My recollection (I think it is in the Explorer Chart Pack) is that you steer an S (not exacly) shaped course from the mainland.  First make East as much as you can, then you can ease off your angle as the stream carries you north hen East again when it subsides on the approach. So your plotter may show you heading too far north while you are solidly in the stream but it will improve again as it slows nearer your destination.  Making as much East as you can initially has my vote.  The Explorer Chart Pack is extremely helpful (essential) in cruising the Bahamas BTW.

Bob, KAIMI

 

Porter, done that stretch many times. Anything out of the north east will not be comfortable. Save the boom crash sailing until your crew is more seasoned and you do not have other options.

JOEL F. POTTER

CRUISING YACHT SPECIALIST LLC

Office 954-462-5869 

On Nov 17, 2017, at 11:49 AM, sangaris@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Hi Porter,

Here is last night's forecast from Chris Parker, the weather guru in this part of the world - check out his website and you can subscribe to his service (that's a free plug for Chris, to make up for inappropriately sharing his info). It does look like there is a motoring window overnight Saturday. And since you will just be a trawler-with-sticky-up-things it won't make much difference if you leave from Lake Worth vs. Ft La-dee-da. Since you're post was marked Ft Lauderdale, just leave from there and save the schlep north to Palm Beach, which will be a nasty ride into that NE wind, anyway.

Since you want to go all the way to the Berry's it seems you'll be at great risk of catching the Sunday afternoon Front while you're still underway. Unless you're on a forced march, you should definitely take Jeff's advice #3 and select the weevil on the right.

Cheers, Craig, SN#68

CROSSING:

Travel not recommended thru Fri17 due to NE winds... W-bound travel gradually improves Sat18 with sailing

N&S ROUTE: NE@15-20g26/7-9' thru overnight; NNE-NE@17-22g28
Sun19 evening-overnight; NE

---In amelyachtowners@..., wrote :

Good Morning Porter,

A couple things, (and I'm making some assumptions):

1. It looks like the wind has been blowing out of the northerd  rather freshly , or a little east of north. Considering the strong northerly push of the gulf stream, it's a recipe for a short steep wind swell, from the north.

If the wind on Saturday is on your nose, and you can't sail her, and have to rely on motoring, you will be in for a very uncomfortable run. 

2. In your boat, the question isn't whether you can do it, but how much of a beating you want to take. Personally, an uncomfortable stretch motoring isn't something I enjoy. 

3. If you have the time, (and what's a day in the life of a sailor?), wait for more favorable conditions (or the lesser of 2 weevils...any O'Brien fans out there?)

4. If your friend wants to go, tell him you'll catch up with him. 

Have fun!

Regards,

Jeff Spirit Amel 54 #14

On Thu, Nov 16, 2017 at 01:26 PM, portermcroberts@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Hello Amelians,

 

We are a 54 heading out likely Saturday or Sunday to cross the gulfstream to the Bahamas.  Forecast is 5-6ft waves period 6-7 sec on Sat. and 3-4 feet period 6-7 on Sunday.  Out of the Northeast to east.  With a dying breeze on Sunday.  Weather and seas essentially on the nose.

 

I write as we have sailed and motored quite a bit upwind over the summer.  It’s hard for me to estimate the exact size of oncoming waves, but the boat slams and it seems were taking green water over the nose with anything around 4 or up.  Unusual? 

 

The boat’s boot-stripe is about 3-4 inches above waterline on the nose, and 1 inch above water line at the aft.  I’ve tried to move as much weight forward, taking off the air compressor, moving dive-tanks to the port lazarette etc, but I can’t get the nose any lower than above.  (The Nance and Underwood riggers think were trim and just that the bootstripe has been painted in such upward fashion.)

 

My question to you guys is how comfortable is the 54 and SM going up weather- and most specifically into the waves?  How should I trim for the best trip?

 

Were crossing with some folks on a new Leopard 45.  (They want to cross Saturday) Who will have the rougher trip given the same (into the seas) conditions?

