Port Everglades to West End Weather in April

[followthehorizn]

Hello everyone,

I am planning to do my first gulf stream crossing in early April of this year. I've been watching the cold front patterns cross the stream recently that create settled sea states when the wind clocks to the South. Does this pattern continue in early April? What do you guys look for in the spring when doing a gulf stream crossing?

Like I said, this will be my first gulf stream crossing and I'd prefer to have as calm of seas and light winds (maybe just enough to motor sail) as possible. I don't mind waiting as long as need be for the right weather window... just wanted to know what you guys think.

Thanks for your help!

Dan
Follow the Horizon - Follow your Dreams.

[RTB]

I'd give it a day to lay down after a spell of north winds. We look at several sources, and when they all agree, we go with 10-15 and 2-3' seas. Nothing wrong with 5-10 and 1-2', if you can get it, and don't mind motoring. Anything SE to SW will get you there without much drama. Good luck, and enjoy the Bahamas.

We use the NWS, Windfinder, and Passage Weather for forecast sources. If they are all different, expect the worst one to be right (to be safe).


Just a note - if the winds are really light, expect it to be a washing machine out there. Nothing bad, just a bit uncomfortable if the sails can't be used effectively to stabilize the boat. We've crossed the stream four times. All were different with basically the same forecast.

Nice blog so far, and a good looking family. You guys stay safe.

Ralph

[dennisjay]

Winds tend to lie down a bit more starting in April and don’t clock as much. Tends to be fewer northerlies. There likely will be boats at the Las Olas anchorage waiting to cross. We usually find a buddy boat, agree on a weather window and leave together.

[followthehorizn]

Originally Posted by RTB

I'd give it a day to lay down after a spell of north winds. We look at several sources, and when they all agree, we go with 10-15 and 2-3' seas. Nothing wrong with 5-10 and 1-2', if you can get it, and don't mind motoring. Anything SE to SW will get you there without much drama. Good luck, and enjoy the Bahamas.

We use the NWS, Windfinder, and Passage Weather for forecast sources. If they are all different, expect the worst one to be right (to be safe).


Just a note - if the winds are really light, expect it to be a washing machine out there. Nothing bad, just a bit uncomfortable if the sails can't be used effectively to stabilize the boat. We've crossed the stream four times. All were different with basically the same forecast.

Nice blog so far, and a good looking family. You guys stay safe.

Ralph

This is good advice, thanks Ralph. I like the idea of following the worst forecast out of all of the weather services.

Dan

[followthehorizn]

Originally Posted by dennisjay

Winds tend to lie down a bit more starting in April and don’t clock as much. Tends to be fewer northerlies. There likely will be boats at the Las Olas anchorage waiting to cross. We usually find a buddy boat, agree on a weather window and leave together.

I haven't checked the Las Olas anchorage yet... will have to run over there. We are currently hanging out in North Lake in Hollywood. I have some power boat friends who are leaving tonight for Marsh Harbour... talk about me being jealous! I have to wait until April, unfortunately.

Dan