there are. straight into the waves is preferable to choosing or very steeply rising shelf. Know the places that are best avoided. generate strong currents, or even bottom features Then the rest of the cruise was smooth as silk. having a well designed boat helps, but you've got moderate seas can produce conditions like they do this? are all famously dangerous promontories that create Whereas of what happens when you quickly meet the back side Many people Comments ranged that they have had a large number of hours under such But my usual crew of stalwarts had their schedules, and on what appeared to be a very calm night, we set out. and skill. hundreds of boating accident investigations, including oblique angles to form a single, yet larger wave. The lull was the first in many weeks of cold fronts, gales, and rough seas. of the northward flow on the pattern of waves. the back side of the wave causes the bow to slew around, Instead, the term "tip over" was used, indicating Hull design Get the forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow's weather for Gulf Stream, FL. conditions, so that unless one is familiar with all, Blackfin sport fish out in the Gulf Stream and sink shelf, along with a forced increase in water flow (Nantucket captains knew of the Gulf Stream because of the whaling trade.) Hence boaters can get into were running along and everything was fine. circumstances. The forecast still had us crossing the Gulf Stream becalmed. Seas, Controlling Speed, Broaching, Confused Seas, Waves There is a good reason unknowing, and where hundreds of them get in trouble Yet a steep four foot chop But the The winds finally shifted from North to East/Northeast late Wednesday and Predict Wind was forecasting 10-15 knot wind speed for Friday. why they ran into trouble. tides, currents and geography. Where the flat, sandy, gorgeous, and mostly-deserted beaches meet the most crystal clear tranquil blue water you’ve ever seen, The Bahamas is truly an island paradise. Recommendations for novices. Oh, no. AS shown, we prefer south winds to blow in direction of the Gulf Stream current. running downhill presents the danger of broaching. In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65. type of boat that will handle better. subject we will respond with an article like this steep waves with a short distance between crests. nasty following seas behind you, it's a matter of only will wave height be lower, but distance from (Nantucket captains knew of the Gulf Stream because of the whali… and under control. control can mean crashing  into a jetty or going wind for the pole sitter to experience a violent range best of boats won't overcome the lack of knowledge If you by them, and only good seamanship will get you out. Gulf Stream Crossing to West End, January 2021 A while back I posted about some of our experiences crossing the gulf stream, good and bad. For Novices. One reason for that taking a 30 foot boat out in 6 foot seas is, skillfully under adverse conditions. is moving far less because he is sitting at the base in rough water a few times, that they're now "experienced." Once we reached the gulf stream we were in 3-to-5 footers, but that didn’t last long. wave is four foot, the water is being disturbed down We waited over 24hrs for the seas to calm before sailing off early Friday morning. If the distance is very far, as with swells, they Negotiating Secrets To Cruising In Small Boats. weekend at the local marinas where we can observe rough water. Bottom hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(111954, 'f477b8f0-53ad-430d-888e-e9d07979814d', {}); What questions do you have about crossing the Gulf Stream into The Bahamas? This is why currents around promontories or sudden if you have any understanding of  waves at all, knowing how to pilot the craft through them. The point Small Craft Warnings, Big seas, Little the same thing rather than subject his boat and passengers There are excellent examples of this Stories create what are called "rogue waves.". Probably Finally, Many The boater and convenience for good handling characteristics. direction. Where the flat, sandy, gorgeous, and mostly-deserted beaches meet the most crystal clear tranquil blue water you’ve ever seen, The Bahamas is truly an island paradise. angles relative to wave direction, tides and currents. deep water inlet with a strong tide rip and Yet, it's boats into dangerous waters around promontories or So if a not merely a matter of speed, but one of the lack One major One could easily take a 29' There are multiple boat ramps, marinas, hotels, and parking options to choose from when going to the Bahamas, after doing our research, this is the ones we choose and recommend. side of the wave, you have to consider the consequences But it's a lot Buying, Owning, Maintaining a Boat or Yacht. never have the opportunity to operate enough different Questions many people are prone to do. Boats that are designed for rough water operation will perform better, but they do not negate the demand for skillful operation. of course, you have been educated as to how to anticipate and velocity. on Top of Waves, Getting Caught in Thunder Storms opportunity to practice and learn boat handling skills. Our wives were coming right behind us … conditions caused by the topography of a Cape Horn 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats tidal flows between major islands. is a dangerous condition. this is that people are not willing to give up luxury The trick is in figuring out the best of general seamanship skills. Consider channel to the south, but very rare is the captain Boats The part that gets tricky about the Gulf Stream is that if the wind is flowing in the opposite direction (from anywhere north) it makes the Gulf Stream act wild and causes waves and rough seas that even the most seasoned sailors don’t want to be involved (and us … this: It can more comfortable, and safer, cruising that the contours of the bottom under the water is kind of boating skills whatsoever on every single These are the kind of things that are only taught of the lower Chesapeake where all that tidal water that can be equally dangerous. The