Mediterranean vs Caribbean

[ADMPRTR]

If given a choice, would you prefer to sail the Caribbean or the Mediterranean?

How do they compare based on sailability, water and weather conditions, harbours, anchorages, interesting places to visit, society and culture, expenses, security... you name it?

[zeehag]

if i had a place to stash bird for aa while safely , i would sail the med in an instant---i keep hearing beautiful things bout it--have sailed in caribean and am on my way returning to do that in my own boat-----is a tough choice, as i love the caribean so much.......

[Don1500]

Let me sail both, about 10 years of each, then I'll decide. But I love Italy and have had a great time in Trinidad.

[David M]

For the variety of cultures, the Med.

[sck5]

for lots of free anchorages, the Caribbean

[Matt sachs]

I'll be in the carib tomorrow. Unfortunately flying there.....just wanted to gloat a little...hehe.... its cold here in Tennessee today.

[Katiusha]

When we sailed Bahamas and Caribbean, we were missing a variety of cultures, peoples, history, and something interesting to do on shore. Guadeloupe came close, but we still longed for the Med.

Now we're here and we want to go back to South Bahamas or Leeward Islands... We're missing reliable winds (here it's either too much or too little and always on the bow), reliable anchorages, exquisite diving and snorkeling (the Med flora fauna is not as splendid as Caribbean and Bahamas), and relaxed life.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by zeehag

if i had a place to stash bird for aa while safely , i would sail the med in an instant---i keep hearing beautiful things bout it--have sailed in caribean and am on my way returning to do that in my own boat-----is a tough choice, as i love the caribean so much.......

What are the things you like most about he Caribbean?

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Katiusha

When we sailed Bahamas and Caribbean..we still longed for the Med.
...
Now we're here and we want to go back to South Bahamas or Leeward Islands...

Yes, I heard that the wind in the Med never blows except when it is too strong. I suppose working around hurricane season you could winter in the south and do the med in the summer. Sounds like an ideal situation.

I was originally thinking of setting the Caribbean as my first region to visit but I also feel the lure of the Med. Europe to the north, Africa to the south and the Middle East. Thousands of years of history to explore. The only thing that stands between me and the Med is the North Atlantic.

But then again, sandy beaches, palm trees, good music and great sailing are the appeal of the Caribbean. It would be a tough call.

[Agility]

The mega yachts rotate between the two based on season.

The food is much better in the Med. The adventure and cultural diversity is greater. The history and architecture is more interesting.

The water is much nicer in the Caribbean. The sailing is better. They speak English.

Wine vs. rum - who can choose, they are both great.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by ADMPRTR

If given a choice, would you prefer to sail the Caribbean or the Mediterranean?

How do they compare based on sailability, water and weather conditions, harbours, anchorages, interesting places to visit, society and culture, expenses, security... you name it?

My own take (scale 0 worst to 5 best):

sailability: Carib 5, Med 1
water: Carib 5, Med 1
weather: Carib 5, Med 3
harbours: Carib 2, Med 5
POIs: Carib 5, Med 5
society&culture: Carib 3, Med 5
expenses: Carib 2, Med 5
security: Carib 3, Med 4
you name it: Carib 5, Med 0

score: Carib 35, Med 29

West Indies are a sailing place. Med is a place with many boats.

b.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

My own take (scale 0 worst to 5 best)

Great Scale! I guess it comes down to what you value. If visiting cultural attractions is a priority, then the Med is favoured. But if sailing and enjoying life are more important then it sounds like the Carib is prime. I would like both...

One question about your value for expense. By giving the Med a 5, does that mean it is more or less expensive? I would have thought more.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by ADMPRTR

(...)

One question about your value for expense. By giving the Med a 5, does that mean it is more or less expensive? I would have thought more. (...)

Med has extremely dear marinas at places. At the same time, there seem to be fewer anchoring options. In West Indies, when the marina berth is expensive, there are nearly always options of cheaper moorings or anchorages.

We found that a month in the Med buys us two months in West Indies.

As you noted, this is all very personal and based one one's sailing/cruising style. Ours is buy food in stock, do your own cooking, and spend weeks on end snorkeling in crystal clear warm water.

Cheers,
b.

[CFR]

Hi from Germany.

I have a different angle and like to learn more from American who sailed the Carib and the Med.

I will leave end of next year and still not sure whether I should spent first a year in the Med or go directly to the Carib. I have been several times in the Med, once by boat, several times onshore and I like France Italy Greece at the shore and beach BUT for sailing it is really different. Strong winds up to force 9, calm weeks with 40 C and chilly winter months even in Tunisia.

As I like to spend the full year on board also winter time is important. Meanwhile I think the Med is nice for a big motorboat with shades and a hot water heating system which is more like a floating apartment but the Caribbean is more for the sailing, snorkeling lifestyle. Maybe first sailing in the Carib and later have a motorboat in the med.... any comments please.

I have no idea about summer time in the Carib, how hot will it be, how safe to stay some months in Trinidad etc?