Transatlantic in January

[zydecotoad]

Hello all,

I am sailing a transatlantic trip in January from St Martin to the Azores. I was hoping somebody could give me an idea of the temperatures that I could expect at the lattitudes of 35-40 degrees north.

I want to pack enough to stay warm, but not too much to carry on the plane.

Thanks a bunch.
Toad

[Tellus]

Usually people are in "summer holydays" on Canaries ( remember that we had 25°C ) in December.
Azores and Madeira may be similar. Let your ski underwear at home.

Have a nice trip.
Tellus

[goboatingnow]

the Azores in January , will have bright days , interpersed with windy and rainy days and occasionally a good extra tropical storm. temperatures arround 11 to 15-16 degees

Depending on your sensitivity to cold, bring a sweater or two, the nights can be cool, some light rain gear.

Where I come from 16 degrees C is high summer, so I wander around in shorts, ( but I do that in florida in December when the locals had parkas on!).

Not sure what the second thread mentioned teh canaries thats way south

dave

[Tellus]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Not sure what the second thread mentioned teh canaries thats way south

That´s right, but the Canary Current is much colder than the Golf Current.

Here´s a translated text from Azores:

The Azores are worth also in winter a trip, the climate is mild and the Islands present in the spring green. The winters are sometimes already "uncomfortable" but usually not long. Sun, rain and wind - change it sometimes minutes, sometimes in days. Rain jacket with good shoes can make a nice walk almost every day and is guaranteed alone with themselves and nature. There is just no nice-weather-guarantee, but also no "rainy season", where it's raining every day.

[S/V Alchemy]

I have heard that going to the Azores from the Caribbean in winter is like going from Nova Scotia to Cornwall in high summer, so plan accordingly.

You may wish to consult pilot charts. I suspect the Azorean High is more southerly in January, but you want to stay on the breezier side of it just to keep going. Another consideration may be that there may be less yacht traffic at that of year, and therefore less likelihood of quick help should you have difficulties. With proper planning, however, it's probably a good way to find a berth at the far end...not so busy!