Trip West of Key West

[KMacDonald]

Key West Harbor


Mooney Harbor


Mooney Harbor


Fort Jefferson

[Mike Vogdes]

Glad you guy's had a nice uneventful trip and no bugs, life is good..
Last time I was out to the Fort there was a major restoration of the masonry walls going on, looks like they finished for the time being.

[Michael Wick]

I set out to transcribe a log of the trip, but sitting at the computer with the logbook in my hand, I am more interested in the relationship between the WoodenBoat thread and the actual trip. We thought there were just the two of us out there, but there was a virtual pitcrew on the forum with access to hourly information, and the interest to keep abreast of the trip.

I want to thank BREAKAWAY for the most helpful advice. He suggested that we make a point at which we check the forecast and decide whether to turn around and go back or to continue. We chose Halfmoon Shoal outbound and Rebecca Shoal on the return, and called them our "Point of no Return" . Because of the good weather, the choice to continue was a "no-brainer", but the concept is just right. It stops you from saying "If Only" when it is too late. Mike

[KMacDonald]

Prior to the trip I was a little concerned about receiving weather reports during the trip. I carried an Icom M-72 handheld VHF radio and was able to receive weather reports out to about 10 miles west of the Marquesas Keys. This was great since we spent the night in the Marquesas Keys the night before heading to the Dry Tortugas and were able to confirm the weather before departing. The reports were transmitted from a tower on Sugarloaf Key so that’s about a 60 mile range. Once in the Dry Tortugas, the weather report was posted on the ferry dock daily and also a fixed VHF radio with a very high antenna was available for use and could receive the weather report clearly from the tower on Sugarloaf Key. Receiving weather reports were not an issue during the trip.

[MiddleAgesMan]

It's a great story but I hope there will be lots more to come. Congratulations and a great big, Well done!

[Michael Wick]

Not just from the forumites, but fellow sailors were very supportive. There were a retired couple on a trawler who welcomed us at Garden Key (with a cold Beer!). They left the day before we made leg 3, and we saw them again anchored in Frankford Bank, Key West. Their greeting that day was such a nice balance of carefully disguised relief. They didn't want us to think they had been worried, but they were glad to see that we were back.

[fishrswim]

A great example of good planning and sound judgement. Do it right and you don't have to demonstrate your superior boat handling skills.

[Michael Wick]

To John Bell; I saw a photograph of Bandaloop drawn up on the beach at the start of the Everglades Challenge. She is a Yar vessel and should take you safely on an even greater challenge. At least we had the option of waiting until we got a better weather window. You have to take it as it comes. Good luck and thanks for your participation. Mike

[John Bell]

Thanks, Michael. I only signed up for the Ultramarathon this year but it was still really special to be there. Bandaloop did very well, being one of only three boats in our event to finish this year. My big concern with using it on a trip to the Tortugas is that it's the wettest sailboat I've ever been aboard!

I'm still very envious of your adventure. Hope to meet you guys some day.

[Michael Wick]

I feel like the People and Places section of the Forum was a tremendous help to us on our trip, and it was a good source of information on the Everglades Challenge. Should we promote this kind of supervision on other trips ? Mike Wick

[Michael Wick]

My wife and I share the same eye doctor; both working through cataract troubles. On each of my scheduled visits, he and I spend more time talking boats than eyes. Last week's appointment, I told him all about this trip. He said "Mike, I'm really jealous." He gave me a long look and said "Your wife is really something."

[John Bell]

"Your wife is really something."

Amen. The main thing that's keeping me from doing a similar trip is spousal approval.

[Michael Wick]

It was an epiphany for me.

[Michael Wick]

We met and spent the Easter weekend at Janes Island State Park, near Crisfield, daysailing in our two boats. The wind was strong and we experimented with various reefs. We found that both boats went to windward very well, even with deep reefs.
Now there is a posting about our trip and the contribution of the forum in the 'article' section of www.traditionalsmallcraft.com .

[marshcat]

Nice writeup! Thanks for posting the link, and taking time to give a detailed account.

My Marshcat's windward ability is the only small disappointment I have in an otherwise perfect (for my needs) design. I always assumed it was a result of general catboat design, and nothing specific to the Marshcat itself. However, I don't really have enough hours in other small boats to make a decent assessment.

