Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Big Sarasota Pass Discussion
The series of messages below are copied from “The Cruisers’ Forum” (http://www.cruisersforum.com/), an alternate information outlet highly recommended by everyone here at the SSECN!
If you are not familiar with Sarasota, this community actually has two inlets, Big (Sarasota) Pass and New Pass. Having sounded both many times over the years, I can say unequivocally that I do NOT recommend that cruising size craft use either seaward passage. Even with the info very thoughtfully provided by the Sarasota Yacht Club (see below), it’s a dicey proposition at best to run Big Pass. Don’t even think about trying New pass!
A FAR safer plan is to come inside or out into the briny blue via naturally deep Venice Pass to the south or Longboat Pass, just to the north. Some of you may very well have a different opinion about all of this, and we would very much like to hear from you. Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper, right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
A few weeks ago we called a local towing comp. for local knowledge. Fog offshore was very thick. My plan was to enter Sarasota Bay skipping Venice inlet and the company advised us to go further north to Longboat Pass. When I called the bridge tender, he said I will raise the bridge when I see your vessel………. How is he going to see the vessel if i cant see 50ft in front of the bow? As we turned east there it was a few yards away!!!
After a few days I am wondering if it safe to enter/exit BP. I scouted the inlet from the end of Lido Key and could not see any nav aids west of green 9. Are there nav aids showing the inlet? Controlling depth? I understand that under some conditions (NW, W or SW with strong wind) its not recommended to use the inlet/pass.
Thanks
Velero49
It’s a dicey pass. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron has some directions at their website, let me see…
here’tis
http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org/Visitor-Info/Navigational-Items-of-Interest/Big-Pass-Information-405.html
tamicatana
The “pass” at Big Pass moves around a lot, virtually with every heavy weather event, and shoals up very quickly. It would be very foolish to attempt that pass in anything but a very shaol draft yacht. Either come in at Venice and run the ICW or at Longboat Pass although the channel there has moved around a lot as well and does not match the channel that appears on most charts (see various NTM). Note that Longboat is a narrow channel and is subject to sharp, strong, currents. You’ll want to enter there at slack water. If you can’t see the bridge from the channel entrace mark due to fog, continue north and come into Tampa Bay through the Southwest Channel.
svHyLyte
We kept our boat on the West coast for two years. It draws 4 feet. Sarasota Pass was always a no go because of the shifting shoals. We used Longboat Pass on a regular basis whenever we entered the intercoastal. It does have considerable current and is quite narrow. The bridge tenders seem to think that a sailboat can approach closely and remain steady in the strong current before they open the bridge. We never followed their orders and held at least 100 yards from the bridge and told them we would approach quickly once the bridge began to open. Numerous times, we had powerboats cut in front of us or attempt to negotiate the small channel at the same time. They were completely clueless. We also experienced a very rude catamaran charter captain, who used the pass daily, try to intimidate us into moving closer before the bridge had begun to open. We had a very serious conversation once both of us passed through the cut. If you choose to use Longboat Pass, be your own captain, exercise caution and safety and you’ll be fine. Be prepared for other boats also making the transit. Good luck and good sailing.
rognvald
I sail a morgan 28 with a 4.5 draft and have come in and out Big Pass many times. You must check with the Sarasota yacht club, they maintain the bouy markers and are always moving. I have never seen less then 7ft, however it can become very narrow when the monster size boat with his noise high comes barreling through the Chanel with wakes 3-4ft high. As far as being able to moore up a nice spot is just north of the ringling bridge to the east, there is a fishing shop and a nice size cove that will protect from heavey north winds… From Sarasota Bay have fun sailing and hope to see ya around.
Autumns Wind
I am a local, and the pass is more than just dicey these days. Over the past year’¦last week we sailed our Mariner 31 outside and back, drawing 3’10’³, and saw 5’6’³ at high tide. That’s down from 7′ only a few months ago. Be careful if you must come into Big Pass, pretend you are a large barge and make wide turns around the floating markers on your way in.
