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Boat Schedule Ideas

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Gulfer, Aug 12, 2022.

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  1. Gulfer, Aug 12, 2022
    #1
    Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

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    It's that time of year when we start looking at next year's agenda. Curious on what other people do.. Looking for ideas to keep things fresh.

    For the last 4 years have been pretty focused around the Bahamas. We try to use the boat 2 weeks a month.
    • Mid-December - Move the boat to Nassau.
    • This year we started with Exumas, then slowly started working our way around the Bahamas, ending far south: Harbor Town, Cape Eleuthera, North Cat Island, South Cat Island, Conception Island, San Salvador, Long Island, and Crooked Island. Not in the order. :)
    Boat goes into Ship Yard beginning of August,. Vacations and yard work, brings us to beginning of November. Some "weekend trips around Southern Florida/Bimini. Then back to the Bahamas.

    Looking for some ideas to keep things new and exciting, plus any idea to optimize our enjoyment.

    Has anyone done the Caribbean? I was thinking starting in US Virgin Island/BVI and slow working through the chain throughout the season. But, not sure how to work around the weather patterns in that part of the world.

    I'm a little concerned about the travel time back and forth. That gets to be a long flight.
  2. Pascal, Aug 12, 2022
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Are you talking about a 40 footer or a 120 footer?
  3. Gulfer, Aug 12, 2022
    #3
    Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

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    Good Question. We're 112.
  4. Pascal, Aug 12, 2022
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I lived on st Barths in the 80s/90s and flew extensively all over the islands. Things have changed since then, some for the better (marinas) but some for the worst (crowds). Weather and geography hasn’t. :)

    November thru spring is the best time of the year as you don’t have to worry about tropical weather. Things can get windy in December January, we used to call that “Les vents de Noel” (Christmas winds) on St barths were landing was sometimes impossible. That shouldn’t affect you much with a 112.

    the longest open passage is from the BVIs to St Maarten / Anguilla. After that it all short hops 30 to 50nm all the way to the grenadines.

    flights aren’t that much longer than Nassau especially when you look at the whole time, incl check in, security etc. Plenty of flights between all the islands and the US
  5. Capt J, Aug 12, 2022
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    What Pascal recommended is all very good. I really like St. Barts and St. Maarten. Another idea is to do the Abacos in the Bahamas if you don't want to travel so far.
  6. Gulfer, Aug 13, 2022
    #6
    Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

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    We haven't done Abacco's yet. Various reasons. But, I think the Christmas Trip is going to start there.

    As for St. Martin, etc.. So, November/December is never a good time for us to boat. Too many family/business things going on. Could have it relocated during December.

    Question: How is March - July down there?
  7. Pascal, Aug 13, 2022
    #7
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    March June in the Caribbean is perfect. By mid July hurricane season can start being a problem