Cruising Central America - Hurricane Season

walden · 16-06-2009, 19:05

Hello Everyone!

A friend of mine are looking to do an extended trip in Central America with a 31 - 40 foot sailboat -- notably, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and potentially Panama.

One of our primary goals on the trip will be do find some good surf, and there are plenty of good breaks in this area - I've surfed a handful of them in the past.

Unfortunately, the best time for waves, happens to be the "worst" time to be in the area on a sailboat due to potential for hurricane activity. We've used a sailboat to anchor off of breaks in Puerto Rico and the BVI and had some success but I'm wondering if this concept in Central America is workable.

If we expect storms, are there places to hide the boat and take shelter? Are there places to absolutely 100% avoid this time of year? Should we stay within a certain range of main ports during this season?

We've done a few deliveries, a bunch of Caribbean island hopping and have other small boat racing experience.

Your comments on this idea would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Walden

gosstyla · 17-06-2009, 09:39

Pacific side should be okay.

Atlantic, no problem with Panama and probably Costa Rica. Hurricanes visit the remaining countries most often in latter part of the season.

George Wade · 19-06-2009, 01:26

The swell from a hurricane travels a long way; it can be as exciting as the hurricane itself and as dangerous close to shore. Far enough south and the hurricanes have little chance of visiting. If you keep watch on the surf and anchor in deep water, or in an inlet that is sheltered: OK with some luck.

16-06-2009, 19:05	#1
walden Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1	Cruising Central America - Hurricane Season Hello Everyone! A friend of mine are looking to do an extended trip in Central America with a 31 - 40 foot sailboat -- notably, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and potentially Panama. One of our primary goals on the trip will be do find some good surf, and there are plenty of good breaks in this area - I've surfed a handful of them in the past. Unfortunately, the best time for waves, happens to be the "worst" time to be in the area on a sailboat due to potential for hurricane activity. We've used a sailboat to anchor off of breaks in Puerto Rico and the BVI and had some success but I'm wondering if this concept in Central America is workable. If we expect storms, are there places to hide the boat and take shelter? Are there places to absolutely 100% avoid this time of year? Should we stay within a certain range of main ports during this season? We've done a few deliveries, a bunch of Caribbean island hopping and have other small boat racing experience. Your comments on this idea would be appreciated. Sincerely, Walden

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17-06-2009, 09:39	#2
gosstyla Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 222	Pacific side should be okay. Atlantic, no problem with Panama and probably Costa Rica. Hurricanes visit the remaining countries most often in latter part of the season.

19-06-2009, 01:26	#3
George Wade Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: West Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 187	The swell from a hurricane travels a long way; it can be as exciting as the hurricane itself and as dangerous close to shore. Far enough south and the hurricanes have little chance of visiting. If you keep watch on the surf and anchor in deep water, or in an inlet that is sheltered: OK with some luck.