Cartagena

[RHWard]

The plan is to sail from the Chesapeake to Cartagena in the Fall (around Nov 1st). Leaving Miami about mid-Nov., weather permitting. Question: is the prudent route SE along the coast of Cuba to the Windward Passage, on to Jamaica, then south to Colombia. Or would it be better to go down the Bahama chain to Inagua, thru the Windward Passage, to Jamaica (Port Antonio and Kingston) then south to Colombia. Vessel is a Tayana 48. Crew is now 2, hope to make it 3, possibly 4.

[RTB]

We did the trip back in May of last year. SE from Miami as you say then through the Windward Passage to Colombia. We didn't stop in Jamaica, but no reason you couldn't. Not sure about Nov/Dec. Maybe someone else will have more for you.

If he doesn't see this, PM imagine2frolic. He can help.

Ralph

[osirissail]

You can download the Atlantic Pilot Charts free from: Maritime Safety Information

and then check month by month for what to expect on average for the route. You will notice as you look at page 3 of each month (The Caribbean Basin page) that there is a "bull-eye" that sits between Jamaica and Columbia. This is a nasty weather/seas area that grows and shrinks with the different months of the year.
- - So the prudent cruiser will head more directly south from the east side of Jamaica to make landfall close the the eastern Columbian border and then turn west along the coast to Cartagena. Or if you want to do the longer route you leave the western end of Jamaica and head for Providencia and Panama and then loop around to Cartagena.
- - The current weather and season will give you an indication of which will be best for your situation.