Crossing the Big Bend of Florida

Friday November 7th - Saturday November 8th

The Big Bend

After fueling in Apalachicola yesterday afternoon, Brett and Colin received a weather report that showed favorable travel conditions for the 180 mile, 18 hour traverse of the Gulf of Mexico to Clearwater which is bit farther south than illustrated by this map. They could have taken the coastal route but that consumes 3 days or more if the weather does not cooperate.

At 3:15 PM, they headed at 5 knots to what is described as the Big Bend of Florida Government Cut. The weather services said the 3-6 foot seas would diminish to 1-2 foot by 7 PM.  

At 4:16 PM, they proceeded out into the Gulf and experienced some rolling waves. They set the autopilot for Clearwater and the speed to 10 mph.  For the first 12 hours of the trip, they enjoyed hit good weather and 1-2 foot seas.  Around 3 AM however, they ran into the "back" of the rough seas.  In hindsight, they said they would have had better fortune if they had waited until 7 PM to leave for Clearwater.  

As you can see, there was a very beautiful moon and it gave them plenty of light which was part of the plan so at least one aspect worked out very well. 


They fueled up again in Clearwater upon arrival there on Saturday morning. The sunrise was gorgeous!

Saturday evening's port was Twin Dolphin Marina. Colin was able to visit with long time friends, Paul and Marni.