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03-01-2014, 17:59
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 40
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Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
It's blowing 25+ and the rhumb line shows a build up of strong winds and steep seas off the Colombian coast. Just wondering if I can effectively avoid this or is it par for the course on this route?
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03-01-2014, 18:22
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: W Carib
Boat: Wildcat 35, Hobie 33
Posts: 13,485
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This area of rough seas varies seasonally and with changes in the weather. Take a look at pilot charts for the trends.
When are you planning to leave? And, are you planning a non-stop run there? You might could use some intermediate stops to work around this area or wait for it to settle down a bit.
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03-01-2014, 19:34
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Presently on US East Coast
Boat: Manta 40 "Reach"
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Right now is the time for stronger than usual tradewinds to build. They will be less in the spring and summer. The Colombian low pressure system that builds those winds/seas moves around a bit. You can certainly pick a window when it is reasonable. Sometimes they are short and few between, other times they are open for long times.
If you really are in the Indian Ocean, you have some time to go yet!
Mark
__________________
www.svreach.com
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
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04-01-2014, 15:30
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 40
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Thanks for the tips.... I need to update our status. We are in the BVI now and looking for a window to sail directly to San Blas next week. Looks like the current storms in the North Atlantic are squeezing the wind in theses latitudes. Probably just have to wait it out.
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04-01-2014, 16:21
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Presently on US East Coast
Boat: Manta 40 "Reach"
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
The good news is it is all down wind. Even now, the winds off the Colombia point have been subsiding for a couple days at a time before blowing again. However, they are honking right now and may stay that way for a couple months. Maybe sail to Aruba and wait for/pick a window. Or just take your chances - it is only 1-2 days through the windy wavy part. Just be aware that those are pretty tough conditions there at times.
Mark
__________________
www.svreach.com
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
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04-01-2014, 16:48
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#6
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Long Range Cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Australian living on "Sea Life" currently in England.
Boat: Beneteau 393 "Sea Life"
Posts: 12,822
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loz
Thanks for the tips.... I need to update our status. We are in the BVI now and looking for a window to sail directly to San Blas next week. Looks like the current storms in the North Atlantic are squeezing the wind in theses latitudes. Probably just have to wait it out.
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Have to wait it out. This whole week looks bad.
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04-01-2014, 20:09
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#7
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always in motion is the future
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: in paradise
Boat: Sundeer 64
Posts: 18,956
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Enjoy some time in the ABC's and I would never skip Cartagena either. Even Santa Martha would be on my list.
We did every feasable anchorage between Aruba and Cartagena and loved it (but don't recommend them all). We saw up to 45kts winds, 20' seas but all downwind sailing through paradise and easy.
__________________
“It’s a trap!” - Admiral Ackbar.
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05-01-2014, 17:54
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 40
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Jimmy Cornell suggests avoiding this route if possible during the winter trades but we have no choice. Just wondering if it is any better to stay north of the rhumb line in deeper water or south of the rhumb line closer to the Columbian coast? Any further suggestions?
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05-01-2014, 20:30
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#9
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always in motion is the future
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: in paradise
Boat: Sundeer 64
Posts: 18,956
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loz
Jimmy Cornell suggests avoiding this route if possible during the winter trades but we have no choice. Just wondering if it is any better to stay north of the rhumb line in deeper water or south of the rhumb line closer to the Columbian coast? Any further suggestions?
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You have no choice? Sure you do, you can delay or cancel the trip.
The choice is going far offshore or close to shore. Everybody has a different theory on this but I think they all get their share. If in a hurry, I would go for optimal wind angles; if no hurry, I would visit all the anchorages again.
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06-01-2014, 05:25
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The Caribbean
Boat: Little Harbor 62
Posts: 2
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Hey Loz we are also trying to get over to panama from the BVI's. Right now we are in Virgin Gorda and have been trying to figure out what the weather is doing between here and panama. What weather sources have you been using?
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06-01-2014, 12:31
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: W Carib
Boat: Wildcat 35, Hobie 33
Posts: 13,485
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s/v Jedi
You have no choice? Sure you do, you can delay or cancel the trip.
....
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+1. You ALWAYS have a choice. It may not match your preferences, but no such thing as no choice.
Unless falling out of an airplane....hitting the ground is really not optional...choosing when/if to leave on a crossing...totally optional. Don't lose perspective...thats dangerous.
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06-01-2014, 16:01
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 40
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Of course, the freedom to choose! Seems the trades will moderate slightly next week so that might be the window for us. We are "Moana Roa" and left North Sound this morning for Anegada. Aurora please PM us and maybe we can sail in company?
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07-01-2014, 06:16
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Presently on US East Coast
Boat: Manta 40 "Reach"
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
They have moderated right now - only 20kts in that area. They were 35kts yesterday.
Mark
__________________
www.svreach.com
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
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07-01-2014, 07:35
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 40
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Re: Route planning question from BVI to San Blas, Panama
Fantastic! Off to San Blas asap....
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07-01-2014, 07:41
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Planet Earth
Boat: A cloud in the sky
Posts: 36
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In an airplane, take off is optional, landing is assured. Pilots have a perfect record, we've never left one up there.
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