I have an interest in making the crossing to the Bahamas at Bimini for a monthlong sail...hopefully to Exuma too. Any tips for the crossing would be appreciated as I am on a 23' Oday and would like to find info. on joining other boats in good weather. I have a trailer-sailer so the departure point is optional. What is the easiest route anyway...Miami? Stuart? Thanks in advance. Billy C.
- Status
Fl to Bimini
Also , you may want to think about allowing for that gulfstream current by steering approx. 130 degrees. Cap'n Ron ,Miami
Also , you may want to think about allowing for that gulfstream current by steering approx. 130 degrees. Cap'n Ron ,Miami
I have never made that crossing yet but I sail an O'Day
23 often in the Gulf on Florida's west side. On a gentle day it is like floating on a glass smooth farm pond. But when the waves are large rollers it is a discipline exercise of keeping the bow perpendicular to the waves to feel safe. If you happen to get in rough water like this your speed will be greatly reduced and your time across will be much longer- I would want to have a crew member that was very comfortable switching off the tiller. I have learned that what makes our little boats shine in shallow inland waters also makes them tender in the rough stuff. Also I noticed my boat handles rough water much better when I have a large heavy loaded cooler sitting low on the cabin floor pushed up to the bulk head. I would wait for the very best weather. Also if you are going to buddy boat with a larger boat consider getting a several hour head start. Take an extra vhf in a waterproof case. Consider renting a locater.
23 often in the Gulf on Florida's west side. On a gentle day it is like floating on a glass smooth farm pond. But when the waves are large rollers it is a discipline exercise of keeping the bow perpendicular to the waves to feel safe. If you happen to get in rough water like this your speed will be greatly reduced and your time across will be much longer- I would want to have a crew member that was very comfortable switching off the tiller. I have learned that what makes our little boats shine in shallow inland waters also makes them tender in the rough stuff. Also I noticed my boat handles rough water much better when I have a large heavy loaded cooler sitting low on the cabin floor pushed up to the bulk head. I would wait for the very best weather. Also if you are going to buddy boat with a larger boat consider getting a several hour head start. Take an extra vhf in a waterproof case. Consider renting a locater.
Get a good radar reflector and keep your VHF handy
Both cruise ships and cargo ships use the Gulf stream like the watery equivalent of I-95. From a small boat they look like apartment buildings lying on their sides and coming at you at 20 knots ie. a nautical mile in 3 minutes. You are almost invisible to them, assuming they are looking, and cannot get out of the way too quickly, particularly if there is chop. You must keep a good look-out and make accurate assessments of whether you are in the way.
Both cruise ships and cargo ships use the Gulf stream like the watery equivalent of I-95. From a small boat they look like apartment buildings lying on their sides and coming at you at 20 knots ie. a nautical mile in 3 minutes. You are almost invisible to them, assuming they are looking, and cannot get out of the way too quickly, particularly if there is chop. You must keep a good look-out and make accurate assessments of whether you are in the way.
Gulf Stream Crossing
We made the crossing from Port Everglades to West End, Grand Bahama late last November. We left Port Everglades at 1830 and steered 090 Magnetic, making a 0630 landfall at West End. We had wind from SE at 15-20 and seas at 6-8 ft. We ran about 6.2 knots in a 38 footer with 40 hp. However you do it, figure your fuel consumption and then double it. We cleared customs at West End and then had a wonderful winter in the Abacos, returning Mid March via Mangrove Cay-Whitesand Ridge and Fort Pierce.Be really sure of your weather window and do not totaly trust NOAA. If they are saying 2-3 feet in the GS, Count on 6 feet.
Good Luck and smooth seas.
Steve
S/V Carolina
We made the crossing from Port Everglades to West End, Grand Bahama late last November. We left Port Everglades at 1830 and steered 090 Magnetic, making a 0630 landfall at West End. We had wind from SE at 15-20 and seas at 6-8 ft. We ran about 6.2 knots in a 38 footer with 40 hp. However you do it, figure your fuel consumption and then double it. We cleared customs at West End and then had a wonderful winter in the Abacos, returning Mid March via Mangrove Cay-Whitesand Ridge and Fort Pierce.Be really sure of your weather window and do not totaly trust NOAA. If they are saying 2-3 feet in the GS, Count on 6 feet.
Good Luck and smooth seas.
Steve
S/V Carolina
Leave from Miami
we always leave from Government Cut or from the bottom of Biscayne Bay and head for North Rock, then onto the Bank and Nassau where we check in. If you want to see the Exumas don't waste your time in Bimini. If it's a bit rough in the Tongue of the Ocean you can hide behind Frazers Hog Cay, just past Chubb.
we always leave from Government Cut or from the bottom of Biscayne Bay and head for North Rock, then onto the Bank and Nassau where we check in. If you want to see the Exumas don't waste your time in Bimini. If it's a bit rough in the Tongue of the Ocean you can hide behind Frazers Hog Cay, just past Chubb.
Good Reference Material can be found here.....
There is a very good website call The Conch Cruiser Sailing Club and it is made up of many small boat..Macgregor..Hunter..O'Day skippers who make long range trips in their boats each year. They have made the Bimini trip several times and by reading their logs you can be better prepared for your trip...or better yet see if you can join one of their planned trips to Bimini.
There is a very good website call The Conch Cruiser Sailing Club and it is made up of many small boat..Macgregor..Hunter..O'Day skippers who make long range trips in their boats each year. They have made the Bimini trip several times and by reading their logs you can be better prepared for your trip...or better yet see if you can join one of their planned trips to Bimini.
- Status