First up, I'd go out as part of a group of two or three, not on your own so you can follow. Have a hand held VHF on deck so you can listen in.

Remember that all on board will have to have PFDs on as it's a bar crossing. The channel on the east side is pretty well patrolled and I've seen them ping plenty.

Once you've done it, it's pretty easy. I've been going in and out since 1974 and have seen all sorts of catastrophes, including broken masts where they didn't have enough steerage in the tide. We had one fellow follow us in once and I told him to stay close behind my Adams10 transom. He deviated a little and ran aground in his Mottle820. I've run aground twice but considering the two verses how many over the decades, it's not bad.

And drop your sails before you try to go through the bridge.

BJRobinson said..
The few times I've gone through the channel on other boats, they motor all of the channel. Sails are dropped way before the channel. They are experienced sailors.

It is ok to sail the channel, and I always have the main up for a bar crossing. Just drop them for the bridge.

I last went out over xmas & ran aground going out (even with a spotter on the bow) so I asked Marine Rescue for an escort when I was coming in - they love the opportunity to get out & guide you if they're not busy. I draw 2.1 so I always go in or out 2 hrs after high tide - there is a 3 hr delay in the channel & this gives me a rising tide to lift me off if I run aground. I always motor as I have very little wiggle room the way it is now.