Cuba to Grand Cayman

[hehope]

We would appreciate any info on travelling from Cuba to Grand Cayman, especially with regard to choosing a weather window and seas. We are currently in Florida and on our way within the next few days. We will be crossing from Key West to the north shore of Cuba, then around the western tip of Cuba and into the southwestern shore. Then, we plan to cross from Cayo Largo to Grand Cayman. Currently, the seas from Cayo Largo to Grand Cayman have been about 2-4 feet from the southeast. Moderate winds from the east. It would be helpful to hear from others with experience in the area. Particularly, if there are seas/winds we should definitely avoid.

[seahag]

Just in time for the middle of hurricane season- not worried about that part?

[Steve Pavlidis]

As you approach Grand Cayman keep a weather eye to the north. Strong thunderstorms and squalls, locally called a "biami," originate in Cuba and move southward, sometimes passing over the Caymans. And like the other poster said, keep an eye out for tropical disturbances.

[capta]

It really depends on your sailing skills & what you are sailing.
My girlfriend & I have a great time romping between islands of the Eastern Caribbean in 20 to 35 knots of wind & 4 to 8 foot seas. But we reef the boat for the conditions & keep her sailing 6 to 9 knots, not dogging out & crashing into the waves. We've a 53' heavy displacement ketch.
No one else can tell you how to sail your boat; you either have the experience & knowledge or you should get that experience first, close to home.
As mentioned above, there is not going to be a safe "weather window" at this time of year. You might get lucky, or you might get VERY unlucky & lose your boat and/or your lives if you try for the Caymans from Florida this time of year without the experience necessary to survive a hurricane at sea.
A word of warning; rocks sink vessels. You are much safer at sea than trying to seek shelter in an anchorage you are unfamiliar with (at least on a well found boat) if you do have a hurricane bearing down on you.
Even without a hurricane, the summer thunderstorms in the Caribbean can be a bit breezy. If you cannot see under one (day or night you can see them coming) take everything down & just wait it out. I've had something like 70 knots in the leading edge of thunderstorms, after the calm preceding it.
Good luck.