by The sea breeze on the west coast of Fl. is not necessarily weaker
on the west coast than the east. The hindering effect of a slightly
smaller land-sea temperature difference is often more than made up
for by the reinforcement of the west coast sea breeze circulation by
the large scale easterly flow. In other words, if you have east winds
or southeast winds on the average from the surface to say 5,000 ft,
the west coast sea breeze has a tougher time getting started and
doesnt get too far inland, but its return flow and hence its circulation
is helped by the SE large scale flow resulting in a stronger W wind at
the surface. Therefore sail on the coast if you have a choice, the sea
breeze may never get across Pinellas to Tampa Bay. At any rate
Patrick is right, dont expect waves but you might get good solid 15-18
kt. inflow to a developing thunderstorm before it and lightning
close you out!!
Mark Powell Atlantic Ocean.&Meteorological Labs Hurricane Research
***ia Key, Fl.