 

How would an angle from Palm Beach as opposed to Fort Lauderdale change things for a crossing towards the Berrys?  I’d see a shift to the beam for the waves- but current more on the nose.    Any thoughts?  

 

I know the boat will handle most anything, and I’ve sailed a good 5000 miles in the last 6 months, but a lot of downwind, and minimal upwind in heavier seas.  I’d be obliged to know your thoughts!

 

Many thanks—

 

Porter

Porter McRoberts
S/V Ibis: Amel 54-#152
Ft. Lauderdale
www.fouribis.com
portermcroberts@...

 

Hi Porter,

Here is last night's forecast from Chris Parker, the weather guru in this part of the world - check out his website and you can subscribe to his service (that's a free plug for Chris, to make up for inappropriately sharing his info). It does look like there is a motoring window overnight Saturday. And since you will just be a trawler-with-sticky-up-things it won't make much difference if you leave from Lake Worth vs. Ft La-dee-da. Since you're post was marked Ft Lauderdale, just leave from there and save the schlep north to Palm Beach, which will be a nasty ride into that NE wind, anyway.

Since you want to go all the way to the Berry's it seems you'll be at great risk of catching the Sunday afternoon Front while you're still underway. Unless you're on a forced march, you should definitely take Jeff's advice #3 and select the weevil on the right.

Cheers, Craig, SN#68

CROSSING:

Travel not recommended thru Fri17 due to NE winds.. W-bound travel gradually improves Sat18 with sailing

N&S ROUTE: NE@15-20g26/7-9' thru overnight; NNE-NE@17-22g28
Sun19 evening-overnight; NE

---In amelyachtowners@..., wrote :

Good Morning Porter,

A couple things, (and I'm making some assumptions):

1. It looks like the wind has been blowing out of the northerd  rather freshly , or a little east of north. Considering the strong northerly push of the gulf stream, it's a recipe for a short steep wind swell, from the north.

If the wind on Saturday is on your nose, and you can't sail her, and have to rely on motoring, you will be in for a very uncomfortable run. 

2. In your boat, the question isn't whether you can do it, but how much of a beating you want to take. Personally, an uncomfortable stretch motoring isn't something I enjoy. 

3. If you have the time, (and what's a day in the life of a sailor?), wait for more favorable conditions (or the lesser of 2 weevils...any O'Brien fans out there?)

4. If your friend wants to go, tell him you'll catch up with him. 

Have fun!

Regards,

Jeff Spirit Amel 54 #14

On Thu, Nov 16, 2017 at 01:26 PM, portermcroberts@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Hello Amelians,

 

We are a 54 heading out likely Saturday or Sunday to cross the gulfstream to the Bahamas.  Forecast is 5-6ft waves period 6-7 sec on Sat. and 3-4 feet period 6-7 on Sunday.  Out of the Northeast to east.  With a dying breeze on Sunday.  Weather and seas essentially on the nose.

 

I write as we have sailed and motored quite a bit upwind over the summer.  It’s hard for me to estimate the exact size of oncoming waves, but the boat slams and it seems were taking green water over the nose with anything around 4 or up.  Unusual? 

 

The boat’s boot-stripe is about 3-4 inches above waterline on the nose, and 1 inch above water line at the aft.  I’ve tried to move as much weight forward, taking off the air compressor, moving dive-tanks to the port lazarette etc, but I can’t get the nose any lower than above.  (The Nance and Underwood riggers think were trim and just that the bootstripe has been painted in such upward fashion.)

 

My question to you guys is how comfortable is the 54 and SM going up weather- and most specifically into the waves?  How should I trim for the best trip?

 

Were crossing with some folks on a new Leopard 45.  (They want to cross Saturday) Who will have the rougher trip given the same (into the seas) conditions?

 

How would an angle from Palm Beach as opposed to Fort Lauderdale change things for a crossing towards the Berrys?  I’d see a shift to the beam for the waves- but current more on the nose.    Any thoughts?  

 

I know the boat will handle most anything, and I’ve sailed a good 5000 miles in the last 6 months, but a lot of downwind, and minimal upwind in heavier seas.  I’d be obliged to know your thoughts!