Captain Ray
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Pine Island Sound/Matlatcha Pass Area Recommended
While I have sounded Matlatcha Pass several times over the years, particularly the shallow, hard to follow, southern portion of this passage, I must admit, however, to never spending too much time on Pine Island.
This is not the first time I’ve heard of some dockage, and good eats ashore, but shallow depths on the Pine Island Sound side of the island have almost made me hesitant about taking a cruising size craft into the smaller streams which indent the isle’s westerly banks.
Sounds like the effort might be worthwhile though. Of course, you can always anchor just south of the high-rise bridge. There used to be a potentially SHOCKING Issue here for sailcraft, but the powerlines were supposedly raised quite a few years ago, THOUGH THE NOAA CHART STILL LISTS THE VERTICAL CLEARANCE AS 56 FEET.
Has anyone visited Pine Island Sound and/or Matlatcha Pass recently? Do you know if the powerlines at the bridge have indeed been raised? Can you recommend good places to anchor, dock and/or dine on Pine Island?
Your fellow Western Florida cruisers can wait to hear from you!
Matlatcha is a quirky little town at the entrance to Pine island. There is a couple marinas there, and also at each end of Pine island. Pronounced ( matt-la-shay) This is a can’t miss area. There are several quirky art galleries and restaurants in the area. Have lunch or dinner at Bert’s bar and grille. (we like manatees,taste like chicken). Also, at the southern end of Pine island, is St. James City it is nice with several small marinas and restaurants. A little further north is Punta Gorda. There is a waterfront area with dockage and restaurants called Fisherman’s village. this is a nice stop for a walk and some browsing.
haw961
There is a new drawbridge just being finished alongside the old one, and you will currently find work barges and cranes in the vicinity. Work is supposedly being finished by mid-summer. Drawbridge is working, but you might experience delays until all work is cleared. There are NO LONGER any power lines in the vicinity of the bridge ‘“ they’ve been buried! Best anchorage is just south of the bridge. Once anchored, you’ll find Bert’s Bar (highly recommended!) just to the east of the bridge, on the south side, with docks available. Across the street is Andy’s Island Seafood fish store. Follow the shoreline to the west of the bridge around to Matlacha Park, where dinghy dockage is possible. From the Park, you can walk to the west to Barnhill’s Seafood Restaurant, with its attendant seafood store, or continue further west for some eclectic shopping, ice cream parlor, and the Sandy Hook Restaurant at the very west end of Matlacha (accessible by dinghy, if you look at the chart). Another good restaurant lies about 1/2 mile to the east, on the north side of the road ‘“ Miceli’s, offering good food at good prices, with nightly music. This restaurant is also accessible by water, if you look at the chart and take the first opening north of the bridge, on the east side, and follow along the shore.
Access to Matlacha is best from the north, with deeper water and a well-marked channel. From the south, powerlines with a 47ft (sorta) clearance and a very twisty channel, along with less water (maybe 4’ with a rising tide), make it a mostly powerboat experience.
Capt Mike Smith
S/V Blue Skye
M/V Scandalista
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Syd - September 22, 2016 - 1:52 pm

Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha welcomes cruisers.
Transient slips on a limited basis. $1 a foot per night! Safe protected dinghy dockage available for $5 a day (hot showers too!)
Ethanol free gas,bulk ice by the basket (it’s a working Fish House),Fresh seafood market (Really), quality restaurant on site and many more within walking distance. Art galleries, gift shops, Publix is about a mile and a half away,post office,public park, bars with nightly entertainment…
Talk to Lisa about dockage 239-321-3281
As far as draft goes; I’ve been through the North channel on vessels with a 7′ keel on all but low tide.
The south channel from Matlacha bridge to the miserable mile can be done in my boat with a 4.6′ draft. The trouble spots are at markers 22and 38. There’s a big hump @38 that can be avoided by staying West of the marker 100′ or so. Marker 22 should be given a wide berth as well, but only 30′ or so.
