ABC to Colón, Panamá. in May

[gainza]

Hi mates!

We are planning to sail from Curaçao to Colón, Panamá. On board we are two adults, a 7 month baby, a dog an a cat.

The question is: what about the weather? I heared that is dangerous thunder storms daily, rough winds, etc during May to Nov.

There is someone experienced in these waters?

Thank you very very much!!!

[belizesailor]

Related thread:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=196438

[belizesailor]

Re timing:

"The area between Panama and Colombia has very unstable and complex weather patterns which makes it difficult to call a good weather window. This is why some of the captains who regularly run backpacker transport between Panama and Colombia prefer big heavy displacement steel boats so they can just plow thru whatever they encounter.

Trade Winds in this area are seasonal and blow from roughly January thru May. Seas between Panama and Colombia can get pretty ugly during this time. Then comes rainy season. The winds & seas lay down, but squalls and lightening take their place. The most settled time to cross is April-May when the trade winds subside but the thunderstorms of rainy season have not yet filled in."


If you look at Pilot Charts for the area, then you will see that the area of increased wind and seas has diminished by April-May.

Ive made the crossing in April and conditions were benign.

Anchored in the East Limons, San Blas tonight....now would not be a good time to go.

[spraoi]

I sailed Curacao Panama in May. Had to wait 2weeks for trades to moderate to F5 before departure. Took the offshore route to avoid Columbian low. Had F5 E for 1st 5 days sailing under jib only made record times with a strong current. A bit rolly but no problem. F4 NE for next few days and NW for last 24 hrs with a strong S current. No squall's. Friends took inshore route around same time and found it difficult.