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Old 12-01-2019, 17:13   #1
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Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

We are planning our first crossing to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale (without a training captain). Maybe someone can help verify or correct our planning criteria.

Winds from E-S-W between 6 knots to 15 knots of wind. Wave height below 5 feet and wave period over 7 seconds.

Does this seem right?

We have Predict Wind and TimeZero, which we use to plan our trips. Our boat is a 60-foot sailing catamaran with a 28-foot beam.
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Old 12-01-2019, 20:13   #2
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

You'll be just fine motor sailing across.

Really, people make way too big a deal out of crossing the Gulf Stream the short distance to the Bahamas. If there is no North component to the wind, you are fine.... and with a 60' cat, you're super okay.

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Old 13-01-2019, 04:23   #3
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

Your criteria are fine. A bit NW is ok too as long as its not strong, but NW typically soon shifts to N.

Right now per Windy (using ECMWF) looks like a potentially great window to cross.

Where is your planned port of entry in the Bahamas?
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Old 13-01-2019, 06:46   #4
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

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Originally Posted by funjohnson View Post
You'll be just fine motor sailing across.

Really, people make way too big a deal out of crossing the Gulf Stream the short distance to the Bahamas. If there is no North component to the wind, you are fine.... and with a 60' cat, you're super okay.

Matt
Ah thank you. That helps. Much appreciated.
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Old 13-01-2019, 06:48   #5
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

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Your criteria are fine. A bit NW is ok too as long as its not strong, but NW typically soon shifts to N.

Right now per Windy (using ECMWF) looks like a potentially great window to cross.

Where is your planned port of entry in the Bahamas?
Ah, thank you!

We are thinking either Bimini or West End. The problem with West End is that, we didn't find many anchorages near West End, and we don't want to take the catamaran into the marina to check in.
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Old 13-01-2019, 07:33   #6
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

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Ah, thank you!

We are thinking either Bimini or West End. The problem with West End is that, we didn't find many anchorages near West End, and we don't want to take the catamaran into the marina to check in.
In today's conditions, SE 15kts, West End is going to be a much better destination for you than Bimini. Should be a great ride on a big cat!

Why avoid the marina?
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Old 13-01-2019, 07:34   #7
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

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In today's conditions, SE 15kts, West End is going to be a much better destination for you than Bimini. Should be a great ride on a big cat!

Why avoid the marina?
We aren't the best at docking and... there where quite a few sport fish boats that didn't seem to care much about speed in the marina. Close encounter with one of them.
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Old 13-01-2019, 07:46   #8
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

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We aren't the best at docking and... there where quite a few sport fish boats that didn't seem to care much about speed in the marina. Close encounter with one of them.
Unfortunately, thats quite common among cruisers.

At a marina where I used to help out sometimes we used the line "We've got a strong cross current in here, do you mind if I take her in for you?" with obviously nervous cruisers. Their relief was palpable...they usually jumped on the offer! [emoji16]

Take over a more experienced hand or find someone there who will do some docking excercises with you. Being comfortable handling your boat under power will make your life less stressful and more convenient.

Maybe someone here on CF with the right skill set is near West End?
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Old 13-01-2019, 07:48   #9
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

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Originally Posted by belizesailor View Post
Unfortunately, thats quite common among cruisers.

At a marina where I used to help out sometimes we used the line "We've got a strong cross current in here, do you mind if I take her in for you?" with obviously nervous cruisers. Their relief was palpable...they usually jumped on the offer! [emoji16]

Take over a more experienced hand or find somone there who will do some docking excerises with you. Being confortable handling your boat under power will make your life less stressful and more convenient.

Maybe someone here on CF with the right skill set is near West End?
Yea, those are good ideas

I suppose, if we have to go in, we can, but we'd much rather not. haha.

We do have BIG fenders, so damage to anything is VERY unlikely.
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Old 13-01-2019, 09:20   #10
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

As mentioned you should be fine. From Ft.Lauderdale to West End I would leave at about 8pm in my Hunter 33.5 and arrive at West End at daybreak. There is room outside the marina to anchor and then dinghy in to take care of Customs.


I occasionally would not check in at West End but continue on to Green Turtle and dinghy in to main street and enter there. Be sure to fly the flag showing you have not yet cleared in.
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Old 13-01-2019, 09:30   #11
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

Abacos are typically pretty cold and stormy this time of year. Bimini is where I'd head and then work my way East and South.

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Old 13-01-2019, 09:52   #12
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

BTW, the internet is saying that the current weather at Marsh Harbor, Abacos is 73 degrees, wind 13 from the SE and light rain.
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Old 13-01-2019, 09:54   #13
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

Why not Bimini?. Easy to reach as long as there is no norther system annonced. Norther may be weaks, or very nasty, and Gulfstream with a north wind component may generate steep waves. Besides the norther to be avoided any other wind(or no wind!) will be good as long as it is not blowing a storm. Inside Bimini, anchorage is good, and services are perfect.
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Old 13-01-2019, 12:44   #14
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

Why not go to Memory Rock, sail to Great Sale, anchor, and then check in next day at Spanish Cay or, better, Green Turtle, where you can anchor out in good holding?
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Old 13-01-2019, 13:59   #15
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Re: Planning criteria for our first Gulf Stream crossing

Even a northly component up to 5-8knots is quite pleasant and we are a little tender. West End has lots of room to turn that big cat around.
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