Gulf Stream, northern winds, Abbacos Bahamas question

[xavpil]

If I totally understand what happens with Northern winds on the Gulf Stream I am however not so clear on their impact inside the Abacos in the Bahamas.
Where does their “threat” end?
We had a terrible crossing experience in the northern banks, north of Memory Rocks. The banks were a total mess and became unsailable
We’re now in Green Turtle Cay and wondering if we have to watch / avoid those northerly winds as well.

Actually are ther any winds to avoid once inside the Abbacos?

Thx all

 

[capta]

What makes the Gulfstream so dangerous, in even the most moderate north wind, is because there is a pretty strong northbound current which stands the waves up like a beach break. One doesn't sail over them, they drop out from under a boat, or crash onto the deck. Once in the stream in those conditions, there is no "down hill" or easy way out. One just finds the closest point out of it, and settles for a severe beating to that point.
Therefore, it really doesn't matter where the wind comes from, or the strength, if there is no opposing current. So, it is very unlikely that you will have those conditions inside the Abacos.

 

[dlochner]

Once in the Abacos, it is pretty well protected so waves aren't a big issue. The water is pretty shallow at 15-20 feet which also limits wave heights. Whale Cut between Green Turtle and Great Guana Cays can be a challenge in a North wind. There is no protection from the Ocean swell which can get quite nasty. Recently a sailboat sank trying to go through when it shouldn't have.

Near the Bahamas Banks the sea bed rises from several thousand feet deep to just 20 or 30 feet. This cause s any swell to pile up, so the seas get short and steep. Once past the 600' depth the seas will settle down and become swells and a much more comfortable sail.

We really enjoyed Great Guana, especially a few afternoons spent at Nipper's. If you get to Hope Town, On Da Beach Bar is actually above the beach and a cool place to spend an afternoon drinking some real Canadian Beer!

PM me if you need more information about the Abacos.

 

[xavpil]

Once in the Abacos, it is pretty well protected so waves aren't a big issue. The water is pretty shallow at 15-20 feet which also limits wave heights. Whale Cut between Green Turtle and Great Guana Cays can be a challenge in a North wind. There is no protection from the Ocean swell which can get quite nasty. Recently a sailboat sank trying to go through when it shouldn't have.

Near the Bahamas Banks the sea bed rises from several thousand feet deep to just 20 or 30 feet. This cause s any swell to pile up, so the seas get short and steep. Once past the 600' depth the seas will settle down and become swells and a much more comfortable sail.

We really enjoyed Great Guana, especially a few afternoons spent at Nipper's. If you get to Hope Town, On Da Beach Bar is actually above the beach and a cool place to spend an afternoon drinking some real Canadian Beer!

PM me if you need more information about the Abacos.

Thank you Dave for the clear and reassuring explanations! and thanks for offering more info.
I don't feel ready to go through Whale cut so we'll go back the way we came from, to west end.
I wish there were better stops on the way than Great Sale and Allans Cay. they really don't offer much...

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Thank you Dave for the clear and reassuring explanations! and thanks for offering more info.
I don't feel ready to go through Whale cut so we'll go back the way we came from, to west end.
I wish there were better stops on the way than Great Sale and Allans Cay. they really don't offer much...

Whale Cay Cut is completely benign so long as there’s no northern component to the winds off the ocean. (No ‘rage” running). You can pull into Green Turtle Cay or other protected spot until the right weather, which shouldn’t take more than a few days to clock through. Just call out on VHF 68 for local info before you go through the cut and ask if anyone has eyes on the cut and can report on conditions.
As for “The Banks”; again, just wait for the right weather when you cross from Florida. Allow an extra day of sub-15kt winds and it’ll be smooth sailing. Under 10kt and you can anchor anywhere in the open in less than 15 ft of water. Just light your boat and move well off the magenta “recommended route”.
The most dangerous thing is a schedule.
ps - GTC is part of the Abacos, so you’re already there.

 

[pgandw]

We were there in Sept/Oct 1979 in an ODay 25 (yes, everybody said nice dinghy, where's your real boat). We ended up entering at West End because we got becalmed crossing from Miami, and were concerned we didn't have enough fuel to fight the GS back to Bimini (6 gal for a 2 stroke 9.9hp Chrysler outboard). Sailed across and started at the north end of the Abacos until we got to Little Harbor, having a great time through the outer cays of the Abacos. We waited there for 2 days for the wind to ease to make the jump to Spanish Wells. Tied to schedule, on the 3rd day we braved it. Dunked the motor in the breakers getting out of Little Harbor - but it kept on running. Once we got outside the inlet, it was a wild surf all the way to Spanish Wells. Averaged 6kts. Then to Nassau, and return to Miami via Bimini. Incredible 4 week cruise.

 

[xavpil]

ps - GTC is part of the Abacos, so you’re already there.

awesome!!
yes we’re in GTC. we were thinking about going to Florida via the south route: exiting through whale cut and go to west end
our final destination is Carolina but I am not ready to ride the GS so we’ll probably go to Fort pierce first

 

[dlochner]

awesome!!
yes we’re in GTC. we were thinking about going to Florida via the south route: exiting through whale cut and go to west end
our final destination is Carolina but I am not ready to ride the GS so we’ll probably go to Fort pierce first

Going out Whale Cut takes you north of the Abacos. From GTC go to Great Sal, then from Great Sal either go straight to Florida or go to West End and then Florida. From Great Sal to Charleston is about 54 hours.