Sailing from New Orleans to Isla Mujeres

[SailingMaverick]

Hi all I am planning a trip from New Orleans to Isla Mujeres in March. I plan on leaving New Orleans going southwest to hit the current that will help us get south... From there sailing on a straight shot to Isla Mujeres.
Anyone have any experience with this trip or any advise?

[Wolfe10]

Can you say: "WEATHER WINDOW, WEATHER WINDOW, WEATHER WINDOW"


This time of year, look carefully at the weather window for your anticipated date of departure(s).

[Mickeyrouse]

I suggest you check (NOAA?) the position of the Gulf Loop Current. At the wrong time of the year, it could be on your nose.
And if that looks okay, try to leave on the back of a frontal passage. That time of year they come thru fairly regularly. There is a lot of heavy traffic in the Gulf. Keep your AIS on.

[SailingMaverick]

Mickey, I have been looking at the gulf Loop Current but I am more interested in the big eddie that is directly south of New Orleans. My thought is to head directly south to the eastern side of that eddie which should propel me south for about 150 Miles. After that, set a course directly to Isla Mujeres. I have been looking but it seems most people prefer to go to the east and use the Gulf Loop current that runs south. I was just trying to find someone who has used this strategy or why people seem to prefer to go to the east... I really don't like doing what no one else is doing so I am question myself and wondering if there is something I might be missing.

[Mickeyrouse]

Sounds reasonable. Let us know he it works out.

[s/v Moondancer]

https://www.noonsite.com/report/head...information-2/