As far as the power lines are concerned ; I have a 44′ mast and I only get a mild shock during extremely high tides. (That was a joke). My chart reads 47′ over the channel. I hug the power pole on the west side and gain another 6-8′.
Slow down. Make sure you’re in the channel, and come explore a town that most cruisers bypass. I changed my homeport from Key West to Matlacha 20 years ago.
Reply to Syd
Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Recommendation For Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field, found east of the high-rise bridge, and just north of Estero Island is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. This community is also one of the most welcoming to the cruising community in the Sunshine State. Every year they have a “Cruisers’ Appreciation Day.” How many municipalities show this much welcome to the cruising community?
Best mooring field is at Ft. Myers Beach, and there is a fun, funky beachy tourist strip along the whole island. Not specifically seafood, though they do have a lot of it on the menu, but I always eat at the Plaka Greek restaurant right on Times Square.
John Kettlewell
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
A Quick, Good Word For St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (Tampa Bay)
Well, any good words, particularly when they apply to a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, are welcome, even if brief!
We have stopped at St. Petersburg marina a couple of time and enjoyed it.
Steve Willett
Monk 36, Gumbo
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
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Mar 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Longboat Key Club Moorings, Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL

Longboat Key Club Moorings - Click for Chartview
Longboat Key Club Moorings guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass. And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!
LBK Club Moorings is top notch facility! We wish we had planned to stay longer so we could have taken advantage of all they have to offer. Dennis Matthews’ (Director of Marina Operations) staff are all very helpful, friendly and go out of their way to make your stay pleasant. Facilities are 4Star, clean and very well manicured. Very accomodating shuttle service to St Armand’s Circle. Will definitely be back for a longer stay in the near future. Make your reservations in advance and request `H’ dock for short stays (closest to facilities, pool, ship’s store).
The Kellys
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings
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Mar 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Tarpon Point Marina, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Standard Mile146.5

Tarpon Point Marina - Click for Chartview
Tarpon Point Marina is found just off the Caloosahatchee River, a short hop from the southerly “Miserable Mile” genesis of the Western Florida ICW, and northwest of marker #92.
Overall, a very nice marina. There are tons of rules which mostly go unenforced. We used the hotel pool because it was closest. The pool for the marina was a goodly walk. We also ate at the hotel (good). One issue is there is no laundry and the bathroom/ showers may be a long walk, but would stay again. They did not say anything about Boat/US disount, but then I did not ask. The small deli is now closed so it is Publix 3.1 miles by bicycle.
John Pholeric
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Dinghy Access on Sanibel Island South of Tween Waters Marina (Western Florida Coastline)
The message below authored by Captain Farst, was part of a discussion about dinghy access on southern Sanibel Island, begun on the AGLCA group. As you will see, Captain Farst and his crew found little in way of dinghy landings in this region.
We just were there and dinghy access is a problem in that area. We were at Tween Waters and were trying to get access south near the hardware/grocery store. The Ding Darling administration said that they didn’t have anywhere, the Chamber thought the Rental Outfit would allow you to pay to tie up but they said “no”– twice.
You can go down to Sanibel Marina or up to Tween Waters but we could not find anywhere close to tie up in the middle of Sanibel. Please let us know if you have had better luck.
C. K. Farst
SeventhSunIII
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Syd - September 22, 2016 - 1:07 pm

Talk to the folks over a Jensens marina. It’s only a half a block from the grocery/ liquor store and several good restaurants.
Don’t forget to get some Queenie’s ice cream while you visit Jensens!
Reply to Syd
Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Dare Miss Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant New Jewfish Key Anchorages (Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 85)
Not only is the food really GOOD at Moores, but it is also located within sight of the excellent anchorages, just off the Western Florida ICW, behind Jewfish Key. Follow the links below to learn more about the nearby anchorages, but, at whichever place you drop the hook, don’t dare miss dinghying to Moore’s Stone Crab!
Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, Longboat Key, FL – Great seafood (Oysters). Accessible by boat; located In the bight, east of G-ICW, just south of Longboat Pass, north of Sarasota Bay; overnight docking is free to patrons; no services. Can also anchor off the restaurant in a well-protected bight if you get there early; room for 8 – 10 boats; very busy with locals on weekends.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Best oysters in Sarasota. Sit at the bar with Barb; you can’t go wrong.
Whit Sibley
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Point Ybel Anchorage (off the southern Tip of Sanibel Island, Western Florida Coastline)
The anchorage reviewed below by Captain Jones lies just off the southern tip of Sanibel Island, and south of Sanibel Island Marina, within sight of the Point Ybel lighthouse. Several years ago, we removed this potential anchor down spot from out “Western Florida Marina Directory.” Several local captains informed us that the holding ground was poor, and several vessels had drug anchor into the nearby Sanibel Island Causeway and Bridge.
Obviously, Captain Jones has not had this problem on these waters, but just be aware that others have!
For many years I have anchored overnight on a ‘sailboat’ as well as ‘power’ just off Sanibel Isl south of the causeway bridge on the [south] tip of Sanibel. You will find 13 to 20 feet of water, and it is very protected from the traditional SE or SW winds. I would not recommend it with winds out of the N or NE. The area to anchor is approximately half way between the entrance to ‘Grandma Dots’ and the lighthouse on the east point of the Island. On weekends you will experience some wave action during the day from boats of all sizes transiting the area.
Regards, Tom Jones m/v Marbles
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Mar 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Naples Boat Club (Naples, Florida)
Naples Boat Club overlooks the western banks of Gordon River, upstream of the Naples City Pier. This facility lies within walking distance of many shopping and dining attractions in downtown Naples.
Naples Boat Club is a deluxe facility run by down to earth, friendly and efficient people. Stayed there for a week. Close to most things in Naples including City Dock and Tin City. Wharf restaurant has very good food and is reasonably priced. Our GB 42 was about the smallest boat in the place but we were treated like we were a hundred footer. Heated, waterfall pool and great showers. Free washer and dryer.
The Club is run by the same nice people who own American Marine and Fuel at the same location – Donn and Judy Shulte. This is a cracker jack operation. Very clean. Easy in and out. Discount on fuel if you stay in the Club.
Russ & Marcia Barron
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Naples Boat Club
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Mar 16, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Palm Island Marina, Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 38

Palm Island Marina - Click for Chartview
Palm Island Marina is located near the southern foot of Lemon Bay, northwest of unlighted daybeacon #7.
Excellent overnight stop! Very clean facility and modern, clean bath house. great pool and Leverock’s restaurant is wonderful. Capt Tim Lynch (general mgr) and his crew are fantastic!
The Kellys
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palm Island Marina
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Mar 15, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Diversified Yacht Services Recommended, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Diversified Yacht Services is at a new location on the waterfront at 751 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Their phone is 239-765-8700.
Diversified Yacht Services, Fort Myers on the Beach, FL:
Our starboard engine just quit and we could not figure it out. We got the referral from TowBoat US and couldn’t be happier: They were helpful in getting us into a slip, then Taz assigned an outstanding mechanic to take a look at our problem before he went home. He fixed it quickly and we were allowed to spend the night. We are a 36 Grand Banks, but they treated us like a 150 footer with deep pockets. We have never met a friendlier staff.
Bob and Margaret Kaine
http://dysinc.com/
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Mar 12, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Sanibel Island Marina, Statute Mile 0, Gulf ICW

Sanibel Island Marina - Click for Chartview
Sanibel Island Marina is located near the island’s southern tip (Point Ybel), and within walking distance of the lighthouse.