[Michael Wick]

Marshcat,

I agree with your total assesment of the perfection of the design for many people's needs, but windward ability can be improved.
We had thought that a Marshcat wouldn't go well to windward in a strong breeze with deep reefs, but conditions at Crisfield seemed to prove that wasn't the case. Kevin's LITTLE T was quite spry those days days.
The Delaware River Chapter of Traditional Small Craft Association has quite a fleet of MarshCats, 4 at last count. Why don't you join us at our various gatherings and experiment. I agree that Marshcats aren't as easy as some boats going to windward, they require lots of power and drive, but proper tuning and setup can bring substantial improvement. Smartmoney says that you're roband should be slack enough to squeeze a softball between the foot of the mainsail and the boom. That means that you sacrifice some pointing potential for greater boatspeed. I've found that a GPS that can track VMG to windward is a useful tool, but nothing beats competetive sailing.

[John Bell]

I'm starting to get the idea that I should to a trip like this to celebrate my 50th trip around the sun, coming up in two years. That may be the best idea to gain spousal approval.

[Michael Wick]

John,

You've got the right boat for it, and you have already proven that you and the boat work well together. Okay, so BANDALOOP is a little wet, she is going to get you home, safe.
I think that spouses are quicker to accept events, like the EC, because there is an end already there; they know about the future. I seemed to us that there were boats in Man-O-War Harbor, Key West, which had sailed to the end of that trip. Central America was a big step; they have to turn around. If they had gone to the Bahamas, there is still the Turks and Cacos, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Virgins. Spouses aren't keen about an open-ended trip, unless they are along for the ride.

[Michael Wick]

My brothers and I went to the Herreshoff Symposium in Bristol, RI. A few days later, I saw a Haven 12 1/2 on Craigslist for a good price. She needs work and will keep me busy for months before she is ready, but our next trip might be in two boats instead of one ?

[KMacDonald]

I will take credit (BLAME) for sending Mike the add from Craigslist. I look forward to the next trip.

[pefjr]

My brothers and I went to the Herreshoff Symposium in Bristol, RI. A few days later, I saw a Haven 12 1/2 on Craigslist for a good price. She needs work and will keep me busy for months before she is ready, but our next trip might be in two boats instead of one ?

Living the dream, I envy you, would love to be doing this again. A Bimini trip might be a good option too, plenty of protected lee waters for cruising around there, once you sail over about 45 KMs IIRC. Then there Grand Bahama a little further.

[Michael Wick]

The Haven is coming along well, working title is JACKAROO, the nickname of the latest grandson, Jack Dempsey. I now have six barrier coats of epoxy/West 422 throughout the bilge because of softness in the centerboard bedlogs. We head for the Southern Chesapeake on June 21, but she probably won't be ready by then.

[Peter Gottlund]

Mike, perhaps this thought might be brought up at the Small Reach Regatta?

[KMacDonald]

There is a writeup in WB229 page 15 of this trip for those interested. Great job Mike.

[Dan St Gean]

Reread this thread and loved it as much the second time. Thanks for the pointer KMac.

Dan

[Michael Wick]

We sailed out of Crisfield and Janes Island State Park on the last 3 day weekend. Four men and a dog trailering four boats, two Marshcats, a melonseed and a Monk designed fifteen foot sloop. down to camp and sail. The original plan was to go to Assateague Island Federal Seashore, but camping was closed because of overwash after Sandy. Several buildings were turned over or washed away. but Janes is fully open. Each day we sailed in shirtsleeves with steady winds and smooth seas. At night we had bonfires from windfall and slept in mummy bags and wooly hats. The rangers have marked kayak trails all through the swamp that is Janes Island, and we had a strenuous time sailing through these intricate channels. They are most successful on a rising tide. The moral is that there is still sailing to do even late in the season.

[KMacDonald]

While in the Dry Tortugas for a couple of days we had plenty of time to snorkle and explore Fort Jefferson. While snorkling we came face to face with 5 or 6ft barracudas. We had removed all jewelry and watches before entering the water to prevent them from striking flashy metal items on our person. I also knew I could swim faster than Mike which I felt was a huge advantage. We were also watching the weather looking for anything but the prevailing east winds for the sail home.

The second evening we met a couple that had just arrived on a 42ft Grand Banks. They were surprised we came there on such a small boat. We were given fruit and beer and asked if we had enough fuel. We responded we had plenty, two gallons. They looked at each other and laughed.

