Sail~to~Utopia
If you want to go... We can sail there...
Scalloping!!!
Scalloping!!!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has opened scalloping in 2019 in Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters south of Alligator Pass daybeacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County and north of the Hernando – Pasco county line.
We are accepting bookings for scalloping adventures!
Two night minimum. Healthy meals are included. We can accommodate up 6 guests.
(Includes FWC license to collect scallops & fish while our guest).
Never tried scalloping? We are happy to offer instruction or suggestions! Bring your favorite gear, or use ours (average sizes available).
This activity requires the ability to swim, and climb a ladder to return to the boat. Just want to watch? Our cockpit is shaded!!
Travel & Rates
Travel & Rates
Friday 9/6/2019
Friday 9/6/2019
Departing Clearwater to sail to scallop grounds.
Departing Clearwater to sail to scallop grounds.
4-5 hour sail north
You may choose to join us for the sail north or south, or for any 2 or more of the days in-between! We will discuss locations where we can pick you up based on your land transportation.
Sunday 9/22/2019
Sunday 9/22/2019
Return sail to Clearwater
Return sail to Clearwater
4-5 hour sail south
Rates for private charter
Rates for private charter
2 days/nights $1,999.00
2 days/nights $1,999.00
Additional day/night add $850.00
Sailing Out to Sombrero Reef & Snorkeling!
Sailing Out to Sombrero Reef & Snorkeling!
As we grow our charter business we are taking shorter trips locally and we are working on our "vlogging" skills! Check out our YouTube channel and share and subscribe!
We will return to Marathon in December 2019!!
New Video Coming soon!!!
New Video Coming soon!!!
Our next video is Vlog number one outlining our steps to "re-fit" and restore a great boat to her former glory as part of our Sail to Utopia fleet! Stay tuned!!!
Your Dreams can become Your Memories!
Your Dreams can become Your Memories!
Our dreams brought us separately to The Florida Keys. We met by chance... One mooring ball apart!
The rest has been a blessing!
We are based out of the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon, Florida!
We believe this is an ideal location from which to embark on your aquatic dreams...
Whether you are interested in short sails out to to one of many keys reefs, and snorkeling thena return near land to anchor for the night or
a few days on the water island hopping to experience Florida Bay anchorages...
We can design a sailing adventure to make your dreams come true!
Wind and weather permitting we are a day sail away from Key Largo or Key West!
Bimini, Cuba, and the Marquesas Keys are just a little further in different directions, of course!
Want a longer trip? Just ask us!
Our "Mother ship" is S/V Utopia a re-fit 1982 Morgan 416 "Owners edition" Cutter/Ketch.
S/V Majestic (recently aquired and being re-fit) is a 1975 vessel that is Ketch rigged.She was used originally by the US Naval training center in Annapolis.
Both are 41'6 bow to stern, 13'8 side-to-side, and need only 4'2 depth of water to get you there!
Charlie Morgan designed and built his boats for longevity!
The 41 OI's "good bones" have made her more than worthy of a total re-fit.
When Majestic is complete this fall, we will have even more room for fun!
Want something more energic? We can carry a couple of kayaks or paddle boards along.
Our private charters can accommodate six (6) passengers for day-tripping,
or for overnights, she has two (2) double berths and one single berth for guests.
The forward cabin has a full head, with private shower, or we have "solar" showers on deck!
Our galley has a large icebox and a separate freezer. Our menu choices include healthy food choices, cooking is augmented by an aft rail Magma grill.
Meals are created from Organic fresh (or dehydrated as necessary), Gluten Free ingredients.
Vegan, vegetarian, or allergies are happily accommodated.
We have a reverse osmosis water maker and a "power plan" with more than enough Amps to re-charge your electronic devices.
Capt. Bob, my Dad, started my sailing dreams as a very young person. The older I get the smarter he gets, and the more I recall "pearls of sailing wisdom"! The Caribbean is vast systems of islands to explore, and Islander's to enjoy. My favorite reef is Looe Key, indicated on the chart above. As shallow as 5' and extending to very deep water. We prefer to only accommodate snorkeling. The prettiest things to see are in less than 30 feet of water, the light fades and colors dull at greater depths.
A day sailing brings untold joy and relaxation. Snorkeling is an activity that can be as easy or as challenging as you choose to make it. Personal floatation vests are available. We can supply you with appropriately fitted masks, snorkels, and fins, or you may bring along your personal equipment if you choose. Jay and I have years of experience in the water and are happy to guide you through learning to snorkel, so you are comfortable in the water. Please use our contact page us with any questions!
