Key Largo to Jamaica

[Autumns Wind]

Leaving around the first of June. We want a direct route and thinking the Old Bahama Channel verse beating our way thru the Bahamas... Have never taking the old channel and it seems like it can be bumpy with lots of traffic. My question assuming a E wind of 15 to 20. How much worst would the channel be appose to the chain of islands and would it be worth it?

[pete33458]

I just came through the OBC in the other direction (headed west), and I can tell you that I would not want to be heading east. Prevailing E/SE winds and W current through a fairly narrow channel, we had following seas with minimally 4-5 foot waves, depending on the conditions much larger. And LOTS of commercial traffic, more than I have ever seen outside of an actual port of call. At one point they were lined up from as far as the eye could see in both directions (with a mile or two in between, of course). If you're thinking about tacking in between them I would say you're going to have a very difficult time.

I'm not usually one to say you can't do it, but I would strongly advise against the OBC headed E under sail. pete

[Autumns Wind]

That's all I needed thanks... So it looks like taking the track thru the Bahamas is the way to go... Thanks again cheers....


Paul M

[Dave852]

To bad you could not leave this week, a rare event in May to have zero wind for so many days. We are sure looking forward to it here in the Bahamas to get out diving. Man has it been blowing.