sailing to bahamas

[sdstef]

any trailer sailors in south florida sailed a 25 footer over to the bahamas? I would like to pull my boat from the midwest and give it a try. I have sailed my boat over to catalina island off of so. cal many times, but now I live in Nebraska, (thinking about moving to florida). what time of year is the best, and what advice do you have? thanks.

 

[TLW]

Had a friend in the 70's do this in a Balboa 20! Actually a shorter trip than crossing Lake Michigan, and possibly less "eventful."

 

[agprice22]

I have sailed off Florida many times. Late Spring-Summer is best. The later in Summer you go, the stronger the storms get. Hurricane season lasts til November. Winter is mild down there, but with a good cold front, the Gulfstream gets rough. Once you get past Bimini, about 60 miles off Miami, you are on the banks. It won't get as rough. But there are shallows and coral heads to watch for, but generally not a problem. The whole bank is around 15ft depth. Take your passport.

 

[kdssail]

one important saying...."if the wind is from the NORTH it means NO, NO do not cross" this warning I have heard many times and something to look into, also the gulf stream current goes north at @ 2 or 3 mph so plan your course with that in concideration. Have a great time.

 

[Jackdaw]

one important saying...."if the wind is from the NORTH it means NO, NO do not cross" this warning I have heard many times and something to look into, also the gulf stream current goes north at @ 2 or 3 mph so plan your course with that in concideration. Have a great time.

'Wind against tide' (or current) makes waves sharp, sort period and unstable. Best avoided if at all possible