Montauk to West Palm

[OgdenC]

I'll be sailing from Montauk to West Palm Beach FL in the later part of October and plan to sail well offshore. I haven't done this trip before and don't want to beat into the Gulf Stream any more than necessary. Any suggestions?

[JeanneP]

Try these links for a starter:

http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlan...ulf-stream.html

http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlan...f-stream_2.html

http://seacoos.org/Model%20Output%20and%20Mapping

A few hints and suggestions. You really want a favorable weather forecast for this trip, or be able to break it up in stages when the weather deteriorates. You do not want to be near Cape Hatteras/Cape Fear when there is a storm. I think the Gulf Stream is closest to shore at Cape Hatteras - check the maps in the links above.

It's easy enough to duck into the ICW and motor south past these capes, come out the other side and continue sailing. If a norther is predicted, stay inside - the north winds against the north-flowing Gulf Stream current makes for dangerous conditions. If you have time constraints and can't wait for better weather, stay in the ICW - it's pretty pleasant from Norfolk as far as Georgia. Georgia is a twisty, turny, confusing part of the ICW and it would be much shorter to go offshore than to stay in the ICW if you didn't have to.

Remember that you have another month of hurricane season, and many insurance carriers increase your deductible dramatically for a named storm if you are in the hurricane zone. Read your insurance policy carefully.

[Kemosabe]

Originally Posted by name='Converted Post'

Originally posted by OgdenC

I'll be sailing from Montauk to West Palm Beach FL in the later part of October and plan to sail well offshore. I haven't done this trip before and don't want to beat into the Gulf Stream any more than necessary. Any suggestions?

The leg from Montauk to Norfolk is well inside the gulf stream and the 3 day passage is pretty predictable weather-wise. I always stay inside from Norfolk to Beaufort, its a nice sail and I'm fond of Portsmouth/Norfolk for food and libations after the 1st leg. Beaufort is 3 day-sails south. Another good stop for food and strong drink. The the weather dictates the 3rd leg but I've had good luck always from Beaufort to Charleston or occassionally, straight on to Jacksonville and St. Augustine. I'm usually ready for day sails and full night's of sleep from St. Augustine south and the ICW is straight and pleasant except for the damn bridges. (Assuming your rig is under 55 ft).