Tarpon Springs or Bust

I was in Carrabelle for a week (6 days) and finally a weather window opened for use solo Loopers, and some of the more conservative team Loopers.

Several boats left last Thursday to make the 20/22-hour crossing. The Lower Place was a part of that group. I head from Charlie when they arrive. They all made it, but it was a bouncy ride. A lot of sea sick people arrived in Tarpon Springs, but the consensus was they were glad to have “the crossing” behind them.  

Many Loopers think about this part of the loop from the time they start the Loop.  For many Loopers this is their first experience with open water boating. The Great Lakes can give you some open water experience, especially weather planning. But, on the Great Lakes you can make all daytime only passages (unless you choose otherwise). If you have been reading my blog since Lesson Plan left the Erie Canal, you will recall that Gary and I stopped every night as did Steve and I after the crew change. Steve and I had one crossing that we lost site of land for a couple of hours (crossing the thumb of Michigan).  

The Florida Big Bend crossing is the big test for Loopers.  There are two generally accepted ways to go about it (I select option three). Most people choose the overnight crossing. It requires two good weather days. You leave Carrabelle about 3 PM and go overnight to arrive in Tarpon Springs at about 11:00 AM the next day. The crew takes turn at the wheel and sleeping. Usually a couple will divide this into 4-hour shifts. I talked to one couple who said she was a night owl and would take the shift until 2 AM and then turn it over to her husband or the rest of the trip. Whatever works best for the crew.

Option two requires three good weather days, but it is all daytime cruising. Day one is from Carrabelle (Alligator Point anchorage) to Steinhatchee. Day two is Steinhatchee to Cedar Key (or Crystal River). Day three ends in Tarpon Springs. Some people take this route to explore Steinhatchee and Cedar Key. Others are just not comfortable with the overnight passage.

So, which did I choose? I saw a two-day weather window, but I did not want to make a 22-hour passage single handing. So, I choose option three. I went to the Alligator Point Anchorage and left the anchorage at 2 AM to make my way to Cedar Key. It took me about an hour to get comfortable traveling in total darkness. By this time, I was past Alligator Point Reef and in 40’ deep water.  

I estimated that at 7.2 MPH I could get to Cedar Key in 15 hours (109 miles). I actually averaged 7.6 MPH so got there in about 14 hours. So, I had 5 hours in the dark (2 AM to 7 AM).  I was anchored by 5:00, so I will rest well tonight and continue to Tarpon Springs tomorrow. 

I am glad my experience of Sailing Across the Gulf on My Own was not like the one described by Kelly McGuire.

Lesson Learned: Preparation, patience, and creativity will often reward you.