S/V Utopia
S/V Utopia
Our "mother ship" is a 1982 Morgan 416 Out Island "Owners edition" cruising yacht. The Morgan Out Island sailboats were designed by Charlie Morgan and built near my hometown, Clearwater, Florida. Lovingly called "Fat bottom girls" they are extremely stable sailing vessels designed for the Caribbean Sea. She is 41.6' long, 13.8' wide, with a draft of 4'2. These dimensions and the modified full keel make her supremely suited for cruising in the Caribbean, which includes the waters around our Florida Keys. We are cutter ketch rigged, with a 62' mast, which increases our sail area for a great stable ride.
Below decks, our V-berth, at the bow, comfortably sleeps 2 tall adults. The forward head is complete with a fresh water shower. The dinette is adjustable to sleep another 2 tall adults, and the settee sleeps 1. (Your crew live in the aft cabin.)
Our galley has both propane and electric cooking appliances, and an outdoor grill. We have a large Adler Barbour cooled refrigeration system. We also carry an Engel freezer for ice and food storage.
We added a CruiseRO reverse osmosis 30 gph watermaker-so we never run out of fresh delicious water, solar panels and wind generator sufficient to keep our 400 amp lithium batteries always topped up so you can charge your personal electronics via our wired-in USB outlets, or plugged into our large capacity power inverter.
Not shown in this stock diagram is hard-top bimini over the cockpit and a dive ladder with a platform at the stern.
Pictured is Sombrero Reef light, one of 20 "skeletal" lighthouses erected by our Federal government prior to the Civil War as an aid to keep mariners from wrecking on the chain of reefs from Miami to Key West. Only 10 remain. Our water in the Florida Keys is as clear as any in the Bahamas or other tropical countries.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary supports a mooring buoy system to help boaters enjoy visiting the reef without destroying the corals by anchoring. From the Upper to Lower Keys there are 490 moorings spread over the 25 marked reefs. Reef-building corals grow in long rows with sandy tunnels between.
The fun we have is ongoing, mostly un-planned, and just seems to happen "along the way"! Life is about the journey...not the destination!
But no matter what the day brings, our sunsets in the keys rarely disappoint!
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Our Services
Our Services
Browse our services below
Browse our services below
Destination Adventure Travel
Destination Adventure Travel
As cruisers for many years, we have the knowledge, skills, and experiential backgrounds to sail you to the destination of your dreams! Your availability is our only time constraint!
Don't have a destination in mind? We can discuss trip options that will fit your needs!
Some cruisers spend all their time exploring the wonders of the Florida Keys! Check us out on Google Earth! We love exploring the Atlantic reefs and the back bays of Florida Bay. We can stay off the grid indefinitely, or change gears drop anchor near shore and dinghy in to enjoy the awesome music scene we have up and down the Keys!
Our home base is Marathon in the Florida Keys. We the total flexibility to meet you at an alternate location. Airports at Key West, Florida and Marsh Harbour, Bahamas make these ideal locations to begin your adventure!
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Experienced? Novice? We have been in, under, and on the water for a lifetime. If learning to snorkel is your dream, we can make that happen! Teaching you to snorkel is about your desire to explore the world beneath the sea. If you can swim at the beach, you can snorkel at whatever location we cruise to. Tell us how you learn best and we can help you find her secrets!
If you have snorkel gear that works for you, please bring it along! If not, we have a supply of masks & fins and will be sure of "fit" before we head out on your adventure!
When cruising, entering and exiting the boat requires your ability to climb a ladder of a few steps whether boarding the dinghy or dipping into the sea...
Scalloping Special
Scalloping Special
Bay scallops are one of the sweetest treats you can snorkel for in the Gulf coast of Florida. Most of the grassy areas for scalloping are in chest deep, warm waters of the Gulf. Our plan is to stay anchored on or near the scallop beds, for your stay with us. We can scallop directly from Utopia or from our inflatable dinghy. This is a great adventure for younger folks and those who want to learn to snorkel...we can teach you, or help you improve your skills.
There are a variety of options available for our scalloping trips, regarding the length of your trip, and were we meet to pick you up, and drop you off. One thing for sure is that we will enjoy succulent, freshly caught scallops for dinner... You might even learn to shuck them yourself!
From September 9 to September 22, 2019 we will have availability to take you scalloping, From Aripeka to Steinhatchee is where we can legally collect scallops. Our Florida Game and Fish Commission (FWC) allows Sail to Utopia to hold a vessel fishing license which allows you to collect your share whether you are from out of state or just down the road.
Send us a contact request and lets reserve your time scalloping!
Spiny Lobster
Spiny Lobster
Ever caught your own lobster dinner?
This could be the day!