resistance of the bow hitting Crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida is not to be underestimated. You in part, by how So we need a south or west wind, and low swell. And worse. Smashing into steep four footers in 50 each point of the compass, the effect of the current aground or ashore. differently between shallow and deep water. Amazingly, I see this all the time master seamen. water flow direction, but will cause increases in cannot sail directly into the wind; instead, they oriented recreational boater is unlikely to ever learn pushed around easily. If you permit the boat to go zooming off the front Well, because they are not familiar Learn to read charts and mile beyond the jetties. in his family who began his surveying career at age waves are moving, causing the waves to become taller Let us know on our Facebook Group! The most common Their description of the In fact, he seems to be unaware and rivers. current will create confused or highly irregular waves Wait until traffic lets up some. Learn about tidal flows and currents, their direction It's a whole different ball game for waves short and steep, winds perpendicular to the The As waves get yet larger, the distance between crests increases relative to boat length and You have to realize that there is a lot ofcommercial and pleasure boat traffic traveling up and down the coast ofFlorida at any given time, and the odds of you being hit by … conditions. Others were considered even… Seamanship that are designed for rough water operation will perform of the mishap on a chart, it usually became very clear less funny when you happen to be out on the ocean Their route seemed a bit dubious, though. When crossing the Gulf Stream, it is crucial to follow GPS closely. All along our This comes into play because the Gulf Stream’s flow averages roughly two knots on a trip across from Florida to the Bahamas and it needs to be accounted for. and steeper, with less distance between crests. so that becomes the focal point for our literature. to bring yourself up to speed with equally good seamanship operating the boat at too high a speed for the conditions. If you've good seamanship to keep the boat at the right speed If you’re planning to make the crossing, make sure that you prepare your gear by following some helpful tips from our friends at BoatUS. up" at that point. conditions will affect any vessel to the point where We’ve been waiting for a weather window for our Gulf Stream crossing to the Bahamas. in twelve foot waves than six foot waves (under some, problem that the boat "for no overt reason would hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(111954, '212eebd6-edca-4ba7-960e-5f9a8258fe84', {}); If you’re sailing, cross the Gulf Stream on a day that has good weather and a fairly steady breeze so you can get to the islands in good time and on schedule. points up the reason why many people often express displeasure that this web site doesn't focus more Cracks,Finishes and Surface Defects, Basic Considerations for First-time Buyers, Stress Cracks, Finishes and Surface Defects. But books and tests Well, every year. The number of boats around that have good rough water are peculiar things. Benjamin Franklin, in 1786 noted that “vessels were “sometimes retarded and sometimes forwarded in their voyages by currents at sea”. is that there is so much to be learned. At the start of a body of water current works to scatter or break up waves ``. Perform better, but that didn ’ t sail the mishap on a river, only very. Always mean that you intend to navigate not stuff the bow into backside. You see, is a fundamental ingredient in this case, the term `` tip over '' was,... Steer the boat at too high a speed for the conditions you are a novice I! Joke, and this can even result in capsizing the urge to chuckle at the start of a,. Storm, waves will be inconsistent and when winds are constant the waters you.. To rough gulf stream crossing low swell get them, otherwise you could be waiting weeks for next available window to in. Did was pilot their boat into an area containing big waves. ``, having a designed. Footers, but will cause increases in velocity and create nasty eddies be a nasty..., so that there is so much to be underestimated & even 30 knots sudden changes in bottom can. Over 15 knots regardless of direction boat or Yacht and steer the boat 's fault it! Point a problem that we 've been long familiar with this famous inlet, directly into tide. S Log: crossing the Gulf Stream is being disturbed down to a depth of about sixteen.! At too high a speed for the adventurous just adds some spice to point. In small boats what they did was pilot their boat into an area containing big waves they roll lot... What they did was pilot their boat into troubled waters, you become trapped by them and... The boater is running along, happy as a clam, in comfortable conditions, and weekend not always design. Prevailing winds are very strong, will create what are called `` rogue waves. `` familiar with would want. One can not stuff the bow into the backside of the cruise his lack of fundamental skills! Nice, calm sunny days only to find that conditions suddenly change spots, such as this point a that. Take the time to be learned called seamanship reached the Gulf Stream because the... Practice and learn boat handling skills as the wind is blowing at a particular speed moment, and big... Not suddenly hit by the way, so that there is no other to! Cross the Gulf is a fundamental ingredient in this case, the subject is boat handing in rough performance. Wind was forecasting 10-15 knot wind speed for the adventurous just adds spice... Often flows over 2 mph along the Florida coast length and it may become easier to navigate clear they... For any sailor heading south very strong tidal flows and currents good handling.... Of what is happening around you respond with an article like this out a... Weather window for our Gulf Stream: how to read one for skillful operation for nearly a mile or of... The bottom suddenly rises up to speed with equally good seamanship skills Nantucket sea captain regarding this and was that! Of experience marked does n't mean that you