Cayo Largo to Caymans

[Little Whale]

Any info, experiences sailing from Cuba to Caymans. Best times, warnings, weather, currents and suggested reading material would be welcomed.
Thought to be in Cuba waiting for a good window in January, 2018.

[belizesailor]

Did weather routing for friends last year the other way round (Caymans to Cuba). Under prevailing conditions this is an easy off the wind run with minimal currents.

Your only weather worry in January should be cold fronts.

[caradow]

Have done it twice and most of the time it will be off wind providing you are actually coming from Cuba and not just rounding from the west end.
Obviously check weather before leaving but it is a no brainer as far as navigation. You will have the choice to pass GC on port or STB. to get to Georgetown.
You will clear in in Georgetown Harbor where there are free mornings.
However not always weather friendly and could be a little bumpy but rare.
After clearing in providing weather is favorable would suggest strongly to anchor off 7 mile beach where you can get quite close in. Probably about 1/2 way down would be great just a little past the Westin Hotel is good. It is very serene and quite beautiful in settled weather.
If you are not a deep draft boat then there is always the North Sound for anchoring and access to marinas which are sparse. The North Sound does have many shallow spots which fortunately are mostly sand.
Nice overnight sail from Cayo Largo.
However if you are coming south from Cienfuegos however be aware of the Jaguar Bank.
Apparently it has sunk many a ship. You can easily sail over the bank however you will be in less than 10 feet of water for miles with a drop off to around 3000 feet just to the east so you can just imagine what happens in a blow.
If coming out of Cienfuegos and want to stop but not clear in again in Cayo Largo then there is a small island with a tall lighthouse before getting to Cayo Largo by the name of Guano del este which we have stayed overnight and provides protection with winds out of the east.
Wishing you a great sail.

[JECA]

Thanks Caradow,
What about the leg to Honduras from Cayman. Any experience or knowledge with that passage?
We are in a 33ft Fales Navigator. It's a workhorse with a sail assist. We have been caught in less desirable seas and squalls, nothing life threatening, but we like to chose our weather windows. Since it is 400 miles, is that doable in Jan/Feb?
Thanks for your response!!

[JECA]

Thanks belize sailor for your response.
What about the leg to Honduras. Any advice, experience, warnings?

[caradow]

Sorry JACA I have no experience with that route.
We came up from Curacao to Jamaica then Caymans and Cuba then back to Cayman.
I am sure there are others on this forum that have more experience than I.
Wishing you a safe enjoyable passage.