Jamaica to San Blas - January

[stuartletton]

We are leaving Norfolk VA early November. Original plan was or is to head around the Caribbean islands and in January leave islands and head for San Blas / Panama.

However there might be an option of a more direct route through Bahamas in Nov Dec and on to Jamiaca and direct to San Blas, leaving Jamaica in early January.

Any informed views of Jamaica - San Blas route in January appreciated.

[colemj]

January will have a bit stronger winds than other months, but other than that it is down hill and mostly above and over the Colombia low that brings higher winds and seas.

Mark

[belizesailor]

Wind wise, ought to be a sleigh ride, but be sure you factor currents into your routing. See attached image of currents.

Ive done Florida-Bahamas-Jamaica-Bay Islands. See the Pineapple Cup route as far as Jamaica.

Also, review the "San Blas Wrecks" thread and heed the advice there. Many boats have been lost on their approach to the San Blas...mostly due to bad decisions.

See Pilot Charts for sea state trends around the Colombian Low and of course watch current sea state forecasts before departing Jamaica. The area of higher sea states can extend quite far West sometimes (got pretty ugly all the way over to San Blas earlier this year).

[Dave852]

We did port Antonio Jamaica to san blas in February, took exactly 3 days. Nice weather, lots of wind and waves.
Did another trip direct from GT Bahamas to Panama Canal at end of April, 5 days with much less wind but plenty of squalls near Panama. As others have said its off the wind easy sailing but can be a bit bumpy in January/February.


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[stuartletton]

Thanks all. Much appreciated.