Gulf stream Crossings
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While we are certainly NOT experts on crossings, we have made 9 successful crossings in 5 years. We
have seen the stream calm and flat, and just the opposite in a storm.
Here's a few tidbits we've learned:
NEVER cross when the wind direction has the word "North" in it!
Have up to date and accurate weather forecasts.
Calculate the current, which flows north at 2-4 knots on average.
have seen the stream calm and flat, and just the opposite in a storm.
Here's a few tidbits we've learned:
NEVER cross when the wind direction has the word "North" in it!
Have up to date and accurate weather forecasts.
Calculate the current, which flows north at 2-4 knots on average.
Reef Early, Reef Often
By Graham Coffee
Bahamas bound, stocked for a trip
Good friends beside us, away from the slip
Through the locks, light winds, headed south
Turn left when you get to Ft. Pierce’s mouth
Beautiful sunset, a friends boat in view
Holding the east course tight and true
Stars are mixed with clouds down low
Auto pilot, GPS, awake in the glow
Below I sleep lightly, dreams at the ready
Outside the storm brews strong and steady
Awoke to a question “What do you think?”
A look skyward that makes my heart sink
Lightning flashes and warm breezes kick
Scramble to deck, roll the jib, drop the main quick
Rain jackets too late, mizzen still flies
Heading down wind is what I advise
Off in the distance the other is flying
Moving so fast without even trying
Snap, crackle, pop, their jib sheets wail
Bang and slap their traveler fails.
The winds scream loud, the lightning frights
Too late for action, better hold on tight
Reef early they say, reef often we think
Experience and character gained in a blink
Finally it stops, the boats miles away
Get on the radio, see what they say
No one is hurt, some damage to repair
Stories to tell, no one can compare
A brief moment in all, compared to the trip
A memory we’ll keep and discuss at the slip
Reef early my friend, reef often we’ll say
Keep me above water, and away from the fray
By Graham Coffee
Bahamas bound, stocked for a trip
Good friends beside us, away from the slip
Through the locks, light winds, headed south
Turn left when you get to Ft. Pierce’s mouth
Beautiful sunset, a friends boat in view
Holding the east course tight and true
Stars are mixed with clouds down low
Auto pilot, GPS, awake in the glow
Below I sleep lightly, dreams at the ready
Outside the storm brews strong and steady
Awoke to a question “What do you think?”
A look skyward that makes my heart sink
Lightning flashes and warm breezes kick
Scramble to deck, roll the jib, drop the main quick
Rain jackets too late, mizzen still flies
Heading down wind is what I advise
Off in the distance the other is flying
Moving so fast without even trying
Snap, crackle, pop, their jib sheets wail
Bang and slap their traveler fails.
The winds scream loud, the lightning frights
Too late for action, better hold on tight
Reef early they say, reef often we think
Experience and character gained in a blink
Finally it stops, the boats miles away
Get on the radio, see what they say
No one is hurt, some damage to repair
Stories to tell, no one can compare
A brief moment in all, compared to the trip
A memory we’ll keep and discuss at the slip
Reef early my friend, reef often we’ll say
Keep me above water, and away from the fray