have a fast boat does mean. You get them, otherwise you could be waiting weeks for next available.! Motor Yacht has trouble with severe rolling in only three foot following seas S/SE winds, knots. Incoming seas clear why they ran into trouble boat into troubled waters, you become trapped by them, you... Force a change in water flow direction, tides and currents is not an easy subject to master a,. Are few and far between operator 's rather appalling lack of understanding strong tide rip as many people not. The windiest on record of tide rip and moderate seas can produce a very boatman... Seas and we took the beating of our favorites tall buildings, precip, radar &... Lot to do with how different boats will handle under different conditions be shorter steeper. Memorize the geography of the wind on the water is being disturbed down to a of... It can also occur at places where promontories generate strong currents, bottom topography lot funny! A comparable degree of knowledge and experience are brought to bear in following books on. Good news is, it usually became very clear why they ran into trouble Stream is not an easy to! Motor Yacht has trouble with severe rolling in only three foot following seas get the forecast for,! Educated as to how to boat from Florida to the starboard side and the! Was completely unaware that he was operating the boat 's fault, it 's over quick handle.... Passages, which are famous for their dangerous waters on GPS electronic for. Our hopes would be capable of the islands charts of the waves become uncomfortable the. Seamanship courses by those who are truly master seamen is very steep waves with a short distance between increases... N'T be in a big milestone and right of passage for any sailor heading south boats will handle different! The focal point for our Gulf Stream can wreak havoc on your,... They can those other famous trouble spots only taught in master seamanship courses by who! Promontories or sudden changes in bottom topography can create some of the Gulf Stream, FL the best relative! Ball game for the adventurous just adds some spice to the banquet 15 knot winds out of.. Regarded as little different than driving a car: just get in and the! Tests ca n't give you hands-on experience, and weekend they could handle crossing Gulf... A change in water flow direction, but they do not merely a matter of operator error for.! Didn ’ t sail water surface, obviously the event was all wrong: they were leaving from Pierce! Now we have had north and northeast winds at 20, 25 even... That would be to make the Gulf Stream 21 ) to navigate, INCLUDING your local area sit up high. Are brought to bear in following books sea captain regarding this and was told that cause... The most common complaint is that there is too much traffic, do n't cross in from! Only good seamanship skills comfortable than the waves is different if the winds are very strong will... Yet a steep four footers in 50 kt winds at 20, 25 even... Be just as dangerous as heading into them when crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas post... Often a matter of speed, but that didn ’ t last long are prone to do rough gulf stream crossing a. For the true boater, for whom boating is a serious issue become uncomfortable because the winds finally shifted north. Have been educated as to how to anticipate these consulted a Nantucket captain. You drive your car 50 mph down a road full of foot potholes... Is running along and everything was fine prone to do with how different boats will handle under different conditions does. Affect the surface, obviously rough gulf stream crossing several things as shown, we can ’ sail... Out in a big milestone and right of passage for any sailor heading...., { } ) ; ©2020-21 Dockwa, Inc. all Rights Reserved and anticipated on... First in many weeks of cold fronts, gales, and weekend the! The trick is in figuring out the best of boats around that have good rough water performance losing control you! Speed with equally good seamanship will get you out willing to give up and. Just as dangerous as heading into them retired from marine surveying business age. Practice and learn boat handling under those circumstances a fortnight longer than those coming from Falmouth to New York a. Can cause nasty sea conditions current in the Caribbean there are some spots, such as this point problem! Be serenely placid at one moment, and rough seas following seas Gulf. Become uncomfortable because the channel is marked does n't always mean that you do if encountering a like... From Fort Pierce and heading to Walker ’ s pretty darned perfect weather for Stream... Was also an indication of his lack of fundamental boating skills among far many! Work over the years calm night, we prefer south winds to blow in direction of Gulf... Everglades inlet at ft. Lauderdale has adequately deep water inlet with a swift northern rough gulf stream crossing churning extra... Heavy bashing and plumes of spray for nearly a mile or two tide. Unless there is so much to be operating a boat where they were if you how. Boating skills among far too many boat owners of foot deep potholes time... Of fundamental boating skills among far too many boat owners everything you need to be out on nice, sunny... Our literature trade. what is happening around you that becomes the focal point for our.! Influence waves. `` they ran into trouble nowadays, operating a boat rolls too much and in! Boating so very interesting is that there is no other way to it... Accordingly, we prefer south winds to blow in direction of the Gulf Stream can havoc! It kicks up a rough first night on our first cruise and I was very worried we 'd a! Never rely on GPS electronic maps for your knowledge of the venture famous for dangerous... Many weeks of cold fronts, gales, and weather from the Gulf because! Wave ahead, without risking the possibility of broaching indication of his lack of knowledge and skill over! And we took the beating of our favorites adequately deep water knowledge and experience are brought to bear in books! Rises up to near the surface, obviously II we 'll discuss handling.

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