Any recommendations of where to go in January?

[npf1]

I'll next have time available, after this summer's jaunts, to go cruising again from January. But, been wondering where the hell to go. Would be departing the UK in Jan but want to be back by late May. Any suggestions? They would be a welcome distraction from my writing a project on this holiday weekend!!

 

[Talbot]

Whitsunday Passages - glorious sailing, good views, good diving etc.

 

[pragmatist]

I think the virtual absence of replies on this is based on the "starting from the UK in January" bit. Perhaps you should consider leaving her on the other side of the pond and you might find more ideas. Brrrrr !

 

[snowleopard]

if you're thinking of leaving the UK in jan aboard a boat, the only route i would suggest is the shortest way into the continental canal system. if you're going to fly to a boat, anywhere between the equator and 20N

 

[npf1]

ah ... Whitsundays would be lovely, but would take months to get there! Afraid, based on current plans, that the boat is likely to be in the UK. I've advertised it for charter for the ARC, which would be the ideal solution, but had no enquiries. Hence the question. And paying for someone to deliver it to the Caribbean isn't an option.

I suppose I could take it south in Sep/Oct and leave it somewhere that would be a better starting point for Jan. Or, perhaps, making my way down to Canaries and Cape Verdes in Jan/Feb (waiting patiently for weather windows of course) stay around there and then head to the Med for a couple of months in March and April. Anyone familiar with Cape Verdes area? Or the western Med (Italy, Sardinia, Corsicam etc) in March/April?

 

[absit_omen]

Think you have your atlas upside down. "Cape Verde in Jan/Feb, Western Med in Mar/April" Good luck!, you must know something I dont about wind and currents.

 

[npf1]

Not got my atlas upside down at all. But haven't read up the detail on these areas yet. Was just hoping for a few pointers, before I go off and do the research, from those who know what these areas are like in those months.

So absit_omen, if you've anything constructive to add I would like to hear it. After all, your profile states you are living aboard in the Med. Is Mar/April worth looking into or not?

 

[Stevie_T]

It is possible of course to depart the UK in January and head off to the Med. I have a friend who runs Fastrack YM courses and does just that. Of course it would depend on if the boat/crew are up to it and would be best to avoid Biscay by going far West out into the Atlantic (or the canal option of course). Looking for a decent weather window would help, but as the passage would be comparably long then a forecast would be pretty unreliable over that kind of period.
Personally seeing as it seems you are doing some sailing this sumer then personally I would leave her in a better location than the UK.

Oh yes, almost forgot, my friend did eventually lose his yacht in a force 11 off Atlantic Portugal, though he wasnt on board at the time.

 

[npf1]

Boat is up to but I'd have to sort out a suitable crew as I don't know many who'd volunteer for that trip!

 

[Stevie_T]

Crewseekers