Carribean in Dec/Jan

[CraigBradley]

We've been invited to sail a 38ft cat from BVI to Bahamas and possibly US coast over Christmas and as we've never sailed in the Carribean before (20 years in Indian Ocean, Med and English Channel), are in need of some practical guidance.

1. Is this too far for a 2 week 'cruise' or does this fall into the 'delivery' type of sail? We have an 18 month old as would like to do the anchorage / beach thing too.

2. The area does not appear to have 'winter' as we know it in the UK. Is that true or is it still jacket and oily weather?

3. What are the prevailing winds and strengths at that time? Beating a cruising cat to windward will take twice as long as our deep fin mono.

4. What are the visa / entry requirements for BVI and the rest of the chain up to Bahamas / US, particularly if we plan to fly into BVI and fly out of Miami?

5. Are there better options / places to fly in and out of? Who are the better carriers?

6. Are there any other considerations we should be aware of before departing? Are there any 'not-to-be-missed' places and any 'never-agains / 'avoid-at-all-costs'?

Many thanks in anticipation of sailing in a new area and for those currently in the area, we trust you are well battened down and hope Ivan doesn't harm you or yours.

Best wishes

Craig

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[snowleopard]

that's a hell of a long way in 2 weeks and you will feel rushed and disappointed to have to leave places when you've only just arrived. you'll have to spend half the time sailing and the other half recovering!

dec/jan will be hot, expect temperatures around 85F/30C. the 'christmas winds' phenomenon means the trades tend to blow harder at this time of year, expect F4-6 from E-NE, i.e. a broad reach most of the way. a lot of it will be in pretty flat water when you get among the bahamas. a cat will love it.

the visa waiver for passengers arriving in the US doesn't apply to private vessels, you will need to get a visa in advance, $30 i think. the bahamas has recently introduced a large cruising permit fee. the BVI is no problem but USVI requires a US visa i think.

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[AndrewB]

From my experience:

1. BVI to Bahamas in 2 weeks is far more of a delivery trip than a cruise, but you should be able to get in a few brief stopovers en route. Places to stopover are the USVI, 'Spanish' Virgins, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos.

2. There is no cold weather. But heavy rain and quite strong winds are a small possibility, so a light waterproof is desirable.

3. You are going with the wind. Typically F4-5, but as you move slowly north, calms and stronger winds are also possible. The sea is generally slight except on the north coast of Puerto Rico and approaching Turks & Caicos. 'Busters' bringing strong winds from the north/west quadrant can happen as you approach the Bahamas, but are unusual at this time of year.

4. A US visa is needed for arriving by yacht in USVI, Puerto Rico, or mainland US. It can be obtained on arrival, but this is expensive and time-wasting, so get it in advance. With a UK passport, no advance visa is needed for Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, nor I think, the Dominican Republic. There is now a $300 cruising permit fee for the Bahamas, a bit steep for a short visit.

5. I think you can fly direct out of Nassau in the Bahamas.

6. Not to be missed: Exuma Islands. To avoid if possible: Charlotte Amelie, Dominican Republic (except Luberon).






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[ChrisE]

I'd go along with the previous posters and add that we took 5 or 6 days non-stop from the BVIs to Cat Island and then another day to the Exumas. We were in 5/6 knot monohull and in a cat you might do it quicker but it is still a fair old plod. I haven't got my log to hand but from memory Miami is good 4-5 days on from Exuma.

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[Geordie]

There is no international airport in the BVI. The nearest is in St Thomas US VI. Ferry connections to BVI are very good and since distances are short, times are also short.

For what you are planning to do, you MUST get an American Visa before you arrive in any American territory. If you arrive without, you risk a fine at least or imprisonment (I'm not joking) at worst.

Visa requirements (including style of photograph), even for British citizens, are now very strict, possibly entailing a personal visit to the Embassy.

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