Bahamas Crossing
Need Advice re Crossing the Gulf Stream from FL to Abacos.
Getting various opinions re crossing in Dec vs Feb-Mar.
Any strong feelings AGAINST going across in Dec???
Thanks Russ
Be Holy or Die Trying" St Stephen 33AD
"Be joyful always; Pray constantly; Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ.....Test everything. Hold on to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
"Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you." St Augustine
Russ, the problem isn't the month, it's the weather. Anytime the weather is nice, and you only need about 24 hours, you can make the crossing. Once at Grand Bahama Island, you'll need another 24 hours to cross the banks north of Grand Bahama or to head south to Bimini or the Berry Islands.
There is a marina on the west end of Grand Bahama Island, a few that come and go along the south coast and the Lucayan Waterway where you can wait for better weather to make the Abacos.
Once there, it is basically day hopping to Marsh Harbor. If you plan to anchor, it is sandy bottoms, but, if you desire to take advantage of the many anchorages, you'll need gear, when wind gusts are taken into account, sized for the high end of storm conditions.
Many places that otherwise would be good anchorages have grassey bottoms and contemporary anchors do not do well in them. The one anchor that does, and does every time, is the fisherman anchor, sized, for storm conditions, at 2 lbs of anchor per foot of boat. Without an anchor that sets and hold in grass, you might want to take one with you. We favor the 3-piece Luke anchor as if it is sized right, it will also double as a storm anchor in the sand bottoms also.
Rudy
Briney Bug- Panama City, Fl
On Thu, Nov 8, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Russell Davignon svascension@yahoo.comwrote:
Need Advice re Crossing the Gulf Stream from FL to Abacos.
Getting various opinions re crossing in Dec vs Feb-Mar.
Russell,
You can cross anytime the conditions are right -- which is to say FLAT BUTT
CALM! The winds will rotate clockwise and come out of the south eventually
at usually lower speed (and in the same direction of the Gulf Stream) and
there is your chance. I have made the crossing December 5 times without any
problem.
Google it and you will find articles like this:
http://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-chartering/adventures/crossing-the-gulf-stream-safely
I am a subscriber to BuoyWeather, which is a great help in forecasting:
Also, Skipper Bob's Bahamas cruising guide gives great incite into making a
calm crossing.
Remember: the most dangerous thing on a boat is a schedule! Take your time
and wait for the right conditions.
Thanks,
Bob
Robert Calhoun Smith, Jr.
M/V MARY KATHRYN
Hatteras 58 LRC
Annapolis, Maryland
On 11/8/2012 10:38 AM, Russell Davignon wrote:
Need Advice re Crossing the Gulf Stream from FL to Abacos.
Getting various opinions re crossing in Dec vs Feb-Mar.
Any strong feelings AGAINST going across in Dec???
Cross when you want to, during a decent weather window. Allow a day on
the front side of the window, and a couple days on the back side to be
safe. NO northern wind component, watch the sea direction and state. You
can have a great window, super conditions when you leave and still get
your butt handed to you in the stream. OTOH, you can have a great
crossing in a narrow window. Luck of the draw in many cases, but don't
tempt fate by heading out in anything less than ideal unless you're up
for some adventure.
All our crossings that direction have been to Bimini, we generally hit
the Exumas and catch the Abacos on the return as we head north. Just
personal preference. We much prefer the Exumas over the Abacos.
Earlier times generally are met with more frequent frontal passages and
lots of hiding from the weather, but again, that's hard to predict. It's
all good!
Have a great time!
Steve Sipe
Solo 4303 "Maerin"
Middle River, MD