Pensacola info needed

[Starry Night]

Hi there,
I just applied for a job in Gulf Breeze (at EPA), which I really hope I get - I've been unemployed for a while since finishing grad school last year. Currently in Rhode Island, where I sail a 1965 23' Cape Cod Marlin on Narragansett bay. Of course my first priority if I do get this job is when/how/what am I going to sail once I get there? (eh, I guess I'd need somewhere to live, too....)

I'd probably move up to something in the 27-30' range, with an inboard and a head so I can cruise a little, and I have some ideas on boats I like. However, I have no idea about what boat types work best in the pensacola area (ie draft restrictions, mast height, etc), and also what the general sailing conditions are like, what's the length of the season? Variety of places to go in an afternoon, day, weekend? It appears most if not all boats are in slips, not moorings - I've always been on a mooring so that would be a new adventure for me, particularly since I usually sail singlehanded.

Been to FL a lot but always further south, where most of us Yankees go for vacation From what Ive found online, I like that the area does have some seasonality, and from exploring Google Maps it looks like there are lots of places to go, but I see a lot of shallow water.... looks like some great kayaking, too. It would definitely be nice to be able to sail more than 4 months a year for sure.

Just cuz I know everyone loves pics, here's a few of my current boat. she's a pretty girl, full keel, no engine, heavy. Great daysailer, takes care of you in the rough stuff.

[S/V Faith]

What an absolutely beautiful boat!

I hope you get the job. I have a friend who works for the EPA here, and the office is right out on the beach (sound side). Pretty good access to the water, especially if you got a slip at the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club.

Best wishes to you! I hope you get the job and that it we see you here soon!

[Nightwatch]

In the size range you are talking, bridges and depth should not be a problem. There are a few shallow areas, but they are well charted. 2 ICW charts will take you from east of Destin to west of Mobile. Many great anchorages and some good places to eat. If you run aground here we have soft bottoms that usually do nothing more then knocking off some growth. Not like the hard bottom where you are used to sailing. Also much less crowded.

Sailing season is usually 12 months, but this year was exceptionally cold. Yesterday was about the best it has been and there were a number of boats out. I have been out only 5 times this year. Been killing me. Being from where you have been sailing, you will think us as weak in the cold. Think as you may. As you get a custom to our weather you will become spoiled. That's what happens when you come to paradise.

[Starry Night]

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure at first I'd think it was balmy in the winter and hot as heck in the summer. We do get a few days here each summer where it's well into the 90s, and on those days the only place to be is on the water as almost no one has AC in their house. We're as unprepared for it to be really hot as you are for it to be really cold. I have friends further south in FL and I know everyone suffered down there this winter. It's been gorgeous here this weekend - 58 here today and everyone is going nuts, wearing shorts and t shirts. Would love to go kayaking but the water's 38 and I don't have a drysuit.

Another question, what is the availability of slips? Are there huge waiting lists or can you usually find one with a little poking around?

[s/v Monomoy]

Welcome aboard indeed.

I don't know that I can add any more than what has already been said, except to anwser your question that slips are readily available. The cost range goes from about $8/ft to nearly $17/ft depending on where you go and whether or not you sign a lease. You can check out our marina section if you haven't already; it will give you an idea of the pricing.

Also, you might want to check out ActiveCaptain.com, which is a free site and is a great resource in my opinion. Ordinary users set markers and comment on marinas, anchorages, and such, with satellite and NOAA chart overlays.

Best wishes on obtaining the new job!

[sailgeorgianblue]

Beautiful boat!!! If you are at the EPA, check out Santa Rosa Yacht Club in Gulf Breeze just before you go over the bridge to Pensacola Beach, its an easy bike ride to the EPA. The slip prices vary as every wet slip is individually owned and the owners set the price. It is a beautiful marina with great facilities, including a fuel dock and pump out at every slip! www.santarosayachtclub.com Our dockmaster, George is from Rhode island, he is the greatest! You'll love Pensacola!