I've never been to Dry Tortuga, which is why I want to go. I'm told my many knowledgable sailors that getting there isn't much of a problem, it's getting back! One account I read says her boat was caught in a tropical depression that squatted over them for days! In one 24 hour period 22 inches of rain was supposed to have fallen. There are many such credible accounts and they all have a common line; in bad weather the anchorage is over crowded and boats inevitably drag at anchor! Equally important, there are no facilities or provisions there. You must bring everything you need, especially drinking water! There is a beach where you can camp and an outhouse, but you need a permit.

If I make this trip, in April, it will be with the advice of a friend with 30 years experience. From my home, Dry Tortuga is about 110 miles of open water. That's 24 hours give or take 10 hours depending on the weather. My friend recommends day trips down to the Keys, a lay over of a day or 2 in Key West and then to Dry Tortuga, a distance of less than 70 miles with the Marquesas along the way. This makes the approach to Garden Key in daylight. Every knowledgable sailor I know has urged a daylight approach to Garden Key! I intend to follow that advice.

I would not, did not, make this attempt when I had 6 months experience.