David,
Congratulations on your plans.  I am a bit confused by your use of the words
"Spanish Main"--generally this was considered to be the Caribberan Sea--but in
some circles more restricted to the Northern Coast of S. America including the
Isthmus of Panama to the mouth of the Orinoco River.  Although the Northern
Coast of S. America is generally free of hurricanes, there are some other
"hazards"--one is that you will have to work your way into the trade winds and
waves. This is not at all insugnificant.  If you stick close to the coast,
you can generally have a better passage, but it can still be difficult.  Also
the summer is the rainy season, and very hot and humid.  There are some
serious security issues along the coast of Venzuela--and you need to check
these out specifically--this might be a time when I would consider traveling
in the company of several other boats--something which I don't normally
recommend.

Also be careful of the security climate in Central America.  There have always
been issues there, and if possiable check with boats ahead of you for
information.  This is where the Ham radio nets were of so much value.
Unfortunately posts in bulletins like SSCA, either internet or hard copy are
often 6 months to a year behind the time.

Hurricanes on the West Coast, and in the Caribbean have to considered
differently than on the Gulf Coast.  There are relitatively few places to find
good hurricane holes.  The predictions are not as accurate as in the US (Not
that they are always that accurate here).  Certainly they can occur out of
season.  We arrived in Cabo in 1982 only a few days after the "Cabo
Storm"--which was in December--and there was the total lost of 28 well
prepared cruising boats.  I certainly agree with Patrick on the effect of the
Baja Ha Ha.  The 200 boats at once will have a distict effect on the
experience.  I have cruised the West Coast of Baja in the summer months, but
always with an eye on the weather, and the knowlege that there were only about
4 places where I could find refuge.

Good cruising to all~!

Bob Austin

Bob,

To me, the "Spanish Main" means the Caribbean mainland coast of the Spanish
Empire - specifically Florida, Old Mexico, Central America and the north
coast of South America (Columbia and Venezuela).

Your comments regarding hurricanes and hurricane holes, as referenced are
these referring to the left coast and the gulf?  I don't have much
experience in these areas, but completely agree with Keith regarding the
rest of the Caribbean.  An alert cruiser forewarned 2/3 to 4 days can always
safely and comfortably get out of the Hurricane Watch areas or at the least
find a hole.

Regarding bad weather being hot, humid, and sticky, I can not think or
remember these conditions lasting more than a day and definitely hardily
ever on the windward sides.

The rainy season varies from island to island and different areas along the
mainland. Generally, the rainy season is from May to December but varies
from year to year. It should be noted that, during rainy season, it does not
mean rain all the time. During the rainy season, there are daily short
torrential outbursts (usually minutes and seldom an hour or more) followed
by sunshine with the air being very clean, fresh, and invigorating
afterwards!  The exception can be the occasional tropical low.

As one of the hazards, you refer to the trade winds and waves.  How do you
mean?  Do you not think these are normal weather related issues that require
a cruiser to pay attention to forecasts and plan trips/timing to their
comfort level?

Bob, as regards security, I have never had a problem including spending a
lot of time in Venezuela. I am interested in reading about other peoples
first hand experience in the Caribbean.  Where would I find these
posts/bulletins on the SSCA covering this subject?

-----Original Message-----
From: passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of
bob Austin
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 9:25 PM
To: Passage under power
Subject: [PUP] Spanish Main and hurricanes

We, Joan and Ben on m/v Francesca, have spent most of the last 9 years cruising the whole of the Caribbean.  You can find our cruising experiences on our website along with photos, guides and lots of helpful Caribbean cruising  information.  See signature below.

I don't know what others have said about hurricane holes so I'll chance being repetitive.  In general staying below 12.5 degrees keeps you out of the zone.  Above that line, in the Eastern Caribbean, the only "hole" I can think of is Luperon, DR, but I wouldn't like to ride one out there.  In the Western Carib. the Rio Dulce of Guatemala is a sure bet with excellent protection, however, insurance companies don't make allowances for it.  By the way, for insurance, we have found Commandeur Assurienten in the Netherlands to be good.  They have insured us for anywhere except war zones at a very reasonable rate.  Thus, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia and Nicaragua can all be visited if you choose.

Regards,

Ben Schuetz

Visit our website at: http://www.cruisingfrancesca.org/