The forecast for the third day was for south-eastly winds of 5-10kts with a front approaching from the east predicted to hit in two days. Since the winds are almost always from the east that time of year, we felt we would take advantage of the south-easterly winds and leave early on the third day. We got an early start in light winds and decided to motor sail when our speed dropped below 4kts. We had to motor-sail about 2/3 of the way to Marquesas Keys where we spent the night before heading back to Key West the next day. We left the Marquesas Keys early and headed back to Key West where we spent another night.

The next day the front had arrived and it was windy. We tacked back and forth eastward to Cudjo Bay and almost ducked into one of the other small shelters but continued upwind to Cudjo. Mike had a friend that winters on Cudjo Bay and knew we would be down at about that time. It turns out he saw us there but didn't think it was us so didn't bother bringing us steak and lobster or even a pizza for that matter. It would have been nice after all those canned dinners.

The next day we sailed back to Key West and spotted the Grand Banks with a woman waving frantically. We went over to them and it was the Grand Banks we saw in the Dry Tortugas. It seems they didn't think we would make it back and were a little surprised to see us.

More Later

[KMacDonald]

Several people have asked what we ate during the trip. We brought a lot of canned foods for dinners. Soup, chile, chouders, etc. For breakfast we ate fruit cups or breakfast bars and coffee. While in the Dry Tortugas we ate on the ferry for $5. For lunches we ate crackers, nuts, etc. All the dinners were heated on a single burner butane stove. Boiling water for coffee was done on a Jet Boil which also served as a backup to the butane stove. We took 80 16oz bottles of water and only drank a little over half of it. It was not real hot so consumption was much lower than if it were summer.

[Michael Wick]

We plan to go back to the Keys for another trip in early December but may not go as far as Dry Tortugas.

[Michael Wick]

Here is our plan. Less time to wait our weather this year.
If there is any South to the wind, Launch at Oceanside Marina, around Key West and through Calda Channel. Look in at East Harbor Channel and Snipe Key, then Big Spanish Channel and Bahia Honda Channel and around to Newfound Harbor. Then along Hawk Channel by Cudjoe Bay or Saddlebunch Harbor. If there is any North we will go counter clockwise.
Then we plan to take Lakes Passage out to Boca Grande or the Marquesas and come back East along West Channel. Mike

[Peter Gottlund]

Fair winds, sunny skies, smiles. Hey Mike. Take your paddle along!
That's a joke, Kevin!
Have fun.

[KMacDonald]

Here are the SPOT links: http://fms.ws/AaacP/39.96553N/74.94061W

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39.96553,-74.94061&ll=39.96553,-74.94061&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

We will be launching Sunday 12/09/12 in the afternoon.

[bschless]

I'm sorry, but as a Sandpiper sailor, and having made the crossing on a 38' plastic boat, I have to say "you are out of your minds." Adventures are one thing, taking chances like this are just beyond common sense.

[Garret]

I'm sorry, but as a Sandpiper sailor, and having made the crossing on a 38' plastic boat, I have to say "you are out of your minds." Adventures are one thing, taking chances like this are just beyond common sense.

Did you read the entire thread? They were very careful & ended up having a great trip the first time. Now they're on their second. It may not be your cup of tea, but it's pretty tame compared to rowing across the Atlantic & the like.

[Willin']

I agree with bschless, and I've read the threads. I've also experienced a lot of incredibly nasty weather blow up unannounced in the gulf.

They pulled it off twice, cruising on open water in a small, unprotected vessel. Good for them. Bligh pulled off a much greater feat without the benefit of technology and yet few sensible people would try to replicate that trip.

All the same, I hope too many people don't assume from your experience that technology makes them invincible. It doesn't. Ask Shane McConkey's family, or Jeb Corliss, or any of the round the world racers that have survived only due to the valorous rescue efforts of total strangers.

You had fun and came back. No doubt you're up on You tube too. I'm glad. If the next time you don't come back, or come back due to the efforts, risk and expense of others, I won't be so generous. You guys got lucky.

[pefjr]

Where they are going next is a picnic. The back country of the Keys is a peaceful sail in protected shallow water. The most they will have to worry about is pushing off a sand bar after running aground. BTW , take a good pair of tennis shoes with you , you don't want to do that barefooted.

