How to Cross The Gulf Stream: What to Expect
Looking to sail south for the winter? If you are an east coast sailor and a Bahama island addict, you are most likely aware that you have to cross the Gulf Stream to get there. The Gulf Stream is a fierce warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean. It begins in the Gulf of Mexico, through the tip of Florida, and moving swiftly along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland before crossing over the Atlantic.
There are a few things to consider prior to crossing over to Bahama bliss . Remember, no matter how big your boat is, crossing the Gulf Stream at the wrong time of year, or without proper preparation, can be dangerous. Before adjusting your sails to cross the Gulf Stream, consider the following preparations and groundwork:
Length and Strength of the Gulf Stream
Most entry ports to the Bahamas are about 60 miles away from main departure points such as, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Depending on your sailing experience you may reach a Bahamian port of entry anywhere between 7 to 9 hours. Because of the strength of the Gulf Stream expect that your boat will be pushed a few nautical miles north for ever 60 minutes on the stream. This means that navigating currents are tricky even for the most skilled sailor. A high-tech compass is not always accurate while sailing through this current. If you are planning on crossing the Gulf Stream, your navigational skills will be detrimental to staying on course. If you have any doubts in relations to your navigation skills, check with a school-of-sailing and ask about signing up for a course with a refresher on currents. Always monitor your course and don’t freak out if you find yourself 40 degrees off your course line. Do not counter the current set – keep calm, and always maintain a course directly across its flow.
Check the Weather, Prepare your Boat, Make a Safety Checklist
Before setting sail, I highly advise you to make sure your boat is prepared. This means going through a list of safety measures, that will keep both you, your boat, and your passengers safe. Having a competent and experienced Captain on board is one, among doing a thorough inspection of the boat prior to departure. Check out this master safety list for A Checklist in preparation for an off-shore passage.
Along with a safety checklist, it is important to consider weather patterns before crossing the Gulf Stream. While winter is not the ideal time to cross the Gulf Stream it is possible. You will have to wait out the weather and make sure winds do not surpass 16 knots. A good tip is to check the conditions of the bay before launch. If the bay seems rough, don’t expect the ocean or the Gulf Stream to be calmer. Sailing through the Gulf Stream with winds that reach 20 knots can be a terrifying experience. With bad weather and high winds, an 8 hour sailing excursion through the Gulf Stream can turn into a 13 hour brush with death. Always check the weather before heading out, and when in doubt stay on shore.
It’s always best to cross the Gulf Stream in a Flotilla
Plan your Time of Departure and Time of Arrival
If the weather is clear and the conditions seem right, taking into the account the time of year and time of day to set sail, is also important. Boat traffic plays a role in crossing the Gulf Stream, so while you will find the majority of commercial traffic during the day, reduced visibility at night can cause unwanted collisions as it is very difficult to change course swiftly while in the current. Assuming there is no tropical activity, summertime between June and August are when the water will be most calm. As for the time of day, as mentioned above, puling an all-nighter is not a good idea. Early morning (4am -5am) can be an ideal time to leave assuming that the journey from a Florida point departure only takes around 8 – 9 hours.
A thorough inspection of the boat prior to departure is very important
Other Things to Consider Before Crossing the Gulf Stream
There are other ways you can prepare your boat in order to cross the Gulf Stream safely. For instance keeping tabs of when you enter the stream and exit it. To do this you will have to have a water temperature sensor and gauge on your vessel. You can check the coastal water temperature before your voyage. For example, if the temperature is say, 70° during departure and then suddenly rises to 75 – 79 , you know you have entered the stream. This temperature will steadily rise until you have reached the center which measures around 85° F.
Other safety measures include:
- Have a Float Plan Page (completed plan to whoever you choose to follow-up, should you not return or check-in to your arrival point as planned)
- Have enough cash for Bahama entry points.
- As mentioned above, time your arrival to travel in daylight and arrive before the sun sets.
Have you made the trek across the Gulf Stream? What are your expert sailor tips?
Have plans of moving onto a sailboat? Here’s how to get started.
Sailing The Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
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