summer passage

[Russ]

Heh, I'm Based in South Florida and want to get to Grenada ASAP and then cruise back slowly. Original Plan was an early departure in October but debating Leaving Now in May.
Hurricanes aside do ya'll think the wind/wave situation will be too adverse at this time of year vs the ideal time in November.
Also wondering about route choices:
1) Sailing Due East to 65 degrees W then turn due South to USVI
2) Sail through NE Providence Channel to Atlantic and down "coasts" of the Bahamas, DR, PR to USVI.

[captstu]

If the weather cooperates, east to 65 degrees is about 15 to 18 days, the coastal route is much longer.

[Russ]

To be clearer.
My main question is a May departure vs November
Second is route
Second was route choice.
By down the costs of Bahamas and on to DR, PR avoiding the whole Mons Passage thing by going out to sea N E of the islands. Not a route Through the islands.
Thanks

[billknny]

Originally Posted by captstu

If the weather cooperates, east to 65 degrees is about 15 to 18 days, the coastal route is much longer.

IF the weather cooperates... I could say that about ANY route to anywhere!

I certainly understand this route leaving from Charleston, Norfolk, or points north. But from South Florida??? I have always wondered about this recommendation. When (post winter cold fronts) do you EVER get a week long break in the trades so trying to get due east isn't a horrible beat? Am I missing something?

I considered myself really lucky getting enough of a break to make a hop from T&C to PR in one 3 day jump!

[Russ]

billknny
Agree in spades the exact reason for question. Goal is to get there quickly vs tour through the islands. Seems making Easting a PIA and seems better done at 25 degrees N as opposed to any farther South ie offshore 50+ miles from Atlantic side of Bahamas and Caribbean

What’s your best route. Russ