first cruise timing advice, Fla to TCI

[2Gringos]

Wife and I are zeroing in on buying a small multihull in Florida and sailing it home to the TCI. I know we don't want northern wind components crossing the Gulf Stream. That would be in the winter months, right? If we waited til summer, won't we get a lot of southerly components in our face?

Is there an optimum time of year to sail down to the Southern Bahamas plus 45 miles? We are looking at boats such as the Corsair F 27 and the Performance Gemini 105 in the used boat market. Multihull, shallow draft.

[CaptainForce]

I'm familiar with Florida, but I'm wondering what is the TCI. I can speculate the the BWI could be the British West Indies. I'd rather take that trip in the spring from south Florida if I were beating to windward against the easterilies that are always present. Bruce Van Zant's book describes this passage best, "A Gentleman's Guide to Passages South". take care and joy, Aythya crew

[CaptainForce]

Oh, Yeah,....TCI is probably "textspeak" for Turks & Caicos! Sure, that's closer and easier, but I'd still recommend Bruce's book!

[2Gringos]

Sorry, I figured TCI was pretty common. like USA, USVI, NZ,BVI,DR,PR, and I thought 45 miles south of the Bahamas would confirm it.

So, the advice is to go in the Springtime. Thank you.

I am sure Mr. Van Zants book is nice, but There is one bookstore here in this little nation. It's not a nautical bookstore. Did Dr. Seuss write any cruising journals?

[CaptainForce]

Yeah, you're absolutely right! I need to slow down and read for comprehension. The 45 miles was a "give away"! 'currently in OP and headed for WNC for the holidays, 'take care, Aythya crew

[2Gringos]

you got me on that one. I never heard of either one of those countries.

we are talking about countries, right?

When we aren't asking advice on sailing south through the Bahamas?


Hey, you did get Florida and Bahamas right, though! Thats a start. Now, think....next country south...

[LaGringa]

I don't think it's textspeak tho - they locals call this country the TCI.... lol

[imagine2frolic]

From Miami to Crooked Island in Feb. was a piece of cake. We just listened to the weather.

The Corsair will be a hot rod, but from what I read a wet boat at times. The Gemini successfully goes everywhere. Read SLAPDASH.COM for some real insight on the boat.

While buying Imagine in St. Maarten I met a couple from South Africa. They they their 2 teenage children sailed from S.A. to Maarten. Both boats will get you into skinny water, and it appears you have lots of skinny water in your area.

Late May, or early June will be a much more pleasant sail home from Florida. I personally would take either boat in Winter, Spring, or early Summer. BEST WISHES in getting a boat that will serve you well........i2f