Bahamas to Florida

[CarolynAnne]

Hi. I wonder whether anyone can help me? My grandfather has died and My parents are on their sailing yacht in the Bahamas, waiting for a window to get to Florida. (so they can get back home to the UK) My question is.... how long would it take to get from the Bahamas to florida? Thanking you in advance! Carolyn-Anne

[Woodchuck]

Less than a day but finding a window can be difficult. If there is any North in the wind it opposes the gulf stream current and causes some ugly conditions. There are plenty of airports in the Bahamas though. My condolences for the loss of your grandfather.

[GordMay]

Our condolences to you & yours, CarolynAnne.

The Bahamas occupies a 13,940 sq km (5,382 sq mi) archipelago which extends 950 km (590 mi) SE – NW and 298 km (185 mi) NE – SW between southeast Florida and northern Hispaniola.
It could take anywhere from 12 hours to a week to sail from some places in the Bahamas to Florida.
Do you know exactly where your folks are waiting for a weather window?

[CarolynAnne]

Thanks Woodchuck and GordMay, you're both very kind. I think that they were in Marsh harbour at the weekend, and they were leaving there on Sunday. They said they would try and be home on Wednesday (but i didn't ask which one!!)

Thanks again.

[Cormorant]

If they haven't crossed the Gulf Stream yet, the weather looks fine for crossing anytime the next few days.

PassageWeather - Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers

[GordMay]

If they left Marsh Harbour (Abacos) on Sunday April 3, they probably hoped to make Florida in 4 days, by Wednesday, April 6 (yesterday).