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Old 19-03-2021, 19:56   #1
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Key West to Georgetown routing

Looking for past successful routings for Key West to Georgetown. We are a Leopard 40 cat that draws 3-10. Appreciate any insights.
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Old 20-03-2021, 04:28   #2
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

Which Georgetown
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Old 20-03-2021, 08:54   #3
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

Bahamas
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Old 20-03-2021, 09:39   #4
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

there aren't really any insights to be had, it is all about the wind direction and going around Andros and across the Bank
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Old 20-03-2021, 09:44   #5
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

If you haven't read it, you need a copy of "The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South." It is basically a whole book of the how's and wherefores of this trip.

I have read it, and studied it, and used it (many times) and agree with 99% of everything the author suggests. I would strongly suggest you do the same. It's way better than just getting a paragraph or two of generic advice from an unvetted source on an internet forum.
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Old 20-03-2021, 11:25   #6
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

N of Cay Sal Bank
S around Andros
Across Tongue of the Ocean
Decca Channel
Dotham Cut
Exuma Sound
Conch Cay Cut
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Old 20-03-2021, 11:45   #7
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Carroll View Post
N of Cay Sal Bank
S around Andros
Across Tongue of the Ocean
Decca Channel
Dotham Cut
Exuma Sound
Conch Cay Cut


Finally an answer to the question. But a question back.

Why so far north to cut across from the banks to Exuma Sound. Are there no channels a little farther south? Don't have my charts or books at the house so can only get a rough idea online but looks like there are a couple of places you could cross like just south of Darby Island.
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Old 20-03-2021, 12:09   #8
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

Maybe there is something south of Decca Channel, but I haven't done it
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Old 20-03-2021, 12:18   #9
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

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Originally Posted by skipmac View Post


Finally an answer to the question. But a question back.

Why so far north to cut across from the banks to Exuma Sound. Are there no channels a little farther south? Don't have my charts or books at the house so can only get a rough idea online but looks like there are a couple of places you could cross like just south of Darby Island.
Just from memory: any route further south from the Keys is dead against the Gulf Stream to start. Then the shallow water route is ill defined if you choose one, even to the point of dry sand banks in spots. If you get stuck in there there's no one coming.

OTOH, Going from Key West towards Bimini and the normal route, you are taking advantage of the Gulf Stream.
Others know more than me though...
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Old 20-03-2021, 13:09   #10
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

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Maybe there is something south of Decca Channel, but I haven't done it
Well I guess better than me. I've never come into the Exumas from the west, always from Nassau across the northern edge of the banks so no experience at all in the southern end of the Tongue of the Ocean nor the banks east of there.
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Old 20-03-2021, 13:13   #11
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheechako View Post
Just from memory: any route further south from the Keys is dead against the Gulf Stream to start. Then the shallow water route is ill defined if you choose one, even to the point of dry sand banks in spots. If you get stuck in there there's no one coming.

OTOH, Going from Key West towards Bimini and the normal route, you are taking advantage of the Gulf Stream.
Others know more than me though...
I think the worst against the current would be heading south of Andros. From Key West to the Cay Sal Banks you will have the current with you. Past Cay Sal the current is NE-N and the course to the south end of Andros is kind of ESE. Once on the banks west of Andros I think the currents will be mostly tidal so on and off the banks but this is pure speculation. Not sure if the easterly currents coming out of the Old Bahamas Channel wander up onto the banks or stay in the deep water.

Once past the southern tip of Andros I think definitely no Gulf Stream, just local stuff.
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Old 20-03-2021, 13:16   #12
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Re: Key West to Georgetown routing

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Originally Posted by Cheechako View Post
Then the shallow water route is ill defined if you choose one, even to the point of dry sand banks in spots. If you get stuck in there there's no one coming.
That looks like the biggest concern. Looking at satellite maps and online charts it looks like there are deep water routes in several places but yes, you guess wrong and you have a long way back if you have to turn around and if you get into trouble you are definitely on your own. Not an idea for the faint of heart nor for other than clear, calm weather.
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