Key West to Jamaica

[mangomuffins]

info, opinions on key west to jamaica?
Thanks,all for weighing in on the tampa to Tx thread

M. M.

[AnchorageGuy]

MM, you can go around the western tip of Cuba and beat into the easterlies, Or sail down the coast to Belize, then head north and have a bit better wind angle, or head down through the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, DR, then around the eastern end of Cuba and downwind to Jamaica, which would be my favorite way since you cover some great cruising grounds along the way. But this all depends on your time frame.

[TexSail]

One possibility would be to sail to Isla Mujeres, then wait for favorable winds and waves, sail to Georgetown Caymans, wait again for favorable wind and waves, then go on in to Montego Bay. I would suggest the Montego Bay Yacht Club to clear in. Be patient. Soon come mon.

You will taking the Gulf Stream head on from Isla to Montego Bay, so beating against wind and big waves might make for a long trip.

Be selective about where you anchor out in Jamaica. Some places are not safe. Negril would be just fine, IMHO and is fun 24/7. You could anchor in the NE corner of Bloody Bay and get protection from the prevailing easterlies. For fresh water, I would see if they would let you fill up with the hose on the Hedonism 2 dock. The water is fine to drink.

Jamaica is a beautiful island and I would highly recommend it. There are not too many cruisers there. The folks at MBYC could give you a heads up on places to avoid. British Admiralty Chart 256 is good but if you can find a copy of John Lethbridge's "Yachtsman's Guide to Jamaica", he has many good tips and detailed local charts. John died a few years back and his book is a little out of date.

[slomotion]

I'm inclined to agree with Chuck. Do your easting in the Keys and Bahamas. Sail up the Keys and make the jump to the Bahamas. Then leisurely island hop southeast until you have a clean shot through the Windward Passage to Jamaica.

[sanssouci]

Originally Posted by slomotion

I'm inclined to agree with Chuck. Do your easting in the Keys and Bahamas. Sail up the Keys and make the jump to the Bahamas. Then leisurely island hop southeast until you have a clean shot through the Windward Passage to Jamaica.

Key West to Old Bahama Channel to Barracoa, Cuba is very do-able.

[sanssouci]

Originally Posted by slomotion

I'm inclined to agree with Chuck. Do your easting in the Keys and Bahamas. Sail up the Keys and make the jump to the Bahamas. Then leisurely island hop southeast until you have a clean shot through the Windward Passage to Jamaica.

RIGHT ON!