Calling Tampa area sailors

External Since: Aug 15, 2003 Posts: 5

We're inching toward an offer on a large sailboat in the Tampa area. Of
course, we'd want a serious and thorough sea trial.

What's the general sea condition/wind this time of year, and later, say,
through October? Is it way calm, like someone who used to live in Sarasota
sez, or, out on the Gulf, doesn't matter?

If the majority of the time is spent motoring, or drifting, I don't think
I'll learn much. OTOH, if one starts early, getting the zephyrs and puffs,
and it builds to not less than double digit knot winds pretty reliably,
during the day, we'd have a good spectrum of how she handles. Best would be
some serious weather including some heavy rain, in order to better observe
leaks, of which there are some known, already :{))

Thanks for any local knowledge.

L8R

Skip

--

"And then again, when you sit at the helm of your little ship on a clear
night, and gaze at the countless stars overhead, and realize that you are
quite alone on a great, wide sea, it is apt to occur to you that in the
general scheme of things you are merely an insignificant speck on the
surface of the ocean; and are not nearly so important or as self-sufficient
as you thought you were. Which is an exceedingly wholesome thought, and one
that may effect a permanent change in your deportment that will be greatly
appreciated by your friends."- James S. Pitkin

External Since: Aug 18, 2003 Posts: 5

This time of year, anywhere on the Gulf (of Mexico), one must beware of
the scattered afternoon hurricanes! A lot more likely are the "scattered
afternoon thundershowers" or squalls that pop up nearly daily. Those can
be anywhere from moderately aggravating to downright dangerous if one is
not a weatherwise sailor and prepared. A lightning strike on your
aluminum mast can be very, very exciting indeed!