The Gulf Stream

[trekoftruth]

Sailing to Cancun from Miami next week on a Catamaran and looking for info regarding the gulfstream/best route to Cancun. I have my intended route just want to see what others have done. Any advice or info is appreciated! New member excited to be apart of cruisersforum! Thanks in advance.

[jeremiason]

SOrry no information on the Gulf Stream, but a little on Mexican Entry

According to several sources, the Caribbean side of Mexico is requiring vessels entrering their country to have a Zarpe, which the US doesn't routinely issue to US vessels departing the US. You should look into this before leaving.

The other suggestion is avoid GUNS... The Mexicans are serious about this and it isn't worth the trouble.

We spent 1.5 years on the Pacific side of Mexico and are working our way around to the Caribbean side, via the canal, next year...

Good luck and have a great sail!

[AnchorageGuy]

We took the less than traditional route and avoided most of the Gulf Stream and the Yucatan Channel, which can be worse than the Gulf Stream. We went west from Key West until about north of Isla and then turned south. All of this of course depends on the position of the currents when you make the transit. Chuck

[Hud3]

You can find a three day forecast of GOM currents here: Ocean Prediction Center - Product Loops Note the west-setting counter current along the NW coast of Cuba.

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, trekoftruth.