Has anyone left, does anyone leave for the Bahamas from Norfolk Va in early December, 1st wk, and if so how rough of a start is it outside?
Late fall Sailing
- Thread starter Bill
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I crewed on a coastal delivery from the Chesapeake bay to Charleston SC in December, but we went on the ICW from Norfolk to Beaufort. It was very cold and rough inside, I would not recommend going outside then. We then did 2 offshore jumps from Beaufort to Charleston. I would recommend going inside to Beaufort. ( which could be done in 3 days from Norfolk. ) Sail coastal until near the Bahamas, then cross over the Gulf Stream.
My experience is similar to Todd's. Heading south from the Chesapeake, at this time of year or later, is a pretty iffy proposition weatherwise. It can go either way -- quickly. Last time I sailed from Annapolis to Tortola we left in mid-November. Trip down the bay to Norfolk was pretty nice and not too cold. We then headed SE on a diagonal to cross the Gulf Stream. We got pounded by rainy and cold weather, and some pretty big waves, for the next 8 days. It was no fun. I suggest leaving earlier.
It could be really cold. We left Beaufort, NC, last March and froze. I think we were off Miami before it started to warm up. So far as wave and wind I think you just watch the weather like any other time of year. Duck inside when the forecast dictates. We used Passage Weather for: http://www.passageweather.com/ . There is also a site that I don't remember that provides historical data for every month.
It was freaking teeth chattering cold off the south shore of Long Island in August
and has been a generally nasty sailing season in which for the first time ever i used full heavy foul weather gear ALL year a lot more than i would have liked to
In 1989 it snowed the day before Thanksgiving Day and the temperature didn't get above freezing until January. Last year there was no ice on the upper bay. To leave the bay at this time of year is a game of: "you bet your life" !
Head East Young Man
A few old salts at my marina do the trip every year. The secret seams to be to head due east from Beaufort like you are going to Bemuda. Once past the gulf stream you turn right, pick up the trade winds and head south. These folks are extremely experienced with this trip at this time of year (mid Nov. to mid Dec). They also have very good boat for the trip, a passport 46, a steel cutter, and a wooden schooner
A few old salts at my marina do the trip every year. The secret seams to be to head due east from Beaufort like you are going to Bemuda. Once past the gulf stream you turn right, pick up the trade winds and head south. These folks are extremely experienced with this trip at this time of year (mid Nov. to mid Dec). They also have very good boat for the trip, a passport 46, a steel cutter, and a wooden schooner
Last year I sailed from Annapolis to Charleston, SC and it was very cold. Crossing from Norfolk to the Bahamas really bucks the Gulf Stream and that area can be pretty nasty this time of year (around Norfolk and Pamlico Sound). Makes sense to keep heading south to Florida and then cross. You could go straight out and make the right turn after you cross the stream, but will put you out in the middle of no where for a longer period of time which you may or may not be up for. That's my 2 cents.
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