The marina staff is very friendly and helpful. Beware the channel going in which has a sand bar on the southwest side. There is plenty of water inside though the canal are tight for a sailboat. The rest rooms and showers are shared with the resteraunt so they are very crowed most of the day. Gamma Dot’s is pretty good though there are lots of eats on the island. I, personally, liked Trader’s Cafe. Bikes are extremely useful and available. The laundry is $2.00 for wash and dry(great) though the machine is next to Gramma’s. Overall, a pleasant stay.
John Pholeric
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sanibel Island Marina
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Mar 8, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments 27.7599,-82.63479999
Update on Bayboro Harbor in Proposed St. Petersburg Anchoring Regulations

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Bayboro Harbor - Click for Chartview
Here’s a quick but important word about the anchorage regulations proposed by the city of St. Petersburg, in regards to this community’s participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program.
Re the anchoring restrictions: The comment period for the St Petersburg ordinance ended on March 18, but all should know that if adopted as proposed there will be no anchoring in the various basins except for a limited area in Bayboro Harbor, west of the entrance to the Harborage Marina.
Chuck Waygood Sr
March 8, 2013
Bayborough is also off limits. I was just there and can buoys proclaim the area is a construction area and vessels will be removed. Cruisers are not welcome here. I’m not spending one red cent in st pete.
Steve Roth
There are countless boater friendly spots in Pinellas county and Tampa. Boaters have no need to run the St. Pete anchoring gambit. Vote with your wallet.
Glenn Parker
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Mar 4, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
More Praise for Port St. Joe Marina, St. Joe Bay, Northern Gulf

Port St. Joe Marina - Click for Chartview
If this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR facility racks up many more laudatory comments, we may have to open a separate page. Really, from all reports, you can’t do better than coil your lines at Port St. Joe Marina.
This facility is accessed from the Northern Gulf ICW by way of the Gulf County Canal, which cuts south off the Waterway between Apalachicola and Panama City. The side trip is well worthy your time!!!
My wife and I just spent four days at Port St Joe marina waiting for the weather to improve enough to make the overnight crossing. Lisa and her team are the friendliest folks you will ever meet. Their facilities are excellent and everything you need is within walking distance or a short ride on one of their complimentary bicycles. Port St Joe will always be a stop whenever we are in the area.
Randy Hondros
I agree. This is a great marina. The only caution is to be ready for the sharp turn coming in. We stayed here a couple of nights and loved it.
R. Holiman
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Mar 4, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Dining and Beer In Downtown Sarasota, Florida (off the Western Florida ICW at St. M. 73)
Sounds like Darwin’s would be a great place to unwind and slake a healthy appetite after a long day on the water!
Darwin’s on 4th in Sarasota is a great upscale restaurant and brewery that just won several awards in Tampa. And the bonus is that right next door is the Blue Rooster, a blues bar serving southern foods, that has great bands 7 nights a week, including Sunday afternoons! Don’t miss this one, not far from Marina Jack’s!
Allan and Cheryl Goode
Actually this restaurant and all the great restaurants in downtown Sarasota are about a 10 minute walk from Marina Jacks (0.6 mile) so no taxi is necessary. Enjoy Barnacle Bills, Floribbean, Patricks, El Greco, Etc.
Chris Barlow
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Mar 4, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Beer in Tampa
Downtown Tampa has never been known as a prime cruising destination, but if you can find dockage space, Captain David and Brenda’s explanation below would be well worth exploring. Sounds like you will need a taxi ride from the docks to this dining attraction.
Try Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Tampa. It is located in a historic part of Tampa called Ybor City so the area is also interesting. On top of that, it is listed in Diners, Drives and Dives, so the food is excellent.
David & Brenda Middleton
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Mar 1, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Entrance Channel into Tween Waters Marina, off Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 14

Tween Waters Marina - Click for Chartview
The lighted daybeacon marker #2 that Capt. Savage describes below is west of the Waterway and on the east side of Chadwick Bayou. Marker #38 is at 26 32.94N/82 10.015W and Marker #2 is at 26 32.027N/82 10.788W.
