jay
New member
Thinking about crossing from southern Carib to Gib in the spring. What are the pros and cons of the Bermuda/Azores route versus staying further south? And exactly how far south should that be? Has anyone done both routes?
Atlantic Routes - West to east
- Thread starter jay
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capnsensible
Well-known member
Yup, done them!
I like to leave late, as in well into June, not too much risk of hurricane and less likely for normal depressions that you get april/may. The most pleasant trip I did was early July. Needs loadsa diesel though but then you can just about do rhumb line with the choice to go north if fuel is getting short.
Bermuda and Azores though are just great places to visit, seems a pity to miss them if you have time. Like both areas.
CS
I like to leave late, as in well into June, not too much risk of hurricane and less likely for normal depressions that you get april/may. The most pleasant trip I did was early July. Needs loadsa diesel though but then you can just about do rhumb line with the choice to go north if fuel is getting short.
Bermuda and Azores though are just great places to visit, seems a pity to miss them if you have time. Like both areas.
CS
Neil_Y
Well-known member
Azores are a great place to visit, we spent nearly a month visiting six of the nine islands. Probably my favourite cruising ground next to the Rias of Northern Spain.
TQA
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Kinda depends on the position of the Azores high.
Most smaller sail boats with limited fuel tankage do the Northern route but the megayachts with powerful engines just run the rhumb line and expect to motor much of the way.
Most smaller sail boats with limited fuel tankage do the Northern route but the megayachts with powerful engines just run the rhumb line and expect to motor much of the way.
tarik
Member
Azores - Gib
I'm planning to cross from the Azores to Gib in late June/July, after the Jester sail down there. Any advice re route/wind direction etc,
Cheers
David
I'm planning to cross from the Azores to Gib in late June/July, after the Jester sail down there. Any advice re route/wind direction etc,
Cheers
David
capnsensible
Well-known member
Hiya David, its generally (in my experience) not a bad time to do it. Bet it rains at some stage though!
Ive generally tended to sail high towards Cape St Vincent to get up current and up to the prevailing wind.
Does get very busy with shipping round there so you will need to be alert after 6 odd days singlehanding.
There is a good pit stop at Lagos for you to get your breath back and taste green wine and sardines, yum!
Straightforward from there to Gib, but again busy at the start of the Straits. Best time off Cape Trafalgar is around 4 hours before high water Gib, but not vital.
Enjoy your trip and look forward to a beer to celebrate!
Ive generally tended to sail high towards Cape St Vincent to get up current and up to the prevailing wind.
Does get very busy with shipping round there so you will need to be alert after 6 odd days singlehanding.
There is a good pit stop at Lagos for you to get your breath back and taste green wine and sardines, yum!
Straightforward from there to Gib, but again busy at the start of the Straits. Best time off Cape Trafalgar is around 4 hours before high water Gib, but not vital.
Enjoy your trip and look forward to a beer to celebrate!
VO5
New member
Hello David. I agree with Chris and it is exactly what I advised last meeting.
Use the Portugal current to help sweep you down and round the corner.
At the eastern end of the straits keep well clear of the red sector of Europa point Lighthouse. Give me a ring on arrival for more beer.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. See you then.
Use the Portugal current to help sweep you down and round the corner.
At the eastern end of the straits keep well clear of the red sector of Europa point Lighthouse. Give me a ring on arrival for more beer.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. See you then.
SimonJ
Member
Hi. I have done it by both routes.
Bermuda route provides most reliable sailing conditions. If you actually go into Bermuda you may have to wait for a leaving window as depressions coming off USA can dominate weather pattern. Bermuda is a neat place but expensive for almost everything - go well stocked and only buy necessities (their income is not apparently taxed but everything sold seems to be!)
After Bermuda the further north you go initialy the cooler and stronger winds. At times very strong ..or very light!
Direct rhumb line route from Caribbean will involve lots of motoring in light airs after a brisk start. I found the sea while never rough to be too 'popply' to move without engine. In my 34ft boat I took (in 2009) a total of 65 US galls for my little engine which I eked out at minimum revs over a 28 day voyage when it was well used! I used most fuel and if I could have carried more I would have done so.
As my extra crew person (son) only had a month off work I did not have time to go via Bermuda but would do so next time if there were no time contsraints.
Azores are a must visit region - allow a month!
Leaving 1 June is about right to get best conditions at start from Caribbean and least chance of gales in latter stages.
