Where to Go ?

[Mark1977]

I am seriously considering leaving nova Scotia next winter, somewhere new OH and warm!!! I absolutely love nova Scotia in the summer, not so much the winter.
I have recently got a boat that i feel comfortable taking offshore. I have not sailed this boat much yet but i will get comfortable with it in the spring and summer. This is not my first sailboat. i have owned a few in the weekender class but first one this size. I spend plenty of time offshore as i am a commercial fisherman.
I was thinking Bermuda for the first long trip?I was thinking on leaving N.S after hurricane season??? There seems to be a very small window between hurricane season and winter storms.I have been at sea in storms but not by choice. So i guess my question is : Is Bermuda the best choice and when to leave ? any input would be great.....

[Bucky205]

Belize would be my choice. Leaving US Dec thru July.

[Mark1977]

Beautiful place, but a bit too far for my first trip. Someday for sure.

[Bucky205]

You have much less risk going to Belize. Bermuda you leave the US and 6 days later get to Bermuda. You may have been thinking Bahamas that is an overnight trip from the Key's
Belize is Day1 Key West to Cuba. Day 2 Jump to Mexico, couple of day trips down the coast with beautiful anchorages and senorita's and your in belize with a fraction of the exposure of going to Bermuda.

[zeehag]

from nova scotia, head south. somewhere will pop into mind as y0u go and the harbor hopping could be a gas....and is warmer than where you are now.....

[Hud3]

Many folks choose Bermuda as their first offshore destination. We did, and it was a great learning experience.

Rather than waiting in NS until the hurricane season is over (November), how about hopping down the East Coast to Massachusetts, Rhode Island or the Chesapeake Bay in October. Bermuda is a 4-5 day passage from those locations--640 nm or so.

Getting closer would allow you to more accurately pick a weather window. Those November gales can get pretty punishing up your way, I'd bet.

[Mark1977]

Thanks guys, i'm still thinking bermuda is gonna be my choice.