Exumas...getting there

[suemw]

Hoping for advice to a first timer heading to the Exumas.
We are currently in Fort Pierce. Thinking about the pros and cons of crossing to the Bahamas from here with a decent weather window and then heading south through the Bahamas to Exumas vs heading south from here, either outside or ICW to Lauderdale or Miami and then crossing to Bahamas. Thinking that any good weather window this time of year, from South Fl should be considered but not sure about the trip south through the Bahamas if we cross from Fort Pierce. Thanks in advance for any all thoughts on the matter.

[Pitchondesign]

We cross Ft Pierce to Exumas regularly. Multiple routes, depending on where you want to clear in. Our favorite is to hug the Florida coast to either Stuart, or possibly Lake Worth, the cross at your best angle to the Gulf Stream. Then continue to either Chub, Fraziers Hog (east side of Chub) to clear in, then West Bay on New Providence, then on to the Exumas. You could substitute Great Harbor for Chub. We never felt the need to go all the way to Ft Lauderdale or Miami, as it adds days to the trip. We are 50', and not ICW friendly. Might make a different decision in a smaller boat. You need good weather window to do this route.

[belizesailor]

Related currently active thread:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=195434

[karenmccraw]

We're in Key West ready to cross to Bimini now (but not on a schedule). First time crossing the Gulf Stream for us. Winds right now are forecast for the next 5 days to be 15ish from the east, 4'seas with 5 sec period. That doesn't sound to bad to us - but I don't see any discussion of direct east winds. What do the experience sailors say about east winds - wait a while to see a southerly component?

[flyingfin]

Crossing from Pt Fierce puts you on the shallow bank north of Grand Bahama Island, not a good place to be when the next cold front moves thru and winds blow from the NW, then NE, then E. for several days. Suggest you go south and cross from West Palm (good) or Lauderdale (better) or Miami (best) and head east from there.

If you start to cross and either the weather or vessel acts up, heading into NW Providence Channel provides lots of depth and gives one the options to clear in at Bimini, Morgans Bluff, Nassau, Great Harbour or Freeport. Just watch for heavy traffic, lots of big freighters and cruise ships this time of year.

Check the wind forecast here
https://www.windguru.cz/map/?lat=50....1171875&zoom=5

[caradow]

Originally Posted by karenmccraw

We're in Key West ready to cross to Bimini now (but not on a schedule). First time crossing the Gulf Stream for us. Winds right now are forecast for the next 5 days to be 15ish from the east, 4'seas with 5 sec period. That doesn't sound to bad to us - but I don't see any discussion of direct east winds. What do the experience sailors say about east winds - wait a while to see a southerly component?

Just wondering how much experience you have sailing your boat upwind?
That could be a BIG factor with an east wind in the stream.

[karenmccraw]

flyingfin - we're in Key West, not Ft. Pierce.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by suemw

Hoping for advice to a first timer heading to the Exumas.
We are currently in Fort Pierce. Thinking about the pros and cons of crossing to the Bahamas from here with a decent weather window and then heading south through the Bahamas to Exumas vs heading south from here, either outside or ICW to Lauderdale or Miami and then crossing to Bahamas. Thinking that any good weather window this time of year, from South Fl should be considered but not sure about the trip south through the Bahamas if we cross from Fort Pierce. Thanks in advance for any all thoughts on the matter.

This time of year there's a high chance of repeated fronts blowing through. If a good window opens then you should take it. If a window opened soon I would cross to the northern Bahamas and work my way south. If a front hits after you reach the Bahamas there's plenty of places to anchor and wait it out.

If you don't get a good window to cross then I would meander farther south down the ICW or FL coast (depending on your boat and inclination) to have a better angle when a window does open.