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Shipping Lanes

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by sailjz, Dec 5, 2009.

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  1. sailjz, Dec 5, 2009
    #1
    sailjz

    sailjz New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2009
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Hilton Head Island
    Will be sailing from St Thomas to Ft Lauderdale and am looking for any information on shipping lanes used by cruise lines, freighters, etc. My planned routh is from St Thomas to Perto Plato, DR and then to Ft Lauderdale. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you jim
  2. Capt J, Dec 5, 2009
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,540
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Why would you be looking for shipping lanes? It just means you have to be extra careful not to get in a freightors way, and to pay more attention on watch.

    You didn't mention what size, range or cruise speed. Anyways I just did the trip 2 weeks ago on a 103' MY from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Maarten. I'd recommend leaving St. Thomas and heading to San Juan, PR. Then from there to Ocean World Marina just west of Puerta Plata, DR. From there up to Long Island, Bahamas (providenciales if you're short on range, green turtle marina in seller's cut get a pilot if you're unfamiliar with it!) There to Nassau, Nassau to Fort Lauderdale......... These are pretty common routes and stops........with your cruise speed and range, I could advise you better.
  3. sailjz, Dec 6, 2009
    #3
    sailjz

    sailjz New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2009
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Hilton Head Island
    Capt J's Response ref sailing st thomas to ft l

    Thank you for your response. I was looking at the shipping lanes so I could avoid them if possible. Will be sailing a 38 Lagoon Catamaran with a crew of 6 including myself. The cat only holds 56 gallons of diesel fuel ( 28 separate for each engine ). Our speed will between 6/8 mph motoring spending an average of 1 gallon per hour ( do not know that this fuel usage is accurate as it is not my boat but will be there next week and will verify ) and 9/12 mph with good wind. We are also going to carry some fuel bladders or jerry cans which will extend our motoring range but not be a whole lot. This trip is not a cruise but rather a delivery and the owner will be part of the crew so we are looking for do it as fast as reasonably possible based on all the conditions of weather, boat, etc.