Transiting Mona Passge

[mike carder]

We will be bringing our AP36 ketch back from Puerto Rico this spring. On the way down we went offshore to BVI. Coming back we plan to take the ‘inside’ route via the north coast of the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The first leg will be along the south coast of Puerto Rico then aross the Mona Passage to Samana. This will be in late march, early april.
There’s plenty written about going east, with many cautions about how nasty it can be in the Mona Passage. But what’s it like going east to west?
I assume it’s better to get round Cabo Rico and go up the west coast of Puerto Rico. Clear out at Mayaguez and head NW from Punta Higuero, leaving Isla Descheo well to port. It doesn’t look as if there is any advantage to be had by going all the way up to Aguadilla.
Given leeway and the current, if we stay on a close reach, heading as much north as we can, we should end up due east of Bahia Samana and well clear of the shoals.
Any advice from people who have done this passage would be much appreciated.