Route to Puerto Rico from Nassau

[akin_alan]

Anyone have a preference for sailing to Pureto Rico from Nassau. Do you go inside the thorny path or do you cut out into the Atlantic? Any experiences?

[prroots]

Originally Posted by akin_alan

Anyone have a preference for sailing to Pureto Rico from Nassau. Do you go inside the thorny path or do you cut out into the Atlantic? Any experiences?

We've done it both ways. The next trip we're planning to weave our way down through the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, then make the 376 nm passage from Grand Turk Island to Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Don't believe there's a right or wrong answer; it depends on your level of experience and goals. My suggestion, if you're just starting out, is to get your feet wet on the 'Thorny Passage'. Another suggestion is to study the Pilot Charts for the months of interest. That will give you a feel for wind directions, currents, and wave heights. In fact a close study of the Pilot Charts will give you a better appreciation for some of the discussions here on this forum about passages South.
Pete

[ughmo2000]

The website for on-line pilot charts:

Maritime Safety Information

[sailordave]

I have done FLL to the islands. Went through Hole in the Wall and offshore from there.

I would say go east and down UNLESS you have lots of time and want to pick your way through the islands. I've always wanted to go cruising around the Bahamas for a month or 3 as it seems I'm always just crewing and delivering (or racing)