Bermuda

smokey73 · Jan 20, 2023

Made the trip from Bermuda to Rhode Island as crew (2 people sailing and a sick wife of the owner) on a relatively small "Chrysler sailboat" many many years ago (1978 or 1979). Not much to offer in current advice as equipment has changed by an order of magnitude from what we had. When crossing the Gulf Stream be prepared for frequent squalls even if you have a good weather window. If you are not in a hurry, try to pick a window not only for favorable weather but favorable wind direction. Beating into the wind for 8 days can be exhausting. We were fortunate to have a beam reach the whole way back except for in the squalls which made for an uneventful sail. Make sure you have plenty of water and extra fuel in case you get becalmed. A friend sailed to Bermuda from Beaufort SC and was becalmed for several days. We had none of the current "safety gear" you would have now (stupid but lucky), no Loran with only charts, a sextant and "radio direction finder" for navigation and a VHF radio. I am sure you will be much better equiped and prepared.

We really enjoyed St. George. Quant and low key. They had a nice quay (not sure what it cost). Don't recall if there was an achorage there. Hamilton is a bustling town with lots of shopping easily accessed from the harbor. You can't rent a car on Bermuda if I recall from several visits there. They have a decent bus system and you can rent a scooter. Bermuda is very small and you can scooter from one end of the island to another.

Don S/V ILLusion · Jan 20, 2023

Was just there 3 months ago. Easiest route is to/from Beaufort. St George is pretty dead except during race week. No chandleries except in Hamilton. The conditions crossing are entirely dependent on weather.
we entered in StG but moved to Hamilton for convenience. Alternatively, , the ferry to/from Hamilton to StG or the Dockyard is a great option to avoid th buses.

smokey73 · Jan 20, 2023

Don S/V ILLusion said:
Was just there 3 months ago. Easiest route is to/from Beaufort.

I am assuming you are refering to Beaufort NC?

I wouldn't worry too muc about the difference between staying in St. George or Hamilton. Bermuda is a small Island when compared to the distance betweeen either the St. George or Hamilton and the Azores. I'd stay where it was most convenient. If you are in need of parts/provisions I'd stay in Hamilton. Like I said, St. George was a quaint, low key town. Hamilton is bustling.

PaulK · Jan 20, 2023

Have sailed to Bermuda more than a half-dozen times. Crossing the Gulf Stream is different every time. It can be quiet, smooth sailing reach, or a nasty beat into steep chop. Falling off the top of every other 8' wave at 8 knots can do things to the boat. There can be 40-knot thundersqualls and dead calms. At one point we had three waterspouts in sight at once. If you want to avoid excitement, wait for a nice weather window.
When you get to Bermuda, get a long-term bus ticket. It is valid for the number of days you pay for and is good on all the buses AND ferries. Taxis, though nice, are incredibly expensive. Scooters, though fun, are incredibly dangerous -- especially with too many Americans trying to drive on the left after several Planters Punches.

smokey73 · Jan 20, 2023

Depending on the time of year for your transit, you could be looking at a considerable length of time for a "good" weather window for a long passage. On the other hand, you might get one only a day after you arrive in Bermuda. Since I assume you are not in a rush I'd plan on 5 or so days to absorb the sites/vibe of the island. If the longer transit ticket is not much more than the 5 day I'd go with that. However, you could always just buy in increments based on the forecast.

It is about 2000+ nautical miles or so in a straight line east from Bermuda to the Azores. Assuming you average 5 kts speed over ground you'll do 120 nautical miles a day or about 17 days. I'm not sure if you can average 5 knots but with a 41 foot boat that is not unreasonable to use that for planning. That is assuming straight line which is not likely if you are sailing most of the way.

Don S/V ILLusion · Jan 21, 2023

dLj said:
@Don S/V ILLusion Did you go through the checking out of US customs using form CBP 1300?

My boat is in the Chesapeake, I don't think I'd want to drop down to Beaufort to cross over. That's a long way out of my way.

dj

Bermuda has their own declaration forms and I think what we filled out on the return was a 1302. If you belong to a yacht club, the RBYC in Hamilton will advise on current needs.

Caboteur · Jan 24, 2023

May should be great for weather: winter storms are finished and tornadoes are a few months away! You will enter at St-David's & proceed to St-Georges, there is no other safe entrance to Bermuda. Do not forget to contact radio Bermuda to announce your arrival and entering the narrow pass... preferably not at the same time as a cruise-ship is coming out!
There is no way to predict the weather from Bermuda to the Azores... however you will sail in the Bermuda-Azores high pressure zone which is usual good weather. You should skirt to 38°N to get some westerlies and once close to the Azores sail east to Fayal. Entry is done at Horta and starts your ticker for Schengen (90 days). The 90 day permit is extendable and not seriously considered in Spain. Taxation of your boat is a more serious consideration.
Also, propane and 120V are not available east of the Azores...
Check with your insurance: coverage east of Bermuda.
Have a great trip: I averaged 105NM/day.
Pierre

Caboteur · Jan 24, 2023

The Schengen clock starts when you enter the Azores and would stop if you entered another territory... not the case if you sail from the Azores to Europe. VAT is lower in the Azores.
The tax clock and Schengen are not the same... you may stay 90 days but your boat may be in european waters for 18 months tax free.
Butane is available in exchangeable bottles with a different regulator. You just get a butane bottle, switch regulators, check for leaks and are OK to go. You can get a new regulator anywhere.. Horta, Ponta Delgada or even Cascais (mainland Portugal).
I crossed on a C&C Landfall 38' and later on a RM 1050 (34½ feet). On a crossing, I usually leave in the afternoon to get a full day where I am knowing I won't sleep much the first night and not being able to figure when I will arrive to destination. When arriving I wait for daylight before final approach.
Don't forget that the red and green markers are reversed in Europe... that includes the Azores.
Pierre

capta · Jan 24, 2023

As the Gulfstream makes its own weather, a "weather window" can be a bit deceiving. Once you are out there in the stream there isn't much one can do should things turn against you but forge ahead, as most often there is no better alternative. I've only made the trip from/to Newport/Caribbean, but have a steadfast rule; if the boat speed falls below 6 knots, turn on the engine and keep her moving as fast as possible. And never mention the dreaded Bermuda Triangle when you are in it.

jssailem · Jan 25, 2023

Didn't you nearly break this one?????