New to c-brats.

[voyager638]

I recently purchased a cruiser 25 and am looking forward to cruising. I live in Tallahassee, Florida. One trip I would like to make this year is to the Dry Tortugas. I wonder if there is anyone out there interested in a late April or early May trip with two or more boats making the float? Is there any gatherings that make the. Dry Tortugas run?

 

[Molly Brown]

No runs to the Dry Tortugas that I know of. It has been done and we have been twice. You'll need to be prepared and self sufficient as there are NO facilities within 70 miles, Key West itself being the closest. We found it easier to cruise the Bahamas then the Tortugas due to the availability of supplies. You can barter with the commercial guys but that can be hit or miss. Additionally you cannot anchor or overnight anywhere but within 1 nautical mile of the fort. Not to mention "no take" areas and a myriad of other regs. We have two weeks down there coming up and have decided to go no further west than the Marquesas.

Welcome to the group!

 

[thataway]

Congratulations, Welcome Aboard--great to have another Panhandle member! If you are in the Pensacola area, give us a shout (if we are home) Our dock on Perdido Bay (Bayou Marcus) is always available for any C Brat who is in the area.

As Molly Brown noted, I don't know of any "organized" trip to the Dry Tortugas. It is definitely a "watch your weather" trip. We have stopped there on the way up from Isla Mujeres, but not in one of our c Dorys. There is both Coast Guard and ICE presence along the route and at the anchorage. You will not be "alone", but it is remote. Good backups, twins or a good kicker are going to be high on the priority and knowing the fuel consumption if you are ranging any out of a straight line there and back.

 

[hardee]

voyager638, Welcome to the Brat's and congrats on the 25. You are going to love it. This is a great place to hang out and find most anything you could want to know about the boat. Enjoy, Hurricane season is over.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[El and Bill]

The Tortugas are marvelous for bird migration observations, and you will be there at a good time. Bring binoculars if you enjoy bird watching. We had a great count from our spring trip to the islands.