Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the USA · Bela Musits

EP-126 Sailing from Georgia to Florida Keys - Passage Planning and Preparation - Mike Malekoff

·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

Mike Malkoff shares how he prepared his boat for a six-month cruise from Georgia to the Florida Keys after it was on the hard.

This episode features experienced sailor Mike Malkoff discussing preparations for a long cruise from Georgia to the Florida Keys. Hosts Bala Musitz and Mike Wasserman welcome Malkoff, a returning guest known for sharing detailed practical knowledge. The conversation centers on recommissioning a boat after six months stored "on the hard" and planning the extended voyage. Malkoff began his sailing journey on Lake Champlain, on the border of New York and Vermont, with a Hunter 41 sailboat. The hosts note his boat is similar to Musitz's own Hunter 45. A primary topic is the comprehensive checklist for making a boat seaworthy again after prolonged storage on land. The planning discussion covers determining specific destinations and identifying safe stopping points along the route. Malkoff emphasizes critical safety equipment checks and necessary upgrades before departure. He shares specific insights on routine maintenance tasks that become urgent after a haul-out period. The episode delves into logistical considerations like managing provisions and spare parts for an extended trip. A significant portion of the conversation explores the philosophy and practical importance of "staying on the boat" during the cruise. One interesting insight is that the concept of "staying on the boat," while seemingly common sense, contains nuanced lessons for long-term voyaging. Malkoff provides tips that transform general advice into actionable pre-departure steps. The discussion reveals how a detailed recommissioning process uncovers potential issues invisible while the boat is stored. Planning is presented not just as charting a course, but as integrating flexibility with essential safety margins. The hosts find value in Malkoff's willingness to share from his direct experience, including past voyages. The conversation illustrates how preparation mitigates the unique challenges of sailing the Southeastern U.S. coast. A memorable point is how post-storage sail preparation involves more than just mechanical checks. The tone is highly conversational and collaborative between the hosts and their guest. The style is educational, focused on transferring practical, experience-based knowledge to the listener. This episode is ideal for boat owners planning a seasonal launch or a multi-week coastal cruise. Listeners seeking abstract sailing philosophy or high-seas adventure narratives might find it too technically focused.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the USA