Hey Florida Sailors:

Next week my wife and myself are flying to Florida to help return a car to NY and we expect to explore the area for about three weeks. We've been going there every Fall or Spring for the last few years and are thinking about renting a place around the Sarasota area for about a month so we can leave the twenty degree temps and get an early start on the beach cat sailing season.

We'd like to trailer our TheMightyHobie18 down and somehow get it set up on a beach for use during the season. I realize this is hard, but does anyone have any ideas? Since we're going down there next week, is there anything we can check out? Sarasota isn't imperative, but the gulf side would be nice so we can take advantage of the warmer water.

Thanks,

Wyatt <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I previously lived in Sarasota and kept my Nacra 5.8 on the beach. There was no fees involved and free parking as well. There are a few spots that you can drive up and unload your boat, you will need beach wheels. (Do it early in the morning to avoid parking problems) The sand is quite firm and easy to move a boat around on. Unless something has changed, I see no problems with keeping it on the beach, there should be a few other boats sailing from the same location.

Siesta beach is an option, also check out the sarasota sailing squadron, it is a great venue, really laid back , mast up on trailer storage and a good ramp, lots of multis.

"Siesta beach is an option, also check out the sarasota sailing squadron"

I know Siesta Key Beach very well and I reallhy like it. I remember a group of three cats sitting on the beach and talking to some of the owners, were they the Sailing Squadron? Anyone know how I find them?

Maybe a local catamaran dealer in the area?

The Sarasota Sailling Squadron is a sailing club at the end of Radio Road, (now called the Ken Thompson Parkway) on the bay side, on the south side of the bridge that goes over the cut that goes out to the Gulf. There are lots of cats stored there mast up, and even more mono's. I don't think those cats do any real fleet type racing, more for day sailing. But you could launch at the park right outside of the gate to the club, or inside if they will allow you a month's storage (for a fee?) They have a small beach to use for launching inside and outside of the club.

http://www.sarasotasailingsquad.com/directions

Timbo:

I'll check that out next week. Thanks for the guidance.

Wyatt

If they will allow you to leave it inside the club compound that will save you worrying about someone messing with it at night, vs. out on the public beach. The bay is an excellent place to sail but you can also go under the bridge to the Gulf if you want to. Mind the tide and the sandbars however. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Has anyone launched here? Recommendations?