We catch our own "bugs" in waters less than 10' deep. Our boat carries a Florida fishing license that includes our guests, so need to buy the out-of-state license if you are with us!
Never caught a "bug"? We are happy to teach you the tricks, and provide the necessary equipment!
Lobstering is available during our charters starting with Mini-season, the last Wednesday/Thursday every July, and again during the annual 8 month long season starting August 6th and ending March 31st every year.
Our guests are licensed to collect through our FWC vessel fishing license, so as long as you are our guest, you're legal!
Please request more lobstering information via our contact page!
Curious about the cruising lifestyle?
Curious about the cruising lifestyle?
Jay and I are happy to share, discuss, educate, and problem solve cruising life joys and pains...
Want to learn practical sailing? Or just get a feel for how this amazing lifestyle can work for you? We got you! We haven't around the world, but we have been around the islands a few times. Just discussing your thoughts and sharing our real-life experiences with you can make all the difference!
We both been mentors in our previous work lives, and love to share our the adventures of our life onboard!
Please request more information via our contact page!
Surfing
Surfing
Currently, our plans include Bahamian surfing destinations during the winter months!
We have an inventory of surfboards for you to choose from, or you may fly in bringing your own personal equipment! Please bring your own wetsuit.
Don't know how to surf? We have you covered! Jay is an expert surfer who has taught children and adults to successfully master surfing skills!
Please request surfing information via our contact page!
Healthy Meals & Snacks
Healthy Meals & Snacks
Non-GMO! Gluten-free? Vegan? Omnivore? Paleo? Keto?Carnivore?
We eat a healthy, organic, GF diet we call "Flexitarian"! When you book your dream adventure we will have a set of menu options that you choose before we depart! This is your dream trip after all.
When you decide to book we will email you a diet survey. When we are cruising in remote areas we can't "run to the store" as we may do at home. To ensure you have a successful vacation, we want to be prepared!
Pet friendly
Pet friendly
We travel with a small, "uber" friendly service dog. Jack is neutered, and always "up-to-date" medically for foreign travel.
If you travel with a pet you that has a Veterinary travel certification, and you are able to lift your pet the 4.5' height to the top cabin step, contact us about bringing your pet along.
Jack is "astroturf" trained, and can teach your dog to relieve itself while cruising!
If you travel with other potentially "boat-friendly" animals, please contact us in advance!
No Crocodiles, Please!!!
Weddings
Weddings
If you both love the sea, there isn't a more special romantic place to share your forever moment than on the water. Capt. Terry is an ordained Non-denominational minister, as well as a Florida Notary. (So we have multiple legal ways to complete your marriage license!) We are happy to sail with as many as 6 passengers for your nuptials. Whatever dreams you have for your moment... contact us and we will do our best to make your dreams come true!
Disbursement of Ashes
Disbursement of Ashes
The circle of life is the only guarantee we get in this world... If your deceased loved one shared our love of the sea, we would be honored to assisting in placing their Cremeans in the sea. Please contact us about available options...
A Day at Archer Cay!!
A Day at Archer Cay!!
In the beginning!
In the beginning!
Come to Cuba!!!
Come to Cuba!!!
Snorkeling a remote Abacos cut...
Snorkeling a remote Abacos cut...
An "unexpected" Wild Dolphin encounter!
An "unexpected" Wild Dolphin encounter!
Wedded Bliss...
Wedded Bliss...
Would you like a private or semi-private wedding? Out on the water? Underwater? On the beach... anywhere? Capt. Terry can legally and respectfully perform your nuptials! In Florida, she is a licensed Notary, an Ordained Minister, and licensed Captain fully able to legally sign any you marriage license you obtain! You may write your own vows or choose from our own sentiments... Onboard either of our vessels we are licensed to carry 6 passengers, with both vessels we can accommodate 12 by side tieing the boats in calm waters! Tell us your dreams and we will do our best to make it so!
What our customers are saying...
What our customers are saying...
“
"Too windy for sailing? Who knew? Capt. Terry was flexible and fun! We could have rescheduled, but we made it work!"
Yvette
”
This site is still under construction!!
This site is still under construction!!
I have happily made lots of contacts with new friends and potentially, guests for our cruising vacations. I wanted to offer some content that would give you ideas about we offer, and let you know that we are willing to explore any ideas or dreams you might have for a sailing vacation! We have a FaceBook page "Sail.to.Utopia" and a YouTube channel "Sail to Utopia!" Join us there for updates! We recently purchased a second Morgan 41 Out Island (s/v Majestic pictured here, as we found her) and are totally refitting her, for your cruising comfort!
Check back often... I have more to add!
Capt. Terry 3/12/19