Panama to Galapagos in October

[Fat Zoe]

Sailing to Galapagos from Panama in Oct. Anyone know the sea state and wind to expect ? Pacific Pilot shows southerlys and SWers- Keep it positive folks.
Cheers.

[estarzinger]

For the first half it will probably be either be no wind or headwinds (SW), flat seas. For the second half you might get a nice light beam reach (S), or it might stay upwind.

It's not a common time to do the trip because you are heading right into the start of the hurricane season. But you are ok if you stay east of Tahiti.

[Fat Zoe]

Sounds feasable, are you talking from experience ?? we are only 32ft so flat seas are important to make good progress. any news on how El Nino is affecting the pacific this year?

[KairosKona]

Think if you check out the link to their website, you'll find thes folks have extensive cruising knowledge and are advising you from experience!

David

[barnakiel]

Go to Ocean Passages for the World:

"...between Oct and April ...mostly N winds in the Gulf ..." Then probably the (ITCZ) zone and (???) the SE winds below the zone. But do remember the zone is moving S during the N hemisphere fall / winter (it is following the Sun). You may actually end up sailing on the N side of the zone anyway.

You may be lucky to get some help from the SW going part of the circular current (as shown). But do not rely on it - just take it if it is there.

In any case if you go under sails then you will go as dictated by the position of the ITCZ more than any other factor.

b.

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by Fat Zoe

Sounds feasable, are you talking from experience ?? we are only 32ft so flat seas are important to make good progress. any news on how El Nino is affecting the pacific this year?

Yes, we have been that way twice. It's about the flattest body of ocean water there is. No swell and generally light winds.

You can read the El Nino updates here:

Climate Prediction Center: ENSO Diagnostic Discussion

B,

We find Ocean Passages to over simplify that area and not be that accurate for the Panama to Galapagos run. Our experience is either you get doldrums light variable winds (mostly SW but it is possible to get some N if there is a lot of pressure on the caribbean side), or you get a S/SW breeze coming from the stationary high pressure off Ecuador and bending into the gulf. The winds do shift S and SE as you get west but you don't usually get SE until you are past (west of) the Galapagos.

Our experience both times was that its best to head south of the GS route as possible as quick as possible

[Fat Zoe]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated, will let you know how it was when we get there. fair winds.