Setting sail to the Bahamas in Jan.

[tonette]

Hello from Don and Tonette LaGrone aboard Malolo, our 38' catamaran. We will be setting sail from St. Pete, FL. in Jan - around to the East coast of Fl. and across the Stream then on to the Exumas- Wonder who else might be going that way.
Also, does anyone else have experience with GEOS SAR membership?
Thanks and glad to be here on this forum -

[CSY Man]

Not going this time, but been to the Exumas several times.
Great sailing and cruising there, but plan for the occasional cold front that could prevent you from crossing the Gulf Stream and the Great Bahamas Banks during the winter.
Several times I had to wait a week to cross, give yourself plenty of time and have plan Bs.
As always: The most dangerous item on a sailboat is a calendar...

[tonette]

Many thanks! Appreciate the 'heads up" -

[pesarsten]

I have a similar plan, leaving from the Pasadena ( st pete ) area mid jan. Plan on doing a slow trip through the keys, them possibly over to the Berries.

What area are you moored in?

Paul

[tomfl]

Suggest you stop in at Boot Key and soak up some of the knowledge there. Lots of folks spend some time there getting ready for a trip to the Bahamas. Two possible jumping off points are Boot Key to the banks and then Morgans, Chub, or Nassau; or Rodrigues to Bimini. Almost for sure you can find a buddy boat at Boot Key waiting for a weather window.

[Vasco]

We'll be going again this season. Probably leave in Jan sometime. We usually stage in Miami and clear in in Nassau. This might be our last season although I've been saying this for a few years. Been going since 1990 but I guess there has to be and end to this sometime. We're a B393 "Breathless".

Here's why we cruise in the Bahamas.

[Dulcesuenos]

Were leaving last week of january from key largo, to head across on our 38 athena.. Undecided if were going to exumas or abacos been both places love both places. We may let the weather decide for us. But sounds like our schedules fairly similar depending on weather youll probably be near before middle of January.

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[Dulcesuenos]

To answer your question About geos sar , we have never felt the need for it. I dont know any cruisers who do.

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[JimandBlieu]

Originally Posted by tonette

Hello from Don and Tonette LaGrone aboard Malolo, our 38' catamaran. We will be setting sail from St. Pete, FL. in Jan - around to the East coast of Fl. and across the Stream then on to the Exumas- Wonder who else might be going that way.
Also, does anyone else have experience with GEOS SAR membership?
Thanks and glad to be here on this forum -

Hi Don and Tonette, we have sent a PM.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, tonette, and JimandBlieu.

[OBXSkipper]

I'll second staging at Boot, great place but can get a bit crowded by Jan.

[JimandBlieu]

Thanks GordMay. We have lurked for years (even had another account for a while) and always find your posts informative. You must be an amazing researcher.


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[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to CF Y'all !

[Lodesman]

Originally Posted by tonette

Also, does anyone else have experience with GEOS SAR membership?
-

Can't imagine a need for this. USCG covers the area, including the Bahamas. An EPIRB should be sufficient.

[BobH260]

Originally Posted by tonette

Hello from Don and Tonette LaGrone aboard Malolo, our 38' catamaran. We will be setting sail from St. Pete, FL. in Jan - around to the East coast of Fl. and across the Stream then on to the Exumas- Wonder who else might be going that way.
Also, does anyone else have experience with GEOS SAR membership?
Thanks and glad to be here on this forum -

An EPIRB is a good idea, and maybe a Spot or Delorme. Crossing in January can be difficult getting a window. A small window and you can be stuck in West End (expensive) or Bimini for a week.
Once you leave the USA weather will be an issue if you can't get an Internet connection (usually the best places to be). A good shortwave radio to receive Chris Parker reports is essential. We like the Sirius Sat weather and has allowed us to avoid squalls by knowing what was coming and the direction and speed it is moving. Even anchored out nice to watch the weather coming your way hours before it arrives. https://www.siriusxm.com/sxmmarine/packages
Bob