key west to jamaica

mangomuffins · 18-03-2008, 14:29

info, opinions on key west to jamaica?
Thanks,all for weighing in on the tampa to Tx thread

M. M.

Chuck Baier · 18-03-2008, 16:13

MM, you can go around the western tip of Cuba and beat into the easterlies, Or sail down the coast to Belize, then head north and have a bit better wind angle, or head down through the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, DR, then around the eastern end of Cuba and downwind to Jamaica, which would be my favorite way since you cover some great cruising grounds along the way. But this all depends on your time frame.

TexSail · 18-03-2008, 18:17

One possibility would be to sail to Isla Mujeres, then wait for favorable winds and waves, sail to Georgetown Caymans, wait again for favorable wind and waves, then go on in to Montego Bay. I would suggest the Montego Bay Yacht Club to clear in. Be patient. Soon come mon.

You will taking the Gulf Stream head on from Isla to Montego Bay, so beating against wind and big waves might make for a long trip.

Be selective about where you anchor out in Jamaica. Some places are not safe. Negril would be just fine, IMHO and is fun 24/7. You could anchor in the NE corner of Bloody Bay and get protection from the prevailing easterlies. For fresh water, I would see if they would let you fill up with the hose on the Hedonism 2 dock. The water is fine to drink.

Jamaica is a beautiful island and I would highly recommend it. There are not too many cruisers there. The folks at MBYC could give you a heads up on places to avoid. British Admiralty Chart 256 is good but if you can find a copy of John Lethbridge's "Yachtsman's Guide to Jamaica", he has many good tips and detailed local charts. John died a few years back and his book is a little out of date.

slomotion · 18-03-2008, 18:33

I'm inclined to agree with Chuck. Do your easting in the Keys and Bahamas. Sail up the Keys and make the jump to the Bahamas. Then leisurely island hop southeast until you have a clean shot through the Windward Passage to Jamaica.

18-03-2008, 14:29	#1
mangomuffins Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bradenton Beach, Florida Boat: 27' Albin Vega - mangomuffins Posts: 125	key west to jamaica info, opinions on key west to jamaica? Thanks,all for weighing in on the tampa to Tx thread M. M.

18-03-2008, 16:13	#2
Chuck Baier Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Where ever the boat is. Boat: Marine Trader 34 "Beach House" Posts: 1,642 Images: 54	MM, you can go around the western tip of Cuba and beat into the easterlies, Or sail down the coast to Belize, then head north and have a bit better wind angle, or head down through the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, DR, then around the eastern end of Cuba and downwind to Jamaica, which would be my favorite way since you cover some great cruising grounds along the way. But this all depends on your time frame. __________________ To boldly go!! Read about our past and current cruises, the boat, some projects and a whole lot more at Voyages of Sea Trek And Now Visit The New Boats Site At The Beach House

18-03-2008, 18:33	#4
slomotion Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 539	I'm inclined to agree with Chuck. Do your easting in the Keys and Bahamas. Sail up the Keys and make the jump to the Bahamas. Then leisurely island hop southeast until you have a clean shot through the Windward Passage to Jamaica. Last edited by slomotion; 18-03-2008 at 18:58.

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18-03-2008, 18:17	#3
TexSail Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 77	One possibility would be to sail to Isla Mujeres, then wait for favorable winds and waves, sail to Georgetown Caymans, wait again for favorable wind and waves, then go on in to Montego Bay. I would suggest the Montego Bay Yacht Club to clear in. Be patient. Soon come mon. You will taking the Gulf Stream head on from Isla to Montego Bay, so beating against wind and big waves might make for a long trip. Be selective about where you anchor out in Jamaica. Some places are not safe. Negril would be just fine, IMHO and is fun 24/7. You could anchor in the NE corner of Bloody Bay and get protection from the prevailing easterlies. For fresh water, I would see if they would let you fill up with the hose on the Hedonism 2 dock. The water is fine to drink. Jamaica is a beautiful island and I would highly recommend it. There are not too many cruisers there. The folks at MBYC could give you a heads up on places to avoid. British Admiralty Chart 256 is good but if you can find a copy of John Lethbridge's "Yachtsman's Guide to Jamaica", he has many good tips and detailed local charts. John died a few years back and his book is a little out of date.