crew ability and suitability of the boat, as equipped, for this mission.
You may want to consider taking the Long Island Sound, Jersey Shore, C&D Canal, Chesapeake route to give yourself the most safety options, especially if this is your/boat's first go. If you decide to take the rhumb line, make sure that you have SSB or Satphone plus registered EPIRB.
Lastly, take someone with you that has done this trip. Local current knowledge on the ICW makes it much less tedious.
I'm available.Smile
Cheers,
Steve
USCG 50T Master
ASA Instructor
ISAF Safety at Sea


billreilly
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Dec 3, 2009, 11:44 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2562 views)
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Re: [DrivinSteve] Looking for advice: Cape Cod to the Caribbean [In reply to] Log-In to Post/Reply
For weather forecasts for your trip south, be sure to have a look at PassageWeather.com:

http://www.passageweather.com/

Have a good trip...

Bill


Gordon b
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Dec 4, 2009, 4:55 AM

Post #4 of 5 (2539 views)
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Re: [DrivinSteve] Looking for advice: Cape Cod to the Caribbean [In reply to] Log-In to Post/Reply
Hi Steve,

She's a 45' glass sloop, displaces 49,000 lbs, new Vetus diesel, Edson steering, full keel w/9,000 lbs ballast. I'll be hugging the coast to the ICW, and yes I will also be taking Long Island sound to the Chesapeake. This will be a bare bones trip and I am currently seeking sponsors for the event I am preparing for, with that accomplished things will get a lot easier. I have pictures on the site, www.thevictorylap.org

Thanks
Gordon


DrivinSteve
**

Dec 4, 2009, 5:39 AM

Post #5 of 5 (2522 views)
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Re: [Gordon b] Looking for advice: Cape Cod to the Caribbean [In reply to] Log-In to Post/Reply
Hi Gordon,
Some additional thoughts to consider.
Be very mindful of the clearance of fixed bridges on the ICW. They are charted as 65' but there are a few that are actually 61-62'. Don't count on the tide to make up the difference. Same holds true for water depths. It is not uncommon to see experienced well manned and equipped boats touching bottom. It is also my experience that if you encounter a malfunctioning bridge enroute, there are not many options.
The point is to "schedule" with this in mind as it is generally prudent to avoid traveling the ICW after dark.
Cheers,
Steve


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