[KMacDonald]

I would not recommend a trip like this to most of the forum members. In our case we have extensive cruising experience in the boat and know it and its capabilities well. Casual daysails will not qualify you nor will technology. The use of weather forecasts, GPS,experience, and common sense make these trips doable and safe. Good judgement is key here----if you don't got it don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!

I should also mention that I have a great deal of faith and confidence in Mikes judgement, navigation, and sailing skills. I'm not so sure I would trust a boat built by an amateur unless of course that amateur was me.

[WI-Tom]

You had fun and came back. No doubt you're up on You tube too. I'm glad. If the next time you don't come back, or come back due to the efforts, risk and expense of others, I won't be so generous. You guys got lucky.

"Generous?"

Maybe, just maybe, there are things that matter more to living a good life than absolute safety and risk avoidance. If you disagree, feel free to spend your life cowering in a bunker. But don't expect us all to agree with you either.

Tom

[Willin']

"Generous?"

Maybe, just maybe, there are things that matter more to living a good life than absolute safety and risk avoidance. If you disagree, feel free to spend your life cowering in a bunker. But don't expect us all to agree with you either.

Tom

Cowering in a bunker. Good one.

ETA Your sig line should make a great epitaph.. (Written from my cold war era bomb shelter).

[KMacDonald]

"Generous?"

Maybe, just maybe, there are things that matter more to living a good life than absolute safety and risk avoidance. If you disagree, feel free to spend your life cowering in a bunker. But don't expect us all to agree with you either.

Tom

Well put Tom. On the last trip there was a Potter 19 at the dock when we launched. On the way back to the marina on Thursday the wind was about 15kts. I said to Mike "I bet the Potter is cowering at the dock". Sure enough it was still there. If you don't like wind don't buy a sailboat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Willin']

Well put Tom. On the last trip there was a Potter 19 at the dock when we launched. On the way back to the marina on Thursday the wind was about 15kts. I said to Mike "I bet the Potter is cowering at the dock". Sure enough it was still there. If you don't like wind don't buy a sailboat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, or maybe he didn't buy an epirb and subscribe to a satellite location service so he could be rescued if things went sideways. Are you this arrogant all the time?

[KMacDonald]

Yeah, or maybe he didn't buy an epirb and subscribe to a satellite location service so he could be rescued if things went sideways. Are you this arrogant all the time?

We don't cary an EPIRB and yes, I've been known to ruffle a few feathers.

[WI-Tom]

Your sig line should make a great epitaph..

True enough! That's partly why I like to keep that thought in mind. Keeps me from taking stupid risks; but it also keeps me from clinging too tenaciously to overcautious hesitation. I find it all too easy to chicken out when maybe I don't need to.

Are you this arrogant all the time?

I'm not reading any arrogance into his posts here...

Tom

[KMacDonald]

I would have thought I would have taken more flack for driving 1240 miles without stop to get to Key West for the second trip (http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthre...-from-Key-West) than the trip itself.

[Willin']

"True enough! That's partly why I like to keep that thought in mind. Keeps me from taking stupid risks; but it also keeps me from clinging too tenaciously to overcautious hesitation. I find it all too easy to chicken out when maybe I don't need to."

That's a keeper, nicely stated.

"I said to Mike "I bet the Potter is cowering at the dock". Sure enough it was still there. If you don't like wind don't buy a sailboat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

But I still think scoffing at another person's dream boat is always arrogant, especially when you are a visiting sailor in a foreign port.

[KMacDonald]

But I still think scoffing at another person's dream boat is always arrogant, especially when you are a visiting sailor in a foreign port.

Last time I checked Key West and Maryland were in the same country.

[Willin']

So, can I assume then that you consider yourself a native conch because of your extensive local sailing experience?

[Michael Wick]

Kevin can't be a conch. He doesn't drink alcohol, I don't know any other requirement for qualification as a Conch. He is a good boatbuilder and a fine sailor. Otherwise I wouldn't be there. When Chichester and Blondie Hassler started the single-handed transatlantic race, they refused to take transmitters because they agreed to "Die like gentlemen." I doubt my commitment to that principle.

[pefjr]

So, can I assume then that you consider yourself a native conch because of your extensive local sailing experience?

One has to be born in the Keys to be a native conch. No amount of sailing experience will sub.

[John Bell]

Despite the naysayers, I'm doing the Dry Tortugas one day in my open boat. That's the closest I'll ever get to being Shackleton and Worsely.