Crossing the Caribbean Windward to Panama

[SV Yottie]

Hi guys would it be possible to share any posts that are related to this crossing? I realise that it’s probably had a lot of coverage but for the life of me I can’t find any posts.

I’m particularly interested in advice on people’s experiences with times of crossing that are optimal seasonally and routes.

My personal leaning is to head north to Martinique and then straight across to Panama. I understand there are things to see with the ABCs, Colombia and San Blas, but I’d like to just get across. The Pacific is calling.

Thankyou and smooth sailing everyone.

[robert sailor]

You can sail directly across if you wish. The wind and seas can often be a handful in the last part of the journey. It is a bit longer but a reasonable option is to sail direct to the ABC’s and then direct to Panama. That gives you the option of stopping and waiting out any weather in that last leg if need be. That area between the ABC islands and Panama has a well deserved reputation for rough rides.

[SV Yottie]

Thankyou for responding. Always good to have options.

[BenBowSirocco]

It sounds to me like you need a copy of Jimmy Cornell's updated pilot chart book. Those are all questions answered by pilot charts: wind, current, seasonal oscillations and averages.. All in there.

Him and his son made an updated pilot chart book using 30+ years of nav buoy and satellite weather data.



Definitely my favorite planning tool besides google earth.

[s/v Jedi]

On a scale of 1-10 with the East Caribbean an 8, the West Caribbean is a 10+ just like some of the places in the Pacific. It would be a shame if you skip the best.

[dlj]

Originally Posted by BenBowSirocco

It sounds to me like you need a copy of Jimmy Cornell's updated pilot chart book. Those are all questions answered by pilot charts: wind, current, seasonal oscillations and averages.. All in there.

Him and his son made an updated pilot chart book using 30+ years of nav buoy and satellite weather data.



Definitely my favorite planning tool besides google earth.

Or just download the pilot charts...

https://msi.nga.mil/Publications/APC

dj

[SV Yottie]

Originally Posted by BenBowSirocco

It sounds to me like you need a copy of Jimmy Cornell's updated pilot chart book. Those are all questions answered by pilot charts: wind, current, seasonal oscillations and averages.. All in there.

Him and his son made an updated pilot chart book using 30+ years of nav buoy and satellite weather data.



Definitely my favorite planning tool besides google earth.

Thankyou yes I have several of Cornell’s guides. And the pilot. I wouldn’t consider doing without. I’m just asking for other sailors real world experiences and recommendations.

[SV Yottie]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

On a scale of 1-10 with the East Caribbean an 8, the West Caribbean is a 10+ just like some of the places in the Pacific. It would be a shame if you skip the best.

I understand and hear you loud and clear. Maybe next time around