Caribbean Passagemaking: A Cruiser's Guide
The chain of islands from the Virgins through to the southern Caribbean is considered one of the most desirable tropical cruising grounds for any sailor. It can be sailed in comfort and confidence with only one language, one currency, a modicum of weather forecasting, and an ability to spot weather windows.This book has not only convinced me that I can take my own boat down to the Caribbean, but is helping me plan that trip. Despite being packed with lots of detailed, useful information, it is written in a lively style, with a wonderful dry sense of humor. Since I haven't yet sailed to the Caribbean, I can't vouch for the accuracy of the information, but it appears to be based on extensive experience sailing in this area. Mr. Weatheritt makes a wonderful armchair companion as I dream about leaving For those of you who have had pipe dreams of passagemaking in the Caribbean, this guide is full of good information on everything from trade winds to currents, history, harbors, customs and much more. It contains island by island guides on how and when to go. With chapter titles like "Navigation techniques_GPS is better than a hungry pig" or "Out through a window" this book is a great read even if you make itThe best way to appreciate the immense beauty of the Caribbean islands is sailing. It can be said that the Caribbean islands were made expressly for the purpose of sailing vacations. The tiny Caribbean islands are within miles of each other. As you leave each island on your yacht, boat or catamaran, you can see the other island in the distance. The island grows from a speck on the horizon to a whole landmass as you approach it.
Caribbean islands have plenty of coves and small islands on which you can anchor during your sailing vacation. Hence, a sailing vacation in the Caribbean is not just about sailing; it is about discovering a whole new land. There are myriad possibilities on the islands – sailing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, sunbathing on its pristine beaches, reading with the sun overhead, etc. The list could go on.
Sailing also is the chief economy of the natives of the Caribbean islands. Local natives provide sailing packages such as boats and yachts. Catamarans and even the trimarans are available in good number. The natives also provide sailing instructions to those who wish to know. They also may work as skipper or crew on board.
The most popular destination in the Caribbean for a sailing vacation is the British Virgin Islands. These islands have good marine life as well as advanced facilities on their beaches. Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands and it also has a small airport. The British Virgin Islands are always crowded throughout the year and the population of sailors has increased here in the past decade.
The Grenadines are also extremely popular. These islands are inhabited by French-speaking people for whom boating is a way of life. In fact there is no other mode of transport among the Grenadines except boats. The Grenadines are also very crowded almost throughout the year.
People also throng other islands of the Caribbean like St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, etc. It is difficult to even find a mooring on most of these islands in the peak season. The best period to go to the Caribbean is before the onset of the winter, i.e. in November or in the season between March and May. The Caribbean Islands are relatively less crowded then.
Sailing vacations have become a big business along Caribbean beaches. Most resorts and hotels provide stay-sail facilities. There are many other attractions like folk dances, native food, etc. which becomes a part of the entire sailing package.
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This book is an entertaining mine of information for the sun-soaked passage planner as well as the dreamer back home. Here is the full, vital background to help skipper and crew enjoy sailing the region.
Topics include: how to achieve easier passagemaking and sail in comfort; which are the safe and easy harbors; how to spot the weather windows; prevailing winds and currents; ideal equipment for Caribbean waters; and a wealth of practical, down-to-earth hints and tips.
About the Author
Les Weatheritt is a research economist who has been trying to get back to the Caribbean since he was a deck-hand on a schooner there at the age of 21. In 1985 he bought Petronella with the intention of trying an ocean voyage. He aborted his trip to the Azores that year after problems and spent the next decade sailing between Scandinavia and Spain. In 1994/5 he sailed the Atlantic with a crew. Petronella is still in the Caribbean and he is in no hurry to sail her back. Les is the author of Your First Atlantic Crossing published by Adlard Coles Nautical. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Just the book for me. The review in Caribbean Cruising caught my eye. If they say its good, it is. I've sailed the Caribbean three seasons now and just done all the wet and nasty stuff beating north. Since getting a copy of this book in Trinidad I've got to Bequia in easy style. Oh boy, it makes the Caribbean feel like Paradise.
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