EP-182 Sailing the Dry Tortugas: 5th time is a Charm, Flotillas, and Cruising Lessons - Mark Tieszen

Welcome back to another episode of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States Podcast! In this episode, Mark Tieszen discusses sailing to the Dry Tortugas, Flotilla Safety, and Cruising Lessons Learned, You might remember Mark from his gripping appearance in Episodes 79 and 80, where he detailed the intense experience of running his 45-foot sailboat aground and washing up on a beach at night. Thankfully, this conversation centers on a much happier adventure—his successful blue water passage from the west coast of Florida to the breathtaking Dry Tortugas. Getting to this remote national park is no small feat. For Mark, this journey was a masterclass in patience and persistence, as it marked his fifth attempt over a ten-year period to successfully make the crossing. He opens up about his previous four attempts and the critical decision-making processes that led him to turn back when conditions weren't right. Mark breaks down the specific challenges of those past trips, including severe weather shifts, a sailing partner’s sudden accident, and the unexpected government lockdowns of COVID-19 in Key West. He also breaks down the factors behind turning around during a fourth attempt with a Florida boating club flotilla, when high easterly winds promised a dangerously uncomfortable anchorage. This episode highlights the immense benefits and safety of sailing in a organized group or flotilla, utilizing a "hop-on, hop-off" itinerary managed by a cruise captain. Mark outlines their multi-day route skipping down the Florida coast to the Everglades, Marathon, and Key West, before finally conquering the final blue water stretch. Beyond the navigation logistics, you will get a fantastic history lesson on the Dry Tortugas and its surrounding strategic areas. Visual Episode Alert: Mark put together custom navigation charts, route diagrams, and gorgeous photos to document this successful trip. If you are listening to our audio-only feed, we highly recommend switching over to the video format! You can easily watch the full presentation by turning on video in your Spotify app or by searching for "Sailing the East" on YouTube. Tune in to learn critical cruising lessons on weather windows, passage planning, anchorage protection, and why knowing when to turn your boat around is the most valuable skill a captain can have! Connect with Us Enjoyed the episode? Hit the Like button on your app! Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Watch: Find us on YouTube at the Sailing and Cruising channel. Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike SEO Search Terms: Sailing Dry Tortugas, Cruising Florida coast, Boat flotilla safety, Passage planning, Blue water sailing, Sailboat cruise captain, Key West cruising, Sailing the East Coast, Sailing podcast, Mark Tieszen, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, 45 foot sailboat anchorage, Weather windows, Turning back safety, Everglades marine navigation.