Sailing Charter out of Abaco

[Mike Breul]

Hello Everyone. I am in the process of putting together a sailing charter out of Abaco for November 23 to December 4, 2010. Lined up a boat from Florida Yacht Charters, purchased a Crusing Guide, and am starting to do my homework. I am full of questions, but too dumb to know which ones to ask first. My impression is that the posters on this site are full of answers so I am hoping you can help me out.

We have chartered 5 times in BVI, twice in Belize, and once in St Vincent. Every one has been a great experience so, thought we would expand our horizons. Current plan is to take about a month and drive our motor home from So Cal and tour across the country. We especially want to see the Florida Keys and Everglades. We plan to have the rest of the crew fly into Ft. Lauderdale, and join us for the flight to Abaco.

Of the questions I can think of, first is has anyone had experience with Florida Yacht Charters? They seem pretty friendly and accomodating, and far more reasonably priced than Moorings. Next question would be, what might we expect in the way of weather. Our ladies are used to the warm water a little further south and especially like to "bob". Will that likely work without a wet suit? As I said, I don't know the rest of the questions at this time but if you have some answers, I'm open.

Thank You
Mike

[Tolerance]

Good for you!
The Cruising Guide to Abaco by Steve Dodge is a fab start! You will read it cover to cover (and not because you have to) it's entertaining and informative.
FYC changed managers down here awhile back, and it sounds like you have done your homework, and know what to ask from your experience, so trust your instincts.
Weather is still warm here during that time, we will start to get some cold fronts, but they are usually weakish that early...all they really do is clock the wind. I don't really know the weather in SoCal, but you can follow barometerbob.com for awhile and wander around the website for TONNES of info. "Bobbing" is an artform here, and your ladies will love our "gin-clear" blue, blue water.
BTW ask away--there are some VERY knowledgeable folks on this board--and lots of them are locals who will make you feel welcome...

[billmc]

I've chartered in the Bahamas (Moorings, excellent), and Belize (TMM, terrible, should have used Moorings there also). Looking at the vessels, probably not much difference with FYC. Who did you charter with in Belize?

[mrbill]

if you need any help for everglades, or keys, shoot me a PM.

IMO, the water is a lot colder than florida. I've only been there in june and july, and it the water temp was always around 5 degrees colder. I have brought wetsuits and was happy I did.

its probably about the same as So Cal water temps. (maybe warmer)


this was a warm December, not that many strong fronts pushed thru... most are still stalling and backing up.

I'd suggest doing the everglades on the return, in Jan-feb, since the bugs are a lot less when its not raining, and we have near frosts killing the critters.

[Silver Lining]

We have been to the Abacos several times by boat from Florida and hung out in the Keys as well. We have always gone to the Bahamas during late spring and in the summer months to get the best weather for gulf stream crossing and water sports. The Keys are probably 3 to 5 degrees warmer than the Abacos most of the time, but I have never used a wet suit to scuba dive or spear fish in the Bahamas. Very comfortable with just a bathing suit and skin tight undershirt, not even a skin. I grew up in southern CA and there is no comparison in water temps or clarity anytime of the year. The water in the Bahamas is way warmer and clearer than anything in CA. Best advice is the Dodge guide, comprehensive coverage and accurate GPS data.

[Graham]

I've chartered with FYC in Marsh Harbor - pleasant experience - and am chartering with Moorings this April. Reason I switched - Moorings is letting me take the boat south - doing a one-way to George-Town Exumas, whereas FYC wouldn't let me go outside their normal cruising range. Have chartered many times with Moorings around the world - top notch service. Had good experience with TMM in Belize too.

[Tolerance]

Check out the depth of our water and you will see that it is relatively shallow-and if you come in Nov, it has had all summer to get warmed by the sun--you will be comfy--especially compared to The Pacfic.

Be sure to clik on the "Calendar" as your vacation gets nearer, to see if there are any events that you want to aim for in your float plan. November around here starts the winter season in terms of arrivals, so with storm season over, there is more going on...

Also, you will want to try our conch dishes--rather similar to abalone in texture and taste, so go for it-you will be hooked!