Access from ICW is NOT marked. Take a heading of 215deg from ICW Daymarker #38 and eventually you will see Private Daymarker #2, from there the channel is well marked.
The marked channel to the west, slightly north of ICW#38 is the new marked channel to South Seas Marina.
John Savage
This entrance to Roosevelt Channel is getting narrower and narrower ‘“ please be sure, especially if you’re on a larger vessel, to check for oncoming traffic as you pass through the outer reef (second set of markers, westbound) ‘“ it is almost down to one-way traffic, and the markers seem to be closer each month! Some in our boating community appear to have little regard for courtesy (or safety, for that matter) and a bit of situational awareness as you enter may save you a grounding.
Captain Mike Smith
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tween Waters Marina
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Feb 24, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Crows Nest Marina, Gulf ICW Statute Mile 58.5

Crows Nest Marina - Click for Chartview
Crows Nest Marina lies southeast of Venice Pass’s marker #5, just a stone’s throw from the inlet’s intersection with the Western Florida ICW. While we have always found the marina acceptable,the real attraction here is the on-site restaurant. It’s superb!!!!!
We stayed for two days. Try to get as far from the inlet as possible because of wakes. Otherwise, clean bathrooms and laundry. Courtsey bikes are there. $2 per foot with Boat US.
John Pholeric
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Crows Nest Marina
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Feb 23, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Request for Route Recommendations, Fort Myers to Homestead (Biscayne Bay)
Here is a another fellow boater looking for local knowledge and suggestions. His journey will encompass navigating the waters of Southwestern Florida past Naples, then Marco Island, then past the Ten Thousand Island region, and finally past Cape Sable, eventually ending up in the Florida Keys. At this point, a northward turn via the FLK Inside Route, will take him to his goal on the Eastern Florida shoreline in Biscayne Bay.
As of 2/25/13, Captain Kris has received some excellent advice from Captains Donovan and Bell below
Hello,
I’m planning or rather need to go from Fort Myers to Black Point marina in Homestead [south of Miami on the mainland shores of Biscayne Bay – editor]. Was reading the postings and looking at the chart and have a few questions regarding the posts.
The comment `winter waves’ ‘“ should I expect high seas in February? I generally like deep water so was planning to stay somewhat deep but I saw some posts that said charts are wrong.
Cape Sable shoals ‘“ is this difficult to navigate?
Boat. 34ft sail, 4.0 draft, 52’8 must height. 27 horse diesel.
Experience moderate. Looks like I enter the channel just south of east cape. couple questions:
1. What stops do you recommend?
2. Does the inter-coastal run cleanly all the way up from the inside or do I need to go outside?
3. Heading towards Marathon looks interesting because the water is deeper.
I appreciate any advice.
Kris
You will need to go outside at least until Gordon Pass at Naples where you can anchor in Port Royal or go downtown for a mooring or dockage. From there, inside to Marco is doable with the right tide as is inside to coon Key, but it is tricky in spots, so outside is easier. You can anchor in Factory Bay or Smokehouse Bay or dock in Marco. Cape Sable Shoals are not to be taken lightly so, if you go outside, you need to go pretty far south before turning Eastward (you can `jump the light ‘˜). There are other anchorages before Little Shark, but I haven’t used them and they would depend on the strength and direction of the winds. Anything at or above 20 from any other direction than North will be uncomfortable and we get lots of fronts this time of year.. From Little Shark it’s a straight run down to Marathon. Of course, you could do an `allnighter’ directly from Ft. Myers.
Donovan
You can anchor a mile inside Gordens Pass, then at Factory Bay in Marco. You can safely cut cape Ramano at the lime stone channels and anchor in calm water up the left hand fork heading towards Everglades City then a easy run to Boot Key Harbor. Email me if you want route, anchorage way point and draft information. We have a five foot draft 41 Hunter that has been on this route at least eight times. Email info is patriotus@comcast.net for info from 41 Hunter.
Dave Bell
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