Abaco- East End in December

[CaptRex]

Greetings experienced Winter Bahamas cruisers, looking for some condition probabilities for cruising to the Exumas mid Dec. Today's forcast (late Nov) 22 kts, 6 ft seas. Taking a 50' cat with time constraints- seeking opinions what % of the time in Dec conditions too rough E side of Abaco given substantial sailing cat? Thx

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rex.

[lesterbutch]

I guess it would depend upon what you think is too rough. I would think six foot seas in a 50 foot cat as well within the boats capabilities. I have a 35 foot sloop and while I might not cast off with 6 footers I would not be overly worried if they developed during the passage.
As far as winter conditions 6 - 8 is not uncommon between the Abaco's and the U.S. we have had 8 - 10s with 15 or more on the approach to St. Lucie Inlet.

[CaptRex]

Thanks Lester, it's a few of the crew I am worried about. See what
nature brings...

Unfortunately I have not found a resource for % prevailing weather
data for this area. Easterlies the NE or SE will make a big
difference..


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[lesterbutch]

Pehaps if you check out data for South Central FL it will give you a fair approximation at least for the Abaco's. The winter systems are mainly nor-easters and the fair weather systems are so-easters. Sea conditions are generally higher during the winter months. We usually cross only on a good forecast and we watch for early signs that something might be brewing toward the east. If you leave from Lake Worth inlet you can go on the banks in less tha 60 NM. Good luck and fair winds!