Routing has been a key issue in the planning of the trip. We are unlikely to be competitive in the race part of the Transat Classique and so James has planned a route based on most favourable winds and comfort. Leaving Lisbon at the start of December brings the likelihood of poor weather in the first week. That we shall just have to deal with, but the plan is to blast south, past the Canaries and on to 20 degrees south to pick up the trade winds. Then we should have a steady downwind run to Barbados. Boats have gone faster on radical routes - one year the boat that took the most northerly path was victorious - but we should have a pleasanter crossing the traditional way.
Once we reach Barbados, we are hoping for a little R&R before we say adieu to Dave and Ollie and then wander off to explore. We definitely plan to spend some time in the beautiful St. Lucia where we had such a wonderful holiday 5 years ago, and then meander north hopping up the islands. For many reasons, we have chosen to miss out the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, and go straight across from the BVIs to the Bahamas where we plan to arrive in March. From there we will continue north, take in Cape Canaveral for Matthew and finally arrive in Chesapeake Bay to admire the wildlife there. Original plans had been to continue to New York but this may prove too ambitious, and the return transat should be in June to arrive back in the Solent for the BCYC Regatta in July.
Once we reach Barbados, we are hoping for a little R&R before we say adieu to Dave and Ollie and then wander off to explore. We definitely plan to spend some time in the beautiful St. Lucia where we had such a wonderful holiday 5 years ago, and then meander north hopping up the islands. For many reasons, we have chosen to miss out the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, and go straight across from the BVIs to the Bahamas where we plan to arrive in March. From there we will continue north, take in Cape Canaveral for Matthew and finally arrive in Chesapeake Bay to admire the wildlife there. Original plans had been to continue to New York but this may prove too ambitious, and the return transat should be in June to arrive back in the Solent for the BCYC Regatta in July.
Cape Canaveral! Leon will be very jealous!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Belize on my tour of the Yucatan many moons ago, I'd love to go back there. Amazing cave systems. Maybe a bit too in-land for you though. Have you heard of the Blue Hole off Belize, is that anywhere near your route?
Yes, The Blue Hole is very famous but Belize is off route : )
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