 

Many thanks—

 

Porter

Porter McRoberts
S/V Ibis: Amel 54-#152
Ft. Lauderdale
www.fouribis.com
portermcroberts@...

On 17 November 2017 at 07:26 "portermcroberts@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

 

Hello Amelians,

 

We are a 54 heading out likely Saturday or Sunday to cross the gulfstream to the Bahamas.  Forecast is 5-6ft waves period 6-7 sec on Sat. and 3-4 feet period 6-7 on Sunday.  Out of the Northeast to east.  With a dying breeze on Sunday.  Weather and seas essentially on the nose.

 

I write as we have sailed and motored quite a bit upwind over the summer.  It’s hard for me to estimate the exact size of oncoming waves, but the boat slams and it seems were taking green water over the nose with anything around 4 or up.  Unusual? 

 

The boat’s boot-stripe is about 3-4 inches above waterline on the nose, and 1 inch above water line at the aft.  I’ve tried to move as much weight forward, taking off the air compressor, moving dive-tanks to the port lazarette etc, but I can’t get the nose any lower than above.  (The Nance and Underwood riggers think were trim and just that the bootstripe has been painted in such upward fashion.)

 

My question to you guys is how comfortable is the 54 and SM going up weather- and most specifically into the waves?  How should I trim for the best trip?

 

Were crossing with some folks on a new Leopard 45.  (They want to cross Saturday) Who will have the rougher trip given the same (into the seas) conditions?

 

How would an angle from Palm Beach as opposed to Fort Lauderdale change things for a crossing towards the Berrys?  I’d see a shift to the beam for the waves- but current more on the nose.    Any thoughts?  

 

I know the boat will handle most anything, and I’ve sailed a good 5000 miles in the last 6 months, but a lot of downwind, and minimal upwind in heavier seas.  I’d be obliged to know your thoughts!

 

Many thanks—

 

Porter

 

Porter McRoberts
S/V Ibis: Amel 54-#152
Ft. Lauderdale
www.fouribis.com
portermcroberts@...

 

On Nov 17, 2017, at 12:56 PM, sangaris@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

James,

Where is the hole on the top? I haven't found one.

Joel,

Did all the rudders have both bottom and top holes?  It does make sense to allow better flow.

Best,

Craig SN#68

---In amelyachtowners@..., wrote :

Graham,

   Joel and Bill have answered your question and I concur that my Maramu has a drain hole at the bottom of the rudder as well.  I would only add that on my Maramu that after hauling the boat, I fill and drain the inside of the rudder with fresh water a couple of ti mes to try and remove most of the salt.  I am careful to insure that the air vent in the top of the rudder is open so that the rudder does not develop internal pressure from filling the rudder with freshwater.   My thoughts are that it is always best to remove salt where possible before storing a boat and thanks to the unique Amel rudder design this is one more place that can be rinsed.   I am curious if other Amel owners do this?

Best,

James Alton

SV Sueno,  Maramu #220

On Nov 17, 2017, at 8:05 AM, Graham Cresswell grahamjcresswell@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

I've noticed that on each occasion recently that we have hauled our ou r
Maramu, water has drained from the bottom of the rudder for a few minutes. 

Is this a designed-in feature or do I have a problem?

Kind regards

Graham
SV Jamesby
Maramu #240

 

Hi Porter,

Here is last night's forecast from Chris Parker, the weather guru in this part of the world - check out his website and you can subscribe to his service (that's a free plug for Chris, to make up for inappropriately sharing his info). It does look like there is a motoring window overnight Saturday. And since you will just be a trawler-with-sticky-up-things it won't make much difference if you leave from Lake Worth vs. Ft La-dee-da. Since you're post was marked Ft Lauderdale, just leave from there and save the schlep north to Palm Beach, which will be a nasty ride into that NE wind, anyway.

Since you want to go all the way to the Berry's it seems you'll be at great risk of catching the Sunday afternoon Front while you're still underway. Unless you're on a forced march, you should definitely take Jeff's advice #3 and select the weevil on the right.

