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Comments on: Burnt Store Marina to Marathon http://wherethecoconutsgrow.com/2014/02/burnt-store-marina-to-marathon/ IN SEARCH OF SURF, SUN, SAND & SERENITY Sun, 06 Dec 2020 19:24:24 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.28 By: Mark and Cindy - s/v Cream Puff http://wherethecoconutsgrow.com/2014/02/burnt-store-marina-to-marathon/#comment-519 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:27:16 +0000 http://www.wherethecoconutsgrow.com/?p=851#comment-519 Hey guys. I thought I would chime in with some unsolicited advice on crossing the Gulf Stream. Even seasoned sailors do not take this passage lightly. With good preparation and a sound plan, the trip can be very enjoyable.

1. Have a start point in the USA that you are comfortable navigating in the dark hours of early morning. Depending on where you depart the USA, you may have to leave at night to ensure a daylight landing.
2. NEVER plan to arrive in the Bahamas after dark. There are strong currents, unmarked reefs and shifting sandbars. Do not expect charted channel markers to be there when you arrive. Ensure you have local knowledge of the arrival port before you leave. Most marina’s in the Bahamas are helpful with the entryways and you can always check activecaptain.com
3. NEVER NEVER NEVER cross the Gulf Stream with any aspect of a North wind. This pits the wind against the Gulf Stream current and huge waves can kick up (20+ feet). You need to take this part very seriously. While you are waiting for a window to cross, wait an extra day for the winds to shift more southerly. The seas will remain rough for about one extra day after the northerly has shifted east or southeast.
4. Use sources such as Chris Parker, NOAA, and passageweather.com to look for a safe window
5. Watch out for traffic. This is a very busy part of the ocean.
6. Be sure to make the course adjustment calculations for the northward current. You heading vs. COG can deviate as much as 25 degrees (depending on the current).
7. Upon arrival, if you are unsure about the entry. Stop. Radio ahead. Some marina’s while send a boat out to follow in. Most likely you can catch another boat to follow into any channels. Talk to other vessels on the VHF. Everyone there is in the same boat (pun intended). So, they are willing to help when asked.
8. Try to arrive on a rising tide. However, this is the lowest priority. Weather is the foremost priority.
On the fun side: Trail a fishing lure as you cross. On the shelves of each coast, the fishing is spectacular. Expect to catch mahi-mahi. Yellow and green lures work best. If you catch the fish on the Bahamas side – claim you caught it in the USA as a fishing permit is required. The water is a beautiful deep blue and very clear.
This is not intended to rattle you in anyway. People cross the Gulf Stream all the time. It just needs to be respected. This will be a great adventure.

Mark

Mark and Cindy
s/v Cream Puff

]]> By: Capt. Jim http://wherethecoconutsgrow.com/2014/02/burnt-store-marina-to-marathon/#comment-499 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 02:11:08 +0000 http://www.wherethecoconutsgrow.com/?p=851#comment-499 Have a great trip, so happy it has finally started the new page and chapter.

]]> By: Matt and Courtney - svyolo.com http://wherethecoconutsgrow.com/2014/02/burnt-store-marina-to-marathon/#comment-498 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 01:05:32 +0000 http://www.wherethecoconutsgrow.com/?p=851#comment-498 Awesome post! Those pics speak for themselves! You guys are doing it. I hope you detect the jealousy I’m feeling right now! Congrats on launching into an amazing adventure. We will be standing by!

]]> By: Whip http://wherethecoconutsgrow.com/2014/02/burnt-store-marina-to-marathon/#comment-497 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 01:02:32 +0000 http://www.wherethecoconutsgrow.com/?p=851#comment-497 Love reading about you guys!

]]> By: Bean http://wherethecoconutsgrow.com/2014/02/burnt-store-marina-to-marathon/#comment-496 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:05:04 +0000 http://www.wherethecoconutsgrow.com/?p=851#comment-496 Great Pictures.

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