sailing to bermuda in the winter

[silver1331]

I am currently in the works of planning a Bermuda sailing trip from Virginia or NOrth/SOuth Carolina. I've researched that many sailors opt to cruise during the spring or summer months, but as of now the plan is to cross mid-december of 2006. Since I haven't read or seen any information on passages during the winter months, does anyone have any precautions, information, or advice about doing so? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

[Jack Tyler]

Silver:

A good starting point is http://www.bermudatourism.com/pdf/yachts_info.pdf which has full info on visiting Bermuda by boat.

The Atlantic Pilot Charts can be viewed at http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/pubs/pubs_j_apc....html?rid=10499 Open the December chart and spend some time digesting air/sea temps, % gale frequencies, and note the multiple 25 kt wind arrows. Note the historical tropical storm tracks shown on Dec's chart. Remember that those wind arrows are averages, again note the gale frequenices, and reflect on the fact that vessels which report these details intentionally reroute themselves so as to miss the brunt of a storm; thus, underreporting is a norm and the chart is a more optimistic view of conditions than you are likely to experience.

This would be a great character-building adventure but it would be the result of a poor decision, IMO.

Jack