Looking other boaters company to the grossing for Bahamas from Forth Lauderdale, early February.
We sail on Hunter DS41 destination to the Cat Island.
We sail on Hunter DS41 destination to the Cat Island.
Bahamas on early February 2020
- Thread starter Hellevi 18
- Start date
February in Florida and the Bahamas are known for their cold fronts and "Northerlies" which are often unexpected big winds out the the NW that surprisingly slam you. A few more months down the line, the weather settles down more and you can expect warmer sailing and less strife off shore. You also have to take into account the Gulf Stream which essentially is a river running north between Florida and the Bahamas. I am not sure where you intend to enter the Bahamas, but you have to factor in that the stream will be pushing you north. it's not like you can set a course and keep on it as you will be pushed north. From Miami to Bimini is 090. But you have to aim 30 or so degrees south to crab your way to Bimini. So, from Ft. Lauderdale, which is about 22 miles more north of Miami, getting to Bimini will be more of a challenge. From Miami to West End Grand Bahama Island is a breeze (but a longer run). Cat Island is quite a ways south and East of Bimini or Nassau. It seems the best way would be to go to Bimini and clear there or better yet just south to North Cay Cay where clearing customs is quicker. From there you head across the banks to the NW Providence Channel Light. From Bimini you head north and go around the North Rock Light and then towards Mackie Shoals or from N Cat Cay and Gun Cay, you head across the banks to the Russell Beacon and then to the NWP channel light and then to Nassau. From there you can head down to the Exumas and work your way to Cat Island. The most important thing is to pick your weather window anywhere you travel. In particular, the Gulf Stream can get super very nasty and you don't really want to go there until you know you will have a decent and safe crossing. You said you were looking for company. At the bottom of Key Biscayne there is a place called No Name Harbor where boats will anchor there before heading across the stream to Bimini. They usually leave around midnight so that when they hit Bimini the sun is up. You can hang there and go in that flotilla across if you wish. I've done a lot of the Bahamas and so if I can be of more help, let me know.