Bay Pelican
Moderator Emeritus
When we discuss what types of boats are found in the Eastern Caribbean and why, the sea states are an important consideration.
Currently, most/many boaters here are waiting for a weather window. Mid - March is when many of the Eastern Caribbean boats start returning to wherever they haul out or store for the hurricane season.
Currently we are in a period of high winds and thus high waves (average 9- 10 feet). Since the wind and waves are generally from the east and travel is north and south this means waves on the beam. The typical higher than average waves and the shelves surrounding each island mean a jump up in wave height of 50%.
Many of us are looking at a short weather window next Monday (six days away) when the waves are predicted to drop to six feet for a day. After that it is another week for the same six foot average height. Six feet is doable, we have done that a number of times in a trip from Martinique to St. Lucia. However, the area of the shelf off of St. Lucia is rough as the depth drops to 150 feet and the waves mount and are confused.
A Krogen 42 with full displacement and hydraulic stabilizers is a good boat for these conditions but it is still not pleasant. A friend just came from St. Lucia in a high speed ferry (80 -100 feet) in these conditions and was affected and he was/is an ocean racer.
Currently, most/many boaters here are waiting for a weather window. Mid - March is when many of the Eastern Caribbean boats start returning to wherever they haul out or store for the hurricane season.
Currently we are in a period of high winds and thus high waves (average 9- 10 feet). Since the wind and waves are generally from the east and travel is north and south this means waves on the beam. The typical higher than average waves and the shelves surrounding each island mean a jump up in wave height of 50%.
Many of us are looking at a short weather window next Monday (six days away) when the waves are predicted to drop to six feet for a day. After that it is another week for the same six foot average height. Six feet is doable, we have done that a number of times in a trip from Martinique to St. Lucia. However, the area of the shelf off of St. Lucia is rough as the depth drops to 150 feet and the waves mount and are confused.
A Krogen 42 with full displacement and hydraulic stabilizers is a good boat for these conditions but it is still not pleasant. A friend just came from St. Lucia in a high speed ferry (80 -100 feet) in these conditions and was affected and he was/is an ocean racer.