Thorny Path vs Offshore?

[MicHughV]

Hurricane season is an unknown for all sailors. No one knows where or when the next one will hit. There really isn't such a thing as a safe hurricane haven anywhere. In the Caribbean, most any good spot will be filled to the brim with locals, charter boats, etc.

Trying to find a spot for your boat would be a daunting task. Even getting to your spot will be a daunting task, as wind and waves will start to pick long before the big, bad boy or girl arrives.

Even with a week's worth of warning, it's a guessing game, as hurricanes change course will nilly, hence the "cone of uncertainty "predicted paths. Last year, Hurricane Bonnie tracked right along the north coast of South America. Same for Hurricane Ian, which was predicted to hit the Tampa area, but at the last moment, came in further south at Ft. Meyers.

Heading back to Florida, east or west coast, or any other port along the US east or south coast, is also a mixed bag, as no place along the coast is "hurricane free".

True, a Cat 1 hurricane is manageable, if you're lucky, but a Cat 5....fuggetaboutit.

It's a throw of the dice, simple as that.

[boatman61]

Best way to avoid hurricanes..
Arrive St Martin June, mid June sail NE 2300nm to Faial, spend a couple of months in Azores.
Mid August depart Azores and sail SSE 800 odd nm to Madiera hang out for a couple of weeks then continue to the Canaries.
Hang around the islands till the New Year then head back to the Caribe..

[Klos2019]

I did general route of Van Zant's book a couple years ago. If you aren't rushed, it can be great. Southern coast of PR was fantastic. Get up just as it is getting light, make about 20 miles to next harbor, anchored and settled in for day by 10:30 am just as the trades start to pick up. Time enough to spend most of a day exploring, napping, relaxing. Get up next day and repeat.