If you think your professor from your hardest class is tough, try taking one from Mother Nature, the toughest of them all. She usually gives the test before the lesson. If she used a textbook, the page for sailors would include a line that says, “Never cross the Gulf Stream in anything but a south wind.”
The Gulfstream is a river of water in the Atlantic Ocean that is part of a current that circles the Atlantic Ocean from the Americas to Europe. Its path also runs from south to north between Florida and the Bahamas. It is approximately 45 miles wide with speed between two and four knots. The current will drastically affect the path and direction of any vessel, but more so on a slower-moving sailboat. Wind affects surface waters and when it is in the opposite direction (from the North) of the current, it can produce monstrous breaking seas which wreak havoc and cause stress on the vessel and the crew.
Crossing the Gulf Stream by boat from Florida to the Bahamas takes more planning than most routes. Figuring where you should leave, how long the trip will take, what course to steer due to the Gulfstream and other details can seem overwhelming.
Since arriving in Miami 5 days ago, we’ve set up base camp on a mooring at Crandon State Park in Key Biscayne. It’s a strategic location to prepare for our crossing of the Gulf Stream. It’s close to the ocean entrance for heading out to sea. It’s also very convenient with numerous public transportation options to visit Miami & other places for entertainment while waiting for good weather.
We have been studying the weather patterns each day and hoping for any kind of winds without any Northerly components. A Southwesterly would be the best but we’ll take S, SE, or even an Easterly wind as long as it’s not too strong.
Today’s analysis gave us some good news. Looks like we didn’t have to wait long. There’s a potential weather window approaching in a few days. The latest forecast from NOAA and our goto weather app Windy, all point to a narrow window for crossing; we leave on New Year’s Eve and arrive on New Year’s day. We would leave the Biscayne Channel Entrance at about 2 AM and arrive at around 2 PM in Bimini harbor.
We have not done an offshore sail in quite a while (8 years), Claudia and I are quite excited but nervous about this crossing. Since we’re crossing at night, our biggest challenge isn’t the weather but a large number of giant cargo & cruise ships heading up and down the east coast and many small to medium-sized pleasure boats going between Florida and the Bahamas. We will need to be extremely vigilant watching out for surroundings traffic. Gulf Stream also has considerably warmer water than the ocean around it, and that means thunderstorms are more likely as we cross it, thus crossing the Gulf Stream as quickly as possible will be our main goal.
We’re almost there. The beautiful clear blue and green water is just hours away. There’s a green light in our direction and we’re ready to push the GO button on New Year’s Eve. See you’all on the other side!
If there is one place which is a MUST in the Bahamas, this is Warderick Wells Cay. Absolutly Beautiful! Are you still planning to leave tonight ? Have a Nice wind for your crossing to the Bahamas!
Ooo,sounds like a great place. I just made a note to be sure to check out Walderick Wells Cay. Thank you Marie-France. Yes, we are leaving tonight right after they Miami fireworks. We’re too excited to sleep. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Great SE wind! We wish you a great year 2023 and à Nice and smooth crossing. 🥰👏👋
What’s the weather and winds for tonight?
Looking like motor-sailing at 5-10 knots SE wind and 2ft seas in the Gulfstream. We’ll see if it is true or not. We’ve been fooled many times before…
Hey! You are there!!! congradulations !!! I keep tracking you and I love it!
Happy New Year!!!! Jim says you should come join us, it’s more fun than tracking us 😜. We can’t believe how beautiful the water is. We cleared customs and Fujiko is officially flying the Bahamas courtesy
flag.
Prayers for smooth sailing! Looking forward to hearing how it went when you get there!
Thank you Sally! We know your prayers 🙏 goes a long way!!!
Happy New Year! All the best to you.
Thank you Betty Ann. Happy and Healthy New Year to you as well!!!
Hi Friends! We just can’t wait to hear from you sailing on the Gulf Stream! You are almost there!!! Wish a pleasant and smooth sailing all the way to the Bahamas!
Hi Marie-France, We applied for our cruising permit online,🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 that customs will be open New Year’s Day🧐.
I’m very excited!!! Thanks for your support 🥰
Hi Jimmy and Claudia!!!
Reading your post I am so scared for you with the currents, boats etc. Have a safe and wonderful voyage…
Thanks Karen, Wishing you a Happy Healthy New Year. Talk to you from the other side 😘
This is something you are so prepared for, you have planned, checked charts and done everthing that needs to be done. Stay safe and enjoy the ride🙏
Thanks Beth. You are so right. There’s only so much one can do. We’re ready and Thanks for the encouragement and support as always. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Hi Claudia and Jim!!! How exciting you are almost there. Keep us posted on the winds and your Journey! Happy Sailing.
Hi Rachel, Have a Happy Healthy Safe New Year .. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 for smooth sailing .. miss you 😘😘