Atlantic West to East

[Bejasus]

I understand that crossing the Atlantic from East to West, via the Cape Verde area, is best undertaken between late November to early January. However, what about West to East via the Azores? Which months are normally regarded as the most suitable to undertake this?

 

[Twister_Ken]

According to my copy of Don Street's Transatlantic Crossing Guide, late May, June, early July. via Bermuda and possibly Azores if you are heading for the Med

 

[Bejasus]

thanks Ken

given that this years first hurricane reared it's ugly head in late July, I guess that late May/early June probably favourite then.

 

[snowleopard]

You need to be well East of Bermuda before July as early season hurricanes can track near there. The last leg from Azores to UK can be left as late as August to get the best of the summer weather.

 

[Bejasus]

thanks snowleopard. Return to UK not currently in the plan, into the Med more likely at this time. Trip via the Azores to pay VAT.

 

[Twister_Ken]

PS - Cape Verdes don't even get a mention as part of a west-east route.

 

[Bejasus]

which is why I said East/West via the Cape Verdes or thereabouts and West/East via the Azores. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[ChrisE]

If you are mad you can go via the Verdes W-E, trouble is you will be beating up from them to the Canaries or the Med. Not a happy prospect.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

At the risk of sounding pedantic, first hurricanes this year were in early July, albeit further south and into the Gulf of Mexico.

Bermuda has had a couple of tropical storms eg up to 70knots of wind, over the past 4 weeks, which have not been published in the media elsewhere.

As you and snowleopard have discussed, it seems you will be clear.

BTW< what's the VAT rate in the Azores, as a matter of interest?

 

[Bejasus]

Hurricane Irene currently South & East of Bermuda.

AFAIK currently around 12% but based on bill of sale and valuation not required.

 

[Kilter]

I left end of June from St Martin. Loved the Azores, spent much longer there than originally intnded and worth every moment.

 

[snowleopard]

DJB recently did the azores VAT thing. He reported that the rate has just gone from 12% to 15%.

 

[Bejasus]

Ooer

Googled and found this

Interesting bits are on pages 3, 29 & 30.

Looks like I will have to factor in another 2-3k

 

[jamesdestin]

What about the SS Great Britain at Bristol?

 

[Bejasus]

What about it? Hate to think what the mooring costs are. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[TigaWave]

Leave your self plenty of time to explore the Azores. We had four weeks there and it wasn't enough.

 

[Bejasus]

I would would be travelling with a skipper, and would probably have to leave the boat there for a month whilst I return to work anyhow, or have the skipper continue the delivery into the Med.