Cheers, Craig, SN#68

CROSSING:

Travel not recommended thru Fri17 due to NE winds.. W-bound travel gradually improves Sat18 with sailing

N&S ROUTE: NE@15-20g26/7-9' thru overnight; NNE-NE@17-22g28
Sun19 evening-overnight; NE

---In amelyachtowners@..., wrote :

Good Morning Porter,

A couple things, (and I'm making some assumptions):

1. It looks like the wind has been blowing out of the northerd  rather freshly , or a little east of north. Considering the strong northerly push of the gulf stream, it's a recipe for a short steep wind swell, from the north.

If the wind on Saturday is on your nose, and you can't sail her, and have to rely on motoring, you will be in for a very uncomfortable run. 

2. In your boat, the question isn't whether you can do it, but how much of a beating you want to take. Personally, an uncomfortable stretch motoring isn't something I enjoy. 

3. If you have the time, (and what's a day in the life of a sailor?), wait for more favorable conditions (or the lesser of 2 weevils...any O'Brien fans out there?)

4. If your friend wants to go, tell him you'll catch up with him. 

Have fun!

Regards,

Jeff Spirit Amel 54 #14

On Thu, Nov 16, 2017 at 01:26 PM, portermcroberts@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Hello Amelians,

 

We are a 54 heading out likely Saturday or Sunday to cross the gulfstream to the Bahamas.  Forecast is 5-6ft waves period 6-7 sec on Sat. and 3-4 feet period 6-7 on Sunday.  Out of the Northeast to east.  With a dying breeze on Sunday.  Weather and seas essentially on the nose.

 

I write as we have sailed and motored quite a bit upwind over the summer.  It’s hard for me to estimate the exact size of oncoming waves, but the boat slams and it seems were taking green water over the nose with anything around 4 or up.  Unusual? 

 

The boat’s boot-stripe is about 3-4 inches above waterline on the nose, and 1 inch above water line at the aft.  I’ve tried to move as much weight forward, taking off the air compressor, moving dive-tanks to the port lazarette etc, but I can’t get the nose any lower than above.  (The Nance and Underwood riggers think were trim and just that the bootstripe has been painted in such upward fashion.)

 

My question to you guys is how comfortable is the 54 and SM going up weather- and most specifically into the waves?  How should I trim for the best trip?

 

Were crossing with some folks on a new Leopard 45.  (They want to cross Saturday) Who will have the rougher trip given the same (into the seas) conditions?

 

How would an angle from Palm Beach as opposed to Fort Lauderdale change things for a crossing towards the Berrys?  I’d see a shift to the beam for the waves- but current more on the nose.    Any thoughts?  

 

I know the boat will handle most anything, and I’ve sailed a good 5000 miles in the last 6 months, but a lot of downwind, and minimal upwind in heavier seas.  I’d be obliged to know your thoughts!

 

Many thanks—

 

Porter

Porter McRoberts
S/V Ibis: Amel 54-#152
Ft. Lauderdale
www.fouribis.com
portermcroberts@...

 

Hello Porter;

 

Our 54 handles waves on the bow well. However, she has to have enough momentum to punch through the waves and not hobby horse on the waves.

 

In order to have enough momentum, our approach is to fall off the wind enough so we are in a close haul, sheet in the main,genoa and Mizzen and motor sail. If necessary, we sometimes move the main and mizzen travelers to windward to allow us to better point into the wind. The slight heel and power from the sails on this point of sail in combination with the thrust of the engine provides sufficient momentum to punch through most seas. We adjust the engine RPMs and how far off the wind we motor sail by the motion of the bow. If we start feeling the bow is having too much of a vertical up/down motion we increase RPMs and/or fall off the wind for more power and heel. In general if you can get her to heel 5 degrees or more, she settles in and punches through. We have found that adding the staysail to this sail combination, given sufficient wind, allows us to better point upwind as well.

 

I do agree with others that waiting for a better weather window would be our first choice.

