Weather Windows for Heading South

As they say, you only get one chance to pick your weather and that’s when you are planning the departure for a long passage offshore. After three days at sea, you get what you get and can only try to avoid systems that are forecast to cross your path. So, what goes into picking a weather window for the start of an offshore passage?  Obviously, we all want the wind at our backs, a good breeze but not too much wind, and a forecast that is fair for the predicted length of the passage. But, that rarely happens, even in the Trade Winds. So what realistically are you looking for. On the U.S. East Coast where I sail, in the fall, when planning to sail to the Caribbean or Bahamas offshore, we try to time our departure for the back side of a cold front. The wind will swing around to the northwest for a day or so and then gradually settle in to the west and southwest. That wind pattern will get us across the Gulf Stream and on our way south. There are similar scenarios to be found the world around so learning the patterns in the oceans where you sail and listening to the advice of a competent weather forecaster will help. Another pre-passage trick we have learned, is to party hearty with your friends, tell them you are leaving on your trip, wave goodbye and sail off to a nearby anchorage for the night; that gives you time to put yourselves and the boat in passage mode, gives you a good night sleep and the opportunity to recheck the weather and passage plan in detail. It’s no good going to sea rushed, disorganized or with a hangover. Fair winds.