Thornless Path - Five+ Day Window

[teejayevans]

Looking at the gribs, it looks like there is a 5+ day window for those traveling the thornless path...is that normal?
Tom

[Rod Headlee]

I don't know but I saw that too. Wish I was down there, I'd ride that window.

[colemj]

In February 2010 we jumped on the back of a whopping cold front in Long Island Bahamas and rode a 20kt broad reach for 4 days all the way to Puerto Rico. So, while not normal, these things do happen. Take the opportunity when it presents itself. It is not often that you will get such a fantastic sail on that route and the alternate is a real slog.

Mark

[Teej]

Originally Posted by colemj

In February 2010 we jumped on the back of a whopping cold front in Long Island Bahamas and rode a 20kt broad reach for 4 days all the way to Puerto Rico. So, while not normal, these things do happen. Take the opportunity when it presents itself. It is not often that you will get such a fantastic sail on that route and the alternate is a real slog.

Mark

I caught that same opportunity in Feb, 2010 for my first sail to the eastern Caribbean and what a great sail it was all the way to the BVI's. November was a specific target departure as I had frequently read that is the best month in the winter cruising season to avoid the onslaught of the Christmas trades. So, to that plan, I left Ft Lauderdale early in the first week of November, waited for 3 days in Bimini, Bahamas for the tail end effects of Ivan to pass through and then sailed down through the Bahamas, only overnighting in Warderick Wells (couldn't resist a return visit there), and then straight through to Luperon, DR to let a crew member catch a flight home. Then it was a 4 day sail to Tortola. The sailing was great and even the oft-referred "dreaded Mona Passage" was not an issue. It was all about taking advantage of a great weather window. Wish a return trip this year will go as well!
Teej

[denverd0n]

And therein lies the real key to comfortable cruising. You go on Mother Nature's schedule, not your own. When the weather is good, take advantage of it. When it is not, sit tight, relax, and enjoy (and don't fret about missing your schedule).