round the world crossing doldrums

[danielpursey]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum (please advise). I am looking for any help on where to find advice/information on crossing the doldrums in mid October. I am taking part in the Clipper round the world race and we cross on route from La Rochelle, France to Salvador, Brazil and am tasked with collating information on the doldrums, any advice would be welcome

Thanks, Daniel

 

[Carolwildbird]

Have you contacted previous crew on past races? I know a couple if you are stuck!

 

[PintPlease]

try getting your hands on Jimmy Cornell's 'World Cruising Routes' or 'World Cruising Handbook'. Not sure which but one or the other has detailed info on doldrums.

Good luck

 

[Twister_Ken]

Call the librarian at the Cruising Association.

 

[TradewindSailor]

Cross the equator about 28 deg west.

Get yourself a copy of the Atlantic pilot ..... very interesting /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif It'll have the winds and currents for each month.

 

[AndrewB]

In October expect to find the Atlantic doldrums between around 10°N and 4°N. You will need to know the position of the ITCZ, the northern boundary of the doldrums (the daily French Atlantic forecasts give this, but on a racing yacht you should get more detailed routing data).

As you cross the ITCZ the steady NE trades die out, the wind gets light and fitful sometimes with strong squalls around thunderstorms. A complication in October on the African side is that you may get caught in the tail-end of the SW monsoon. Its hard, frustrating work for several days until you reach the SE trades.

Routing is tricky. The doldrum belt is wider on the African side of the Atlantic than on the American side. Even so southbound yachts don't go too far west or they would be hard on the wind in the SE trades. Cruisers (like me) aim to cross the equator between 27-28°W at this time of year. My guess is that for a race to Salvador, you might aim nearer 29-30°W. (Yachts racing to South Africa or beyond seem to cross more to the east).

BTW Enjoy Salvador, one of the world's best sailing destinations!

 

[danielpursey]

Thanks for that. I have looked at sat images of the itcz but struggle to see where it is narrowest. I assume cloud is a sign of rising air and possible little horizontal movement. Would you look to cross where cloud is less? Obviously I will look at wind data also, just interested in how you would use visible sat images?

Daniel

 

[snowleopard]

I just happen to have Jimmy Cornell's book 'World Cruising Routes' beside me. (If you're planning a RTW you should get it).

"After August the crossing point moves gradually West, being 25°W in September and 27°W or 28°W in October. During these months southerly winds may be met between 7°N and 8°N"