Puerto Rico to Columbia route

[simonpickard]

Hello all,

I've been doing my research into this passage and it sounds like the coast of Columbia can be a real nightmare if you're not careful.

We're leaving Puerto Rico (most likely East coast) when we get a good window down to Santa Marta IGY marina. Is this still in the 'danger' zone so to speak?

It's 600 or so miles so should only take 5 days so the forecast shouldn't be too wide of the mark by the time we get there, plus we'll be checking off shore via the sat phone.

Any advice regarding this passage would be most welcomed through. As with most things the more I read the more I get confused but I do understand that this area of the world really needs to be respected.

Thanks in advance,
Simon

[roland stockham]

Worst part of the wind compression zone is at the East end of columbia and yes you get some short steep seas plus about about 1 point higer on the wind.

Comming the other way this summer, any recomendations for a good winter berth wher I can leave the boat in Puerto Rico without it costin an arm & leg. Don't need facilities just security?

Currently looking at Land and Sea Cruisers Club
Golfito Bay

[simonpickard]

Hey Roland,

We've only done the East coast. For us the best marina was 'The Yacht Club'. It's going to be the new IGY marina when they finish the handover. We're here at the moment actually.
Very good staff. Very safe. Large berths and easy docking- which is rare here- some of the channels they try to get you down is crazy when docking.

Price wise it's all pretty much the same for transits. Around $1.25 - $1.50 per foot. However that's per day. There's a LOT of empty berths here. I'm sure you'd be able to get a MUCH better deal if you were leaving the boat for a while.

Regards,
Simon