 

Respectfully;

Mohammad and Aty

B&B Kokomo

Amel 54 #099

 

---

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2017 10:27 AM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Upwind advice please

 

Hello Amelians,

 

We are a 54 heading out likely Saturday or Sunday to cross the gulfstream to the Bahamas.  Forecast is 5-6ft waves period 6-7 sec on Sat. and 3-4 feet period 6-7 on Sunday.  Out of the Northeast to east.  With a dying breeze on Sunday.  Weather and seas essentially on the nose.

 

I write as we have sailed and motored quite a bit upwind over the summer.  It’s hard for me to estimate the exact size of oncoming waves, but the boat slams and it seems were taking green water over the nose with anything around 4 or up.  Unusual? 

 

The boat’s boot-stripe is about 3-4 inches above waterline on the nose, and 1 inch above water line at the aft.  I’ve tried to move as much weight forward, taking off the air compressor, moving dive-tanks to the port lazarette etc, but I can’t get the nose any lower than above.  (The Nance and Underwood riggers think were trim and just that the bootstripe has been painted in such upward fashion.)

 

My question to you guys is how comfortable is the 54 and SM going up weather- and most specifically into the waves?  How should I trim for the best trip?

 

Were crossing with some folks on a new Leopard 45.  (They want to cross Saturday) Who will have the rougher trip given the same (into the seas) conditions?

 

How would an angle from Palm Beach as opposed to Fort Lauderdale change things for a crossing towards the Berrys?  I’d see a shift to the beam for the waves- but current more on the nose.    Any thoughts?  

 

I know the boat will handle most anything, and I’ve sailed a good 5000 miles in the last 6 months, but a lot of downwind, and minimal upwind in heavier seas.  I’d be obliged to know your thoughts!

 

Many thanks—

 

Porter

Porter McRoberts
S/V Ibis: Amel 54-#152
Ft. Lauderdale
www.fouribis.com
portermcroberts@...

On Nov 17, 2017, at 8:05 AM, Graham Cresswell grahamjcresswell@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

I've noticed that on each occasion recently that we have hauled our our
Maramu, water has drained from the bottom of the rudder for a few minutes. 

Is this a designed-in feature or do I have a problem?

Kind regards

Graham
SV Jamesby
Maramu #240

On Thu, Nov 16, 2017 at 01:26 PM, portermcroberts@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Hello Amelians,

 

We are a 54 heading out likely Saturday or Sunday to cross the gulfstream to the Bahamas.  Forecast is 5-6ft waves period 6-7 sec on Sat. and 3-4 feet period 6-7 on Sunday.  Out of the Northeast to east.  With a dying breeze on Sunday.  Weather and seas essentially on the nose.

 

I write as we have sailed and motored quite a bit upwind over the summer.  It’s hard for me to estimate the exact size of oncoming waves, but the boat slams and it seems were taking green water over the nose with anything around 4 or up.  Unusual? 

 

The boat’s boot-stripe is about 3-4 inches above waterline on the nose, and 1 inch above water line at the aft.  I’ve tried to move as much weight forward, taking off the air compressor, moving dive-tanks to the port lazarette etc, but I can’t get the nose any lower than above.  (The Nance and Underwood riggers think were trim and just that the bootstripe has been painted in such upward fashion.)

 

My question to you guys is how comfortable is the 54 and SM going up weather- and most specifically into the waves?  How should I trim for the best trip?

 

Were crossing with some folks on a new Leopard 45.  (They want to cross Saturday) Who will have the rougher trip given the same (into the seas) conditions?

 

How would an angle from Palm Beach as opposed to Fort Lauderdale change things for a crossing towards the Berrys?  I’d see a shift to the beam for the waves- but current more on the nose.    Any thoughts?  

 

I know the boat will handle most anything, and I’ve sailed a good 5000 miles in the last 6 months, but a lot of downwind, and minimal upwind in heavier seas.  I’d be obliged to know your thoughts!

 

Many thanks—

 

Porter

Porter McRoberts
S/V Ibis: Amel 54-#152
Ft. Lauderdale
www.fouribis.com
portermcroberts@...