Gulfstream crossing

[Charles Wells]

Planning a passage from Cocanut Grove, Fl to Marsh Harbor in late October.Any ideas on best route, up to date info after hurricane.

 

[Warren Blanchard]

Marsh Harbour Route

Since no one else seems to have an input here's my two cents: Get a copy of Steve Dodge's "Cruising Guide to Abaco" http://www.abacos.com/whitesound/index.htmlMost people head across to West End, Grand Bahama and then out across the Little Bahama Bank and into the Sea of Abaco. The last time we made the crossing we left at around 1800hrs from Miami. The wind was southeasterly 8-10 kts which put it 30 deg off the bow so we had to motor all the way. Seas weren't bad; took 12 hours. Good news is we made landfall just after daybreak, checked in with customs when they opened at 0900 and were on our way to our first overnight anchorage at Great Sale Cay by 1030. Your 5.5 draft might make you a little more dependent on the tide but stick to the Abaco Guide recommendations and you'll have no problem. Just one word of caution which can't be over-emphasized: Unless you are a dedicated Masochist, don't try to cross the Stream when the winds are northerly at more than 8-10 kts. You'll run into square waves which build straight up and then collapse on themselves. Not a fun ride!Warren, SV "Banana Wind"H-376 in Marsh HarbourP.S. Please keep fingers crossed for a miss by H. Floyd!

 

[Warren Blanchard]

Marsh Harbour Route

Follow-up. Forgot to answer part 2.A fairly good source of post-hurricane info would be the Community Message Board at www.oii.net. Also, in January I think we picked up some bad diesel at West End fuel dock, so if you plan to top off there, either use a pre-filter or bring plenty of replacement filters. Have a good trip. Maybe we'll see you over there; what's your boat's name?

 

[Guest]

Another Route

Charles,  I agree with Warren's suggestions. His is the most direct route. However, if you have more time and want to cruise through a larger area, you could consider initially aiming for Bimini, with some time spent around the neighboring islands. If you like fishing, this area is one of the best in the world. From here, you can venture to the Abacos.  Regarding post-hurricane info, there is a strong radio station broadcast from Nassau that you should be able to receive in the Miami area. Unfortunately, I don't have their frequency available to me at this time. But the cruising guides to the Bahamas list it. It's a great trip. Enjoy.Robert Pancza