Bermuda! Destination or Lost in the Triangle ?

[ChamJam]

I am very new to this forum and have been reading most threads on the great destinations to cruise to in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. But no one seems to mention Bermuda????? What are the there reasons for this? It is obviously not a hot spot for people on this forum. Is it a case of "can't get there from here" or just not a great place to visit?

Just asking.

Steve

[Stillraining]

Its because anyone who talks about it is never heard from again..


OH...Welcome aboard!

[Vasco]

Bermuda is all alone out there in the middle of nowhere. It is often a stop for those heading across the Atlantic in the spring or down to the Caribbean in the fall but seldom a final destination on its own. There are races to Bermuda and back from N. America and quite a few sailors sail there and back in the summer as a shakedown in anticipation of venturing further.

[Blue Stocking]

About 50 boats here in the harbour right now, going south. Still popular with the NEast and Canada crowd. Straight line to Antigua LOL. Not as popular as we used to be before the weather patterns changed and the hurricane season extended to Nov. Not as many high end charter yachts with the economy as it is, and on-ship transport readily available. Lots of traffic going East in April/May. Still free anchoring-out, and good technical support available.
Interestingly enough, we have been really lucky with no major hurricanes since Fabian, but the North Atlantic gales seem to be intensifying. Some really horror stories in the harbour right now. A 50ft Nova Scotia gaff schooner, with an experienced crew, ran under bare poles for 40 hrs. No damage, but a lot of the glass boats are fixing gear right now.

Upside---no pirates in the area for 200 years

[ChamJam]

Thanks folks for the replies. I think Bermuda is certainly a worthwhile stop over when travelling from Eastern Canada to the Caribbean. Timing is everything!

Steve

[Hud3]

From the Chesapeake Bay or from New England, Bermuda makes a great destination for a first-time offshore passage, with Gulf Stream crossings. It took us 4-1/2 days each way from the Chesapeake, and we spent a week in Bermuda. We had a great time there, and the passages out and back were a great intro to offshore passagemaking.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Hud3

From the Chesapeake Bay or from New England, Bermuda makes a great destination for a first-time offshore passage, with Gulf Stream crossings. It took us 4-1/2 days each way from the Chesapeake, and we spent a week in Bermuda. We had a great time there, and the passages out and back were a great intro to offshore passagemaking.

That is exactly what I have been considering, most likely 1 1/2 years from now. I've done a good bit of coastal sailing over many years, but nothing too far off-shore. I would think April/May would be the logical window.

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by thinwater

...I would think April/May would be the logical window.

April might be a bit early--there are still some strong fronts coming through then.

We left in late June, spent a week there, and sailed back into the Bay on the evening of the Fourth of July. The good folks at Ft. Monroe in Hampton were kind enough to stage a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate our safe return from our first offshore passage!

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Hud3

April might be a bit early--there are still some strong fronts coming through then.

We left in late June, spent a week there, and sailed back into the Bay on the evening of the Fourth of July. The good folks at Ft. Monroe in Hampton were kind enough to stage a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate our safe return from our first offshore passage!

Yes, I know the odds are what they are. My prime thought was ~ May 20 - early June.

Well, time to get more practice, then!

[barnakiel]

Bermuda is for the US and Canadian boats that go to the EU. And there are few. And for some boats that sail back from the West Indies, except that sailing boats, if in the hurry, will rather sail via the Azores.

They say it is not the cheapest place either.

b.

[bene505]

Why not join the Bermuda Cruising Rally. That way you can go in goosd company, with some parties at either end, experienced weather and gulf stream planning, help finding extra experienced crew members, and sat phones to boot.

I sailed with Daniel Goldberg to Martha's Vinyard last July. He organizes the trip. Good guy.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Bermuda is for the US and Canadian boats that go to the EU. And there are few. And for some boats that sail back from the West Indies, except that sailing boats, if in the hurry, will rather sail via the Azores.

They say it is not the cheapest place either.

b.

And the German, English, French, Italian, Swedish,Norwegan,Greek, Spanish, Dutch, Danish--well, you get the point--heading East. We are also a good point from which you can get a bit North to get over the top of the Azores High after about middle June.
Also, I don't know of one case of theft or vandalism from a boat left alongside, or on the hook.
Our Marine Radio and weather folks are regularly complimented on their professionalism and attention to detail.

We are expensive, but quality costs money.

[Chief Engineer]

Only one ship ever fired on Bermuda....it was sunk.

I loved the three months I spent there.

Still have a bank account there

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

Only one ship ever fired on Bermuda....it was sunk.

I loved the three months I spent there.

Still have a bank account there

Chief,

If you don't mind me asking, what was your connection. Two of my sisters married U.S. Navy guys, and one Canadian Army. I have long time friends in Air Force Navy and Marines who were stationed here.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

...We are also a good point from which you can get a bit North to get over the top of the Azores High after about middle June...

...We are expensive, but quality costs money.

Direct route to the Azores is OK for sailing yachts, and warmer.

If in some places of the world quality costs money then I will just stick to those quality places where it does not.

b.