Cuba/Mexico passage

[Kalinowski]

We are purchasing a condo with slip in Puerto Aventuras (Yucatan) Mexico as our long term base. We'll also be moving our yacht there. I'm wondering what crossing the straits to Cuba will be like. Has anyone recently made this passage?

[model 10]

Like what do you mean? Moonlit night no wind, motor the whole way. No moon very dark night Coast guard sneaking around without any lights or AIS?

[belizesailor]

Its not far, but the Yucatan Channel can get ugly if wind sets up against the Yucatan Current (precursor of the Gulf Stream). Sorta like FL to Bahamas, not far, but could be the longest trip of your life.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Its not far, but the Yucatan Channel can get ugly if wind sets up against the Yucatan Current (precursor of the Gulf Stream). Sorta like FL to Bahamas, not far, but could be the longest trip of your life.

Man o man, dat is true. I have been trying to talk my wife into crossing it a third time. The first 2 sucked pretty bad. I'm telling her we won't make another mistake...

[Thumbs Up]

I will be looking for dock space in Puerto Aventuras for this coming winter and spring. Please contact me if you want to rent out your slip for the interim or if you know of any spaces for rent during that timeframe . It would need to be a side tie (I have a wide boat).

I too would like to hear some relevant information on passages to Cuba from that area such as: most convenient port of entry, weather pattern to look for when choosing a window, route choices, plus any stories anyone would care to share.