Azores, Madeira to Caribbean direct

[Tupaia]

Is it possible to sail direct to the Caribbean from Azores or possibly Madeira without going south to the Canaries? Anyone done it?

[Stingo]

Why would you want to go direct? It makes more sense to follow the trade winds so that you nearly always have the wind from astern and then you would also avoid the Azores high.

[Tupaia]

Just musing really. Timing and orcas. If you are already in the Azores or Madeira (warmer) then why not go direct.

[noelex 77]

There are options sailing across the Atlantic from Madeira, but the most popular trade wind route involves sailing south close to the Canary Islands and even Cape Verde islands before turning west. The old adage was sail south until the butter melts and then turn right. Most sailors elect to break the journey by stopping at one or both of these destinations, but if pressed for time or if there are other issues, there is certainly nothing wrong with skipping the stops.

[boatman61]

What time of year are you talking about..
Assuming it's after the hurricane season there's a reason folk sail S to the Canaries or Cape Verdes.. its Bludi stormy further N.. March, April to July it's very possible as you go SW a couple of hundred nm and then ride the E'lies.

[SailingHarmonie]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Is it possible to sail direct to the Caribbean from Azores or possibly Madeira without going south to the Canaries? Anyone done it?

Of course it is possible. It is even fun if you are the kind of person who loves beating for 2000 miles, interrupted only when you get to motor through calms. Are you that kind of person?

There really are good reasons that sailors since Columbus take the same route to the Caribbean.

[dustman]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Just musing really. Timing and orcas. If you are already in the Azores or Madeira (warmer) then why not go direct.

Of all the dangers in sailing orcas should be a nearly nonexistent concern.

[Tupaia]

Originally Posted by dustman

Of all the dangers in sailing orcas should be a nearly nonexistent concern.

There have now been hundreds of yachts attacked by orcas along this route, northern Europe to the Med. Limited statistics over a recent period indicate out 429 reported sightings this resulted in 144 boats being attacked. 73% of those attacked were damaged and a third of those attacked had to be towed to port. Three possibly four boats have been sunk. I have seen the damage first hand (€17,000 in 1 case, that didn't need a tow and of course a lost season at least for most).

Reporting has only just started to be formalised so many attacks so far have not been reported or recorded.

It is also getting worse. From the three individuals that were responsible for causing damage this has now spread to 15 individuals in 2 or 3 groups anywhere from Biscay to Gibraltar.

So certainly not a "nonexistent concern"

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

So certainly not a "nonexistent concern"

Agreed. We know several people who have been attacked.

It is a serious problem. We sailed from the west coast of Ireland to Madeira rather than down the Spain/Portugal coast for this reason.

[Tupaia]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

Agreed. We know several people who have been attacked.

It is a serious problem. We sailed from the west coast of Ireland to Madeira rather than down the Spain/Portugal coast for this reason.

Did the reverse route last year for the same reason. What time of year did you travel south?