Atlantic Crossing in January: Feasible? (Cape Verde to Caribbean)

[tomw]

Hi all!

I am coordinating a sailing expedition and we have been reconsidering our schedule for the atlantic crossing from Cape Verde to the Caribbean (Barbados or thereabouts)

From what I have been reading, people "usualy" try to leave mid-October to mid-November for such a crossing. However, I wonder if the beginning of January would still be OK? We've checked the Atlantic Pilot Atlas (by J.Clarke) and winds, currents still look good.

Do you see any major problems to cross in January 2010? This will be on a reinforced and well equipped 42ft Bavaria sailing yacht.

All advice welcome!

Tom

[neilpride]

Hi tomw , i delivery last year a brand new lagoon 38 from Sables d olone to Martinique in december january, no problem from Cape Verde in January, maybe you find the trades a litle bit stronger , my be not, anyway , no problem at all. Cheers.

[sobriyah]

Hi Tom, some people consider this the best time to cross. The trades will usually be well established by then, and there is less chance of running into a late storm.

[tomw]

Thanks all for the advice, reassuring words and general positive vibes :-).

Cheers,
Tom

[GordMay]

Atlas of Pilot Charts - North Atlantic Ocean

January ➥ http://www.nga.mil/MSISiteContent/St...106/106jan.pdf

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by tomw

From what I have been reading, people "usualy" try to leave mid-October to mid-November for such a crossing. However, I wonder if the beginning of January would still be OK? We've checked the Atlantic Pilot Atlas (by J.Clarke) and winds, currents still look good.

Hi, this is a common misunderstanding caused by (the ARC?).

Actually, the later you go the better your chances for good trade winds.

January is perfectly OK, and my own pick would be March to June (which, off course, makes your hurricane-trouble-free stay in the West Indies considerably shorter).

If you want more info, you can contact me by a private msg.

b.

[GibViking]

Hei Guys
I intend to row the Atlantic - Starting from Gibraltar and finishing in Antigua.
My departure is tentatively planned for the last week in January, beginning of February (second day after a levante winds starts blowing).
One of my concerns is my route down the Moroccan coast: I’m not sure how far, near I should track. I understand that the lee shore winds can be quite strong. I also understand that there is a Southerly current I could benefit at around 10nm from the shore. I haven’t planned on taking a sea anchor only my para-anchor and drogue, but maybe it may be a good idea to a marine anchor and if so what weight?
Thank you

Sig

[neilpride]

Originally Posted by GibViking

Hei Guys
I intend to row the Atlantic - Starting from Gibraltar and finishing in Antigua.
My departure is tentatively planned for the last week in January, beginning of February (second day after a levante winds starts blowing).
One of my concerns is my route down the Moroccan coast: I’m not sure how far, near I should track. I understand that the lee shore winds can be quite strong. I also understand that there is a Southerly current I could benefit at around 10nm from the shore. I haven’t planned on taking a sea anchor only my para-anchor and drogue, but maybe it may be a good idea to a marine anchor and if so what weight?
Thank you

Sig

Hi, Gib, Just wacht the weather carefully , if i remember , in one of my last trips from Almeria to Las Palmas ,whe cacht a strong south westerly close to the Moroccan coast , and is not a nice lee shore, my advice is stay a bit far , Cheers.

[Ram]

or you could cruise the coast and see the sights as you go until your ready to cross

[GibViking]

thanks for your replies.
any ideas on the size of the anchor I'd have to use. I was thinking of a 5Kg fluke with 5m of chain and 20m of rode
has anyone sailed out of the straits of Gibraltar. what was your experience?
cheers
Sig

[sobriyah]

Have you looked up : Home - Ocean Rowing - Woodvale-Challenge Rowing the Atlantic and Indian Oceans They organise biennial Atlantic rowing races and must have a wealth of information. I was in Antigua 2007/2008 when some of the rowers finished. They all looked glad to have made it.

[amcgilvray]

Originally Posted by tomw

Hi all!

I am coordinating a sailing expedition and we have been reconsidering our schedule for the atlantic crossing from Cape Verde to the Caribbean (Barbados or thereabouts)

From what I have been reading, people "usualy" try to leave mid-October to mid-November for such a crossing. However, I wonder if the beginning of January would still be OK? We've checked the Atlantic Pilot Atlas (by J.Clarke) and winds, currents still look good.

Do you see any major problems to cross in January 2010? This will be on a reinforced and well equipped 42ft Bavaria sailing yacht.

All advice welcome!

Tom

Hi Tom, I may be a crew member that is delivering a sail boat 44 ft Baviaria from the Europe to Cape Verde sometime in Nov/Dec 2011.. AND I will be looking for a way back to the USA. IF you need crew, please let me know. Andrea you can contact me directly at cowgirlcapital@att.net.

[cheoah]

I think this post is a couple years old...

However, since you revived it, did you make your crossing, Tom?