Free: Who's going to the Bahamas!?

[SeaYouLater16]

We are a 30' sailboat cruising to the Bahamas the first week of March from South Florida searching for another sailboat to cross the Gulf Stream with. The captain has sailed down from North Carolina on the ICW but has not crossed open ocean waters yet.

If you are planning to head to the Bahamas next week (Feb.1st-March6th), we would like to cruise along side just to be safe.

We are flexible with leaving dates and location.

Please let us know!

Cheers!
SV Bella

[borvaprops]

You're going to be just fine on your own. Just watch the weather and make sure you don't leave with any N component wind unless it's very very light. Where are you crossing from and to?


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[flippercarson]

I'll echo the other sentiment mentioned here.

It's 50 miles. Easy peasy. Wait for a nice SW breeze and head on over.

Northerly drift will be 2-3 kts so start well south of your intended destination. Leave before daybreak and you'll arrive with lots of time for cocktails in the afternoon.

When heading to the Abacos, my wife and I prefer to leave at night so we arrive at the Bahama bank at first light, as it's still a bit of a sail on to Great Sale Cay after that.

If heading to Bimini, leave at first light, arrive in the afternoon.

Worst crossing I ever had was 30kts of wind from the North in the middle of rainstorms, at night, all the way back from Memory Rock in the Bahamas to Jupiter Florida. The wind was so strong that we actually ended up SOUTH of our destination.... Now that was a lumpy crossing.

On a sunny day, with 10 kts from the south, it's nothing more than an afternoon sail. Close the seacocks, file a sailing plan, and enjoy the day!

[Dave852]

We hope to leave by the end of next week but can't help with the buddy boat thing. You are in charge of how easy it is. If you wait for the right conditions it is easy. The folks that arrive all beat up were inpatient. Keep coming south while waiting for the right conditions, as far as Rodriguez key unless your going to grand Bahama or something as it will make for a better angle in most conditions. Enjoy and we might see you along the way.


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[Ocean Girl]

Bella, listen to the morning net for your area. Are you around Miami? I saw a Bella the other day:-) . Lots of folks will be crossing next week with a good weather window, so you should have no trouble finding someone. We are heading north to okeechobee, just came from the Bahamas a couple months ago.
Are you crossing over to bimini?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, SV Bella.

[lesterbutch]

If you have ever two boated before, you know it's a pain in the butt. Of course that depends on how anal you are, for me it's worse than for most. I have long since given it up and gone to com. checks with other boats and to heck with seeing them. You can always arrange for a meeting after you've cleared in.

[tdh1849]

There are 3 sailing clubs in the area of Ft.Lauderdale, they are: Hillsborough Inlet Sailing Club, Gulfstream Sailing Club and the Sailing Singles of South Florida.
All have websites with contact phone #s.

All are active and in the Bahamas frequently..............

[akprb]

Odds are when the wind clocks south to southwesterly you will not be alone :-) We like to jump off from No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne. There will be plenty of others doing the same. Enjoy it! That first time is a blast!

[david knowles]

Once waited a week in Miami for weather It was worth it. Stream turns square waves with much north breeze. it's an easy trip. I usually left Miami at midnight, went 15 miles south then crossed to Bimini and arrived early morning. stay close to Florida until you are ready to cross. When the stream catches you the boat is moving north Bluest clearest water you will ever see. have fun

[JeffnCristol]

We'll be one month behind you - late March crossing to Bimini. 1st time crossing for us.

Subscribing to this thread - please let us know how it went.

[sailjumanji]

Ditto for us. Early April crossing. First timers.

[MAK982]

Four or Five boats are leaving from Ft. Pierce on or about the beginning of March to position us to be in No Name for a crossing to Bimini shortly thereafter. If interested in more detail I guess you can respond to this site and we can make contact.
MAK982

[laika]

Another couple first timers here, leaving Lake Worth hopefully inside two weeks!

[robgrant1]

Good luck with your crossing! Our turn (the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise) will come next December or January. Can't wait to read about your successful voyage!