Crusing routes to Europe from Panama

[Reyes]

In just a couple of months I am begining my first voyage from the Sea of Cortez to Europe via the Canal. The Captain/owner of "La Patita" (Little Duck) is a Czechoslovakian born friend of mine who has sailed the Pacific before. He asked me to find the best route to Europe as he dont read English. I.E. Winds/currents. Could anyone help. My email is rweygint@hotmail.com

[jack_patricia]

Reyes, I''ll post a reply here as the purpose of a bulletin board is for everyone to benefit from each contributor''s comments...

The basic question you''re posing is whether you can move the boat eastbound, south of (most of) the hurricane belt, during summer weather. Despite the lessened easterly winds of this season, this is still a tough route and those boats that manage it often must resort to coastal hopping along the Columbian & Venezuelan coastlines, neither of which is problem free (re: boardings). The prevaling easterly wind & current remains in place, and keep in mind weather can be especially difficult off the Columbian coast due to mountain ''channeling'' of the Trades. Still, it''s doable. Try to get a copy of the Latitude 38 or Caribbean Compass issues that recently described this route.

The alternative that even many larger/stronger cruising boats find they must use is to sail NE and make their easting via Jamaica, Hispanola and Puerto Rico, which takes you right into the typical summer hurricane pathway. Not recommended.

Jack

[Reyes]

Thank you very much jack_patricia. I will look for the latitude 38/caribbean compas. We definately will be cautious. Do you know much about the Galapagos ?