Alan,
The trip I plan to take in mid May is the Florida 120. This is an organized event around Pensacola, Florida in the waters of Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola bay. I heard about this annual event a few years ago but job changes have prevented me from participating until 2012. It looks to be a mix of daysailer size boats and larger trailer sailers in the 19 - 25 foot range.
Each night's destination is a spoil island in the intercoastal waterway with a protected anchorage for the boat campers and enough island space for the beach/tent campers.
Like your wife, I too am a seasoned backpacker and I have a good assortment of lightweight camping gear. I plan to bring a small backpacking tent and a very lightweight fleece sleeping bag. I have a single burner campstove and backpacking cookware (although I'm still considering bringing my dutch oven). Meals will mostly consist of noodle or rice with canned chicken added for protein (I am no fan of dehydrated, backpacking foods). For storage, I have (4) Rubbermaid Roughneck 18 gallon tote bins that will fit the cuddy of my DS II. For bulk water storage I have a 7 gallon water jug which should be enough for myself and my crew. I have a roll top dry bag to keep clothes and sleeping bags dry even if we capsize. I plan to have a waterproof, handheld VHF radio for "check-in" and emergency use.
On the boat, I have replaced the standing and running rigging, and replaced the mast tang rivets. Prior to the trip, I plan to strengthen the chainplates for the stays and the stemhead fitting. I plan to bring three sails; my DS suit plus my Doyle UPS drifter reacher for light air & off the wind sailing. I purchased new tires for the trailer and plan to repacking the bearings prior to the trip.
Four months to go and I'm whittling down the "to do" list!
- Chris