Beaufort NC to the Bahamas

[Snboard976]

We will be in Beaufort in the next couple days and were contemplating making a passage directly to the Bahamas instead of continuing to motor through the ditch.

Has anyone made this trip? How long did it take? Where did you cross the gulf stream and where did you make landfall?

[YARDPRO]

i live in Morehead city (right across the bridge from Beaufort) and have considered it as well.... much shorter route. I have talked to a local that goes that way every time. He has a 34gemini cat, and says he can make it in less than 5 days.

i would wonder how going against the gulf stream would affect your travel.

biggest worry for me is being 170 miles offshore

[SecondWindNC]

I've made this trip, and my dad will be leaving from Beaufort Inlet tomorrow (11.15) on a Pacific Seacraft 34 to make the same trip.

In very general terms, you head ESE from Beaufort Inlet until you're across the Gulf Stream, then head more or less south. Four to five days offshore, maybe six, depending on wind and boat, and landfall at Marsh Harbour is what I've done. I think the owners of the 34 are planning to keep the boat at Guana Cay for starters.

You could also go offshore but hug the coast inside the Gulf Stream, and then cross the stream farther south, if you're worried about being so far offshore, but that would take longer.

Hope that helps.

[SVAuspicious]

I generally agree with SecondWind. Cross the stream as far North as you can and get East of the stream where the air and water temperature are higher. Turn right and aim for Green Turtle Cay. Clear there.