Routing Recommendations

[jim767]

Looking for recommendations on routers/weather forecasters from the US East Coast to PR and South.

Thanks

[jcapo]

Chris Parker.

Marine Weather Center - Bahamas & Caribbean Marine Weather Services

[colemj]

Chris Parker is the go-to guy for weather from the US East Coast to PR. He has an extensive SSB net. In the winter, you may have to wait for him a long time while he gives personalized detailed weather forecasts, sea state forecasts, precipitation forecasts and cloud coverage for each and every boat traveling between Big Majors and Staniel Cay (no one there trusts the forecast for the boat leaving 10 minutes before them or 10 minutes after). You can listen to his advice to other boats on the SSB for free, but he charges for email and personal forecasts. However, his paid service is worth it between FL and PR, where a good weather window and timing can make or break that passage.

If you are heading completely offshore to the Carib, Herb Hilgenberg gives weather advice on the SSB, but doesn't do coastal work. His service is free, but a bit stiff and he doesn't do email. He is strictly an Atlantic offshore guy and is more useful for passages to Bermuda and Europe.

Parker tends to just phone it in on weather in the lower E. Carib and definitely in the SW Carib, but the weather doesn't change that often and there really isn't anyone else giving weather anyway. He begins adding value again in the NW Carib.

There are probably non-radio weather routers out there who work by email, but I don't know of them.

Mark

[Auspicious]

Both Chris Parker and Herb Hilgenberg give good weather forecasts. Their routing is very conservative and you better carry a lot of fuel if you follow their advice. If you want to SAIL there is no better router than you. Take one of Lee Chesneau's three or five day courses and you will be well ahead of the game and self sufficient. Use the (free) weather fax products and what you learn from Lee and you will have a fast, safe, and comfortable passage. Period dot.