Cruising the Carribean

[rnanaples]

I am planning on taking off the first part of the year and going through the Caribbean on my 55 Sea Ray. Having trouble finding a lot of info or a suggested stop by stop how to do it if you will. Any help would be appreciated.

[boatman61]

A lot of folks from the States on here swear by a book called 'The Thorny Path'.. or something like that.

[travellerw]

Its a book by Bruce Van Sandt... Here is a link.

https://www.amazon.com/Gentlemans-Gu.../dp/1470146967

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF,

[UNCIVILIZED]

Anyone have comments on the book in question?

[FSMike]

In my experience if you follow Bruce's advice, especially as regards waiting for weather, you will get his results. if you ignore his advice, you get what you get.
His book is pretty much designed for couples on sailboats who are not in a hurry, but rather are looking for a pleasant trip.
The book is also very handy for sailing/cruising knowledge in general.
I highly recommend it.

[Cheechako]

It's a great book. For the OP, not sure if Bruce focuses on fuel stops though, you need to focus on that with a powerboat. Make a plan that leaves you never with less than maybe 1/3 tank.

[snort]

Originally Posted by boatman61

A lot of folks from the States on here swear by a book called 'The Thorny Path'.. or something like that.

Oh, so that's the title!
I was reading "My Horny Past". No wonder there wasn't much sailing in it.

[FSMike]

Lol.
Actually it's "The Gentleman's Guide To Passages South aka The Thornless Path".
So called because it's purpose is to help cruisers get south to the Caribbean while avoiding "The Thorny Path".
In other words how to get to the islands without beating up your boat, your crew, or yourself.

[Cavalier]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

It's a great book. For the OP, not sure if Bruce focuses on fuel stops though, you need to focus on that with a powerboat. Make a plan that leaves you never with less than maybe 1/3 tank.

If I remember rightly, Bruce is in a trawler. The main thrust of the advice is aimed at couples in both trawlers and sailboats who stagnate on their passage south due to being intimidated by 'rough' legs between islands. His solution is patience and, in some instances, night passages to take Best advantage of local weather conditions. I cannot remembering him calling out each fuel stop specifically.

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[chuckr]

There are lots of cruising guides out there on the entire Caribbean -- we liked Pavidis --

doing some research would help