Atlantic Weather Windows in the Fall

Every fall as many as 500 boats sail south offshore from the U.S. East Coast to the Bahamas and Caribbean and every year there is a debate about when is the best time to find a weather window to start the passage.  The traditional hurricane season as defined by NOAA ends on November 30; this is a date that has not changed in 100 years.  The Salty Dawg Rally, the Caribbean 1500 and most delivery skippers plan their departures for the first week in November since after November 1 most marine insurance companies will cover a boat on the passage. Plus, November is a shoulder season between the hurricane season and the onset of regular, winter North Atlantic storms. Yet, there are loud voices in the cruising community declaring that it is foolish to sail south while it is still the official hurricane season and recommending that rallies and deliveries should wait until early December to make the passage. Cruising Compass recommends early November as the best time to find a favorable weather window for departure from the East Coast.  But, we want to hear what you think, what you have experienced and what you recommend for sailors planning to make the passage south. Please send your thoughts to cruisingcompass@bwsailing.com.