crossing the gulf stream towards Key West

[pete33458]

Hmmph. No help at all on my related thread

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ns-121985.html

So let me refine the question. It looks like we will have to clear in at Key West (I had hoped Marathon, but I guess not). I'd like to get input on the best strategy for crossing the gulf stream, coming from the BVI with Key West as the destination. Would you keep sailing west off the coast of Cuba until you had the right crossing vector, or would you cross as soon as possible (towards Marathon or Key Largo) and then make your way along the Keys to Key West? Looking to minimize the time to Key West. thank you. Pete

[sanssouci]

Sail close to Cuba until you reach Piedras del Norte off Veradero, you can obtain fuel in Port Vita Cuba (Port of Entry).

[caradow]

Not exactly sure what you are asking however why back tract to KW just to clear in when you can simply head north and clear in further up...say Ft. Lauderdale.
The bottom line is that you do not have to clear in specifically in KW unless you want to go to KW which by your post is not your choice. ???????????

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by caradow

Not exactly sure what you are asking however why back tract to KW just to clear in when you can simply head north and clear in further up...say Ft. Lauderdale.
The bottom line is that you do not have to clear in specifically in KW unless you want to go to KW which by your post is not your choice. ???????????

Because the boat is going to Punta Gorda.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by sanssouci

Sail close to Cuba until you reach Piedras del Norte off Veradero, you can obtain fuel in Port Vita Cuba (Port of Entry).

Thanks for the info, the fuel from Cuba part might be problematic since we are Americans, but unless the prevailing conditions are very different from normal, I don't think fuel will be an issue. Thanks, Pete

[MarkJ]

Just cross it. Its not that difficult, not that strong. Just point the bow a bit further left than if there was no current.

Download its exact location off Passageweather.com

[pete33458]

Thanks all: there seems to be some misunderstanding as to what I am asking. I have crossed the gulf stream many times, I understand this process and how to adjust my course for current. I am simply asking whether people with experience on this course decided to cross the stream early and then make their way along the Keys, or follow the coast of Cuba and cross later. thanks

[ReMetau]

Do you have the local boater's option?
You may be able to call in and not have to go to KW at all.
Last time we cleared in, we docked in Marathon and had a friend take us to KW airport for clearing in. You may be able to go to Marathon and take the bus down for a few bucks.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by ReMetau

Do you have the local boater's option?
You may be able to call in and not have to go to KW at all.
Last time we cleared in, we docked in Marathon and had a friend take us to KW airport for clearing in. You may be able to go to Marathon and take the bus down for a few bucks.

I do have LBO myself, I'm trying to get the owner to do it as well, not sure the boat is eligible in the end (UK flagged, all US crew). Anyway, I've thought about doing what you suggested, my only concern is that they may decide they want to inspect the boat and we end up in the same place... thanks, pete

[ReMetau]

Are you coming back through the Bahamas?

I would head west as far as possible and then just cut across. If you don't get all the way to KW, then you can take Hawk's Channel the rest of the way.

[Krogensailor]

What about Crossing sooner getting a bump up to long key. Go in at channel 5 . There its a good anchorage there. Continue on to puntagorda

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by ReMetau

Are you coming back through the Bahamas?

I would head west as far as possible and then just cut across. If you don't get all the way to KW, then you can take Hawk's Channel the rest of the way.

This is being considered, in which case Miami would be the easiest. But the preferred would be south of the Bahamas.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by Krogensailor

What about Crossing sooner getting a bump up to long key. Go in at channel 5 . There its a good anchorage there. Continue on to puntagorda

Wouldn't it be nice! But we have to clear in officially, either at KW or MIA.

[MarkJ]

On the map attached, show me the problem. Because I can't see it.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

On the map attached, show me the problem. Because I can't see it.

I guess the problem is that conditions change, and right now the gulf stream current is at a statistical low all along Florida. Hard to say whether it will be that way in a month. I'm working on historical averages, which are not represented by the current (present) conditions.