From Fort Lauderdale to Antigua - August 2016

[bluemax67]

Starting August 1 I will take my 72 FT Sailing Vessel with a draft of 8'6'' from Fort Lauderdale to Antigua. It's hurricane season therefore I will need to monitor weather often. I don't want to navigate in too shallow waters, therefore I am already thinking of skipping Exumas and making direct to Berry Islands then Eleuthera - Cat Island etc. I will have 3 to 4 weeks. I never did this route so I am looking for advices for routes, anchorages, places to not miss and to avoid etc. Thanks for help!

[boatman61]

Why take the slow route.. from Ft Lauderdale go N over the top off the Bahama's then run East.. when N of SMX hang right and head down to Antigua..
In boat the size of yours that should take around 6 days, 10 days maximum..

[bluemax67]

I would like to enjoy the islands but it could be an idea to be safer with the weather to shorten up. I could make a first leg directly to Dominican Republic, then Puerto Rico, then enjoy for some time the BVI and then Antigua.