Travelling routes in the Caribbean

[Hud3]

Hi, Troutbridge.

Actually their four articles are in the form of a cruising guide for sailors who want to spend time enjoying what the Colombian coast and the ABCs have to offer, rather than sailing directions for passage making. They seemed to me to provide some answers to the questions the OP has posed about coast-hopping eastward from Cartagena to the eastern Caribbean and back.

One of Devilfishlane's questions was, "Couldn't I just stay close to the coast, sail and motor it to Aruba. There are a few small shelters to hide along the Colombian coast from Cartegana around the boot of Colombia, and into Venez." The Kenoefel's four-part cruising guide lays it out for him--weather, anchorages, clearance info, security, and services.

Here's the authors' introduction to their articles, which makes clear their intent:
"Pizazz, a Beneteau 500, has day-sailed along the Colombia coast four times: twice going west (in November 1997 and October 2000) and twice doing the impossible by going east (in early May 1999 and October 2005). Four trips have given us experience BUT we do not claim to be experts. Some people say "you shouldn't stop along that coast", including some guides that say your chances of survival aren't good. However, we believe there are more risks off-shore to your boat or your crew. This guide describes safe anchorages to rest and enjoy, wait for weather, and make repairs, if needed. You will see some beautiful spots along the coast and meet some very friendly people, or you can by-pass all the wonderful anchorages and go direct to Cartagena or the San Blas Islands. You make your choice."

I would be careful using Street's guide, since it is outdated by many years.