Westbound TransAt in January / February?

[vmattiola]

Hi all - we're contemplating a westbound TransAt starting in France bound for the Caribbean around January / February and wondering if anybody has experience crossing a bit "later" in the season?

I read the Pilot Charts to show what appear to be decent conditions for the usual route south to around 20N, 30W then jumping across. Differences from the November/December crossings (when ARC leaves, for example) are maybe having winds slightly more astern on average? And maybe a bit light for my taste. Does anybody even use Pilot Charts anymore?

Just thought I'd see if there were any strong arguments for/against a later crossing or references to folks who have crossed at unusual times.

Thanks!

[Sojourner]

I haven't done it but am doing it this January/early Feb, from Cape Verde. The winds are steadier and better by all accounts later. My only issue in leaving that late (and yours as well) will be to get out of the Med.

[double u]

trades might have retreated some to the south, & France to the Canaries in January...-better you than I ...