Is this the year I make it to the Bahamas??

[Lost Lake]

Is anyone planning a trip to the Bahamas?? As a NOOB I'd like to have company as I risk life and ship crossing the sea, Bermuda Triangle, shark infested waters and that nasty current stream thingy that I can't remember right now....

[frank]

When are you going? I'll be crossing late Jan.

[Lost Lake]

Not late January, that will be our Disney vacation this year.

One other detail I should point out: I would like to do this with my wife and three kids on our CP19. I suppose there are better times of the year to go than others, such as non-hurricane season and all that.

I think I have a lot of studying to do!!!

[Paul]

Lost Lake,

You are kidding, right?!

I don't mean to sound rude, but sailing from the lower 48 to the Bahamas in a CP-19 with the wife and kids is not a good idea.  There are more appropriate ways to get to the Bahamas, even by sailing.  However, doing so in a 19 is not appropriate.  As you further study the idea, I am sure you'll find the reasons why.

There are charters out there.  You can even find small sailing craft once you get there.  There's a Mom and Pop company that gets you into Sea Pearl 21's for group sailing from island to island. 

Good luck in your endeavors to get to the Bahamas this winter, safely.

Paul

PS.  Here's a link to a brave soul's sailing adventures crossing the Gulf Stream and having the time of her life in the Bahamas.  She sails a CP-27/2.  Dream!  You can always dream.  She's made it a reality.  All she needed was a little Pixie Dust. 

[Rick Klages]

It can be done!

http://www.photoboto.com/psyched_up.htm


ick

[Paul]

Yea, no doubt it can be done.  IMHO, there are better ways to accomplish the goal of plying the beautiful waters of the Bahamas.

Just my $0.002.  (That's all I have left after filling my tank this evening). 

[Lost Lake]

Now now now, I just read that book about the guy who sailed his CP16 and CP19 all around the Bahamas and other exotic locals, and he had the time of his life!

I was led to believe the CP19 was a sturdy vessel and could handle 15 hours at sea. Of course the Titanic was a bit larger and sunk rather quickly, but haven't some crossed the ocean in 10' boats already? It's not like I am setting any records here...

The biggest concern would be the wife and three kids!

I thought I'd rent a life raft just for security, and watch the weather closely. It can't be much different than flying a four place airplane from mid-Wisconsin to Florida and back, which I did not long after getting my Private license.

I'd just feel safer if there were several boats in the group to bounce ideas off and help if needed.

[jimyoung]

LL,

I have no doubts that the 19 can hold up to the crossing, especially if you get a good weather window and going with another boat or two on the first time over is a good idea but you will need to consider;

If the boats you are traveling with have a considerable difference in waterline length I doubt they will be willing to powerdown and wait on you so you will need to stagger departure times and may not see them through most of the trip.

If you have light  s.e. winds (best for comfort) then your trip across the Gulf Stream will be extremely slow as you will be fighting a 2 knot cross current combined with a northerly wind push..... in a 19 plan on a 1 - 2 knot track and your crossing time can jump to 19 - 24 hours. comming home this will all be working for you but you have to get there first.

If your making the trip during the winter months you may see some winds from the n.w. but the stream gets REALLY rough and the trip will NOT be fun.

Once you get there remember that the Bahamas have very few navigational aids so if your approach is at night and you are not running with GPS lay offshore till daylight.... Trust me on this one.

All in all sounds like a great trip but if were me I would fly over to the Abacos, charter a boat there, enjoy the extra night at Nippers and fly home when you are done.  I did and my 27 was never the wiser.