Hilton Head to Georgetown, Exuma Routing Question

[Outisland Bound]

We have a benetau 50' heading to Geortown Exuma ASAP to grab a Hurrican Hole Spot. We just lost our Nav Guru due to medical emergency. Since he has an oxygen mask strapped to his mouth we are having to seek advice from others.
Our plan was to cross the stream early and head for abaco or san salvador then to georgetown. We were not considering a fl coastal route.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[osirissail]

You are going to Georgetown, Exumas for the hurricane season? - make sure your insurance covers you.

[robw_fl]

In a rush to leave the US to find a hurricane hole in the Bahamas? I agree - check up on that insurance policy. Seems an interesting direction for that particular purpose! As for routing... no matter where you cross, you're going to cross. I would go with the original plan. It's more direct than coming down here then across. Keep a good weather eye - supposed to be an interesting year - and right now is the most interesting time to be in the middle of it.

[Hud3]

It's been relatively quiet in the Atlantic so far this season, but it looks like that's about to change. Dr. Jeff Masters, co-founder of the Weather Underground, had this to say in his blog this morning...

...an active period for Atlantic hurricanes is likely for the remainder of August, as the global atmosphere undergoes a major change to the circulation pattern that has dominated Northern Hemisphere weather during July and August.

...The bottom line: I expect we will see 2 - 3 named storms in the Atlantic by the end of August, including one hurricane. Where these storms might develop and move is difficult to say. It currently appears that the global shift in circulation will bring near-average steering currents to the Atlantic over the next ten days, with a series of troughs of low pressure capable of recurving hurricanes, moving across the Atlantic. The GFS model is indicating, though, that during the few days of August, these troughs may weaken, making recurvature of hurricanes less likely, and increasing the probability of landfalling storms.

Dr. Master's track record is pretty good. I'd be reluctant to play the odds just now.

[Auspicious]

It's only three days from Hilton Head to Marsh Harbour - within the bounds of dependable weather forecasting. If things still look good as you're approaching the Bahamas you could easily make Georgetown in another 24 hours under most conditions.

I would head out of Hilton Head perpendicular to the Gulf Stream and turn south after the GS (look for the GS imagery on-line in advance and watch the sea water temperature as you go).

I made Norfolk to Marsh Harbour last December in 3-1/2 days last December on my 40, so you should be able to make somewhat better time.

[Kettlewell]

I will echo the others who are asking why you're headed to Georgetown for hurricane season? The Hurricane Holes are likely to be crowded if not full, and are not immune. A direct hit can still be trouble. An option might be the marina up at Sampson Cay, but still the Bahamas is right on the hurricane track. Better to go elsewhere during hurricane season.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Considering that, based on historic storm tracks, the area from Brunswick, GA to Jacksonville, FL is about the safest(at least from a direct hit) region on the southeast coast, it does seem a curious strategy to head to the Bahamas for safety. IIRC, the only time a direct strike by a tropical storm on Brunswick was recorded, the storm came across Florida from the Gulf.