My dream to sail from New England to the Bahamas involved a trip down the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), also known as “the ditch” or the inside route. These are my lessons as an ICW first timer taking a 32-ft. sailing catamaran more than 1000 miles south on the ICW, sometimes solo. After sailing from Rhode Island to the Chesapeake Bay in the late summer of 2023, I planned to take the inside route from Norfolk, Virginia to southern Florida. Then, I wanted to do the shortest day hop over to the Bahamas.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in
Subscribe to Practical Sailor
Get full access to Practical Sailor - over 4,000 articles - for just $34.
Subscribe today and save 42% off the annual rate.
Interesting article. I was on board a stink potter on the ICW once, and though it was rushed I enjoyed the trip quite a bit. I personally prefer the sailboat way, it was a free ride and wonderful opportunity. I found the sailboat experience described above brings back some memories but also brings a different experience. Thanks
Great article – Thank you! I really appreciate the fusion of practical, crew dynamics and tips on tools.