Best Time & Strategy - Atlantic Crossing/Caribbean

[cooper1991]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems the best time to cross Atlantic from Europe side is between November and March, with January being good. It also says the hurricane season in Caribbean runs from June to November, so does that mean if you arrive in January to say BVI, you only have to June to cruise before you protect boat by going on the hard or a secure marina?

Are there alternative routes or strategies to cruise all year round in Caribbean - Panama region?

Would a long keel boat be a liability in Caribbean?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by cooper1991

Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems the best time to cross Atlantic from Europe side is between November and March, with January being good. It also says the hurricane season in Caribbean runs from June to November, so does that mean if you arrive in January to say BVI, you only have to June to cruise before you protect boat by going on the hard or a secure marina?

Are there alternative routes or strategies to cruise all year round in Caribbean - Panama region?

Would a long keel boat be a liability in Caribbean?

No... a long keel boat is not a liability in the Caribe.. anymore than a fin keel is, it all boils down to your draught.
Regarding the crossing.. mid November you should be good for a crossing from the Cape Verdes.. December onwards a Canaries crossing is usually fine as the steady Trades have moved N a bit more by then.
As for the East Caribe I'd not worry until mid July onwards, June 1st is just a date given as a possible, the last biggie in June was 1966 when Cuba got hit..
The tactic normally is head down to Grenada or points South though realistically one can stay anywhere as its just a couple of days sail S to get outa the way and there's plenty of warning giving one time to move outa the way.
Panama and the W Caribe is okay if you don't mind a beat back against wind and current if you want to go East again.

[cooper1991]

Thanks. So the hurricane effects are mainly Gulf of Mexico & Florida?

Sounds like setting off from UK to go to Azores will need 4 weeks or so for journey and prep before crossing ocean.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by cooper1991

Thanks. So the hurricane effects are mainly Gulf of Mexico & Florida?

Sounds like setting off from UK to go to Azores will need 4 weeks or so for journey and prep before crossing ocean.

Ahah.. that's a different route and in September/October can be challenging as the fronts sweep across even though its only 1500nm from Falmouth.. after that your likely to be hitting W to SW winds heading on down to the Caribe.. not saying it can't be done but be ready for weather.
However if you head for the Azores in the next coupla weeks it shouldn't be to bad, then head for Madeira and on to the Canaries with favourable winds and currents.
The hurricane effects start mainly in the G o M and Florida but move E as the season develops and anywhere from Grenada N and W can be hit..

[Atraxia]

Boatman is right. That’s a different route and it’s time to go!
Once in the Caribbean’s there is not much to worry about but check weather regularly and hurricane warnings especially (during hurricane season). NOAA’s site is a good source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Some hurricanes originate in the eastern Atlantic and come across. Most of the time, sailing south to the windward islands (Martinique, St. Lucia, the Grenadines...) is enough to get you out of the path.

[Stewie12]

Donald Streets cruising guides to the Caribbean will give you all the information you require. His charts are good too. I understand he is reprinting his guides on getting to the Canaries and across the Atlantic. See

https://www.street-iolaire.com/