Prevailing winds on the West Coast of FL, in Jan?

[jalmberg]

Can any of you Floridians tell me the prevailing wind direction on the West Coast in January? I'm thinking of sailing a boat down from Tampa to the Keys.

[SBrookman]

Having sailed from Ft Myers to Key West or Tortuga several times, I can say that the prevailing winds don't mean as much as what the actual winds will be! That time of year fronts make it that far south or can stall making a BIG difference. So current forecasts are what you need to go on. It's only a 30 hr or so sail from Tampa, and there is some inland passage available at least until Ft Myers area without adding lots of additional miles.

[jalmberg]

Having sailed from Ft Myers to Key West or Tortuga several times, I can say that the prevailing winds don't mean as much as what the actual winds will be! That time of year fronts make it that far south or can stall making a BIG difference. So current forecasts are what you need to go on. It's only a 30 hr or so sail from Tampa, and there is some inland passage available at least until Ft Myers area without adding lots of additional miles.

Thanks for the advice. I found the pilot chart for the Gulf in Jan, and it looks like the prevailing wind is from the north east, which would be good. I need to sail most of the way, since my little engine is only good for puttering in and out of harbors.