Why Sail the Caribbean?
It's easy to see why the Caribbean is a dream sailing destination for so many people. The region is dotted with islands, coral reefs, crystal clear blue water, and fair weather most of the time.
During the summer, temperatures in the region are high, and winds blow reliably. Thunderstorms and other hazards occur in the area, but the conditions in the Caribbean are usually fair. This is especially along well-known recreational sailing routes.
The area is extensively mapped, and there's a wealth of experience online and in the Southeast U.S. on where to go and when to go. Sailors are likely to encounter numerous other vessels, many of which are U.S.-flagged recreational craft.
Sailing Hazards in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is not without its hazards, especially when it comes to sailing. Generally, conditions are fair and relatively reliable in this tropical climate. However, that can change quickly and turn into a serious problem for sailing vessels.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are always a hazard in the Caribbean, and this is especially true during the summer. It just so happens that the summer is also the best time to sail the Caribbean, so it's important to watch out for them.
Caribbean thunderstorms are usually intense but short-lived. Conditions inside a thunderstorm include momentarily elevated waves, high gusty winds, rain, hail, and lightning. It's best to avoid thunderstorms if possible (sail around them if they're far away), but many sailors encounter these conditions.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are many times more hazardous to sailors than typical Caribbean thunderstorms. These monster storms are often hundreds of miles wide and contain sustained winds, sometimes in excess of 100 knots or more.
Thankfully, hurricanes are well-studied and don't just spontaneously appear in the late afternoon. Advanced warning is usually available, so it's best to stay tuned into weather radio and avoid areas where hurricane development is possible.
How to Learn More about Caribbean Weather
The climatology of the Caribbean is well-studied, and there's a wealth of information available for mariners on the subject. If you want to read into it, check out online information and sailing guides to tropical cyclones and summer sailing hazards in the Caribbean region.
Best Months to Sail the Caribbean
The primary consideration when choosing the best summer months to sail the Caribbean is the weather. It's best to choose months where weather conditions generally don't encourage the development of severe thunderstorms and hurricanes.
May
May is the safest warm month to sail around the Caribbean. During this period, thunderstorm development is rare, and hurricanes are practically non-existent. This changes slightly from year to year, but overall, May is the best month to sail around the Caribbean.
June
On average, June is one of the safest months to sail around the Caribbean as hurricanes are extremely rare and thunderstorms aren't particularly common. In fact, June has the least amount of summer storms in the Caribbean.
July
July is a close runner-up to June for Caribbean sailing, as July storms are infrequent, and hurricanes are also rare. However, hurricanes have occurred in the Caribbean during July, so you'll need to be more vigilant.
That said, July is still a pretty good option for trips around the Caribbean. Tourism spots are open and flourishing during this time, and lots of boats are also out. This means it's an ideal time to meet people and enjoy exploration with other boats.
August
August starts out much like July in the Caribbean, but the month is meteorologically active, and storms are much more common. Over the course of August, the storm and hurricane threat in the region nearly doubles, and weather patterns become more unpredictable.
September
September is the peak month for severe weather in the Caribbean, and sailors must be cautious when sailing in the region. During the beginning and middle of the month, explosive thunderstorm development is common, and the weather can be severe.
That's not to say that you can't sail in the Caribbean during September. Many people do, citing the warm temperatures. It means that the risk of encountering dangerous storms and rapidly-changing weather conditions is much higher during the month.
October through December
October, November, and December are still generally warm months in the Caribbean, but they're also a very active time for severe thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Compared to May and June, these three months are generally not the best times to sail the Caribbean. There is very little benefit and a significantly heightened risk of encountering severe weather.
Planning a Caribbean Sailing Trip
Planning is one of the most important things to do before embarking on a voyage in the Caribbean. The first step in planning is to choose the best time to go, which we've covered in this article already. After choosing what time is best for you, it's time to prepare your boat and make a plan.
Preparing your Sailboat for the Caribbean
The first thing to do when preparing your boat to sail is to inspect its current condition and make all the necessary repairs. Consider the bare essentials of sailing, then consider the potential hazards you're likely to encounter in the region.
The Caribbean is hot and tropical, so be sure to choose your clothing and provisions accordingly. Wool socks probably aren't as important as wet weather gear, for example, as you're much more likely to get drenched by days of rain than to freeze in sub-zero temperatures.
Check your rigging, make sure your sails are in good condition and have the bottom of your boat scraped and painted with red lead or another anti-growth paint. Barnacle and marine life grow rapidly in the Caribbean, so it's vital to have the bottom scraped and prepped for the environment.
Also, be sure to flush all water systems prior to leaving. The Caribbean is home to sensitive marine environments, and your exhaust and drain systems could harbor harmful invasive species from your home waters.
Finally, take your sailboat on a shakedown cruise, preferably during rougher conditions, to refresh your skills and test your rigging. A shakedown cruise will help you weed out any hidden issues that you might have otherwise overlooked.
Provisions
Don't forget to stock plenty of provisions, especially if you intend to visit a foreign country. Food, medication, and other essential supplies may not be widely available, especially in the small island nations that Caribbean sailing tourists tend to frequent.
Laws and Declarations
If you plan on staying abroad, be sure to check local laws and contact a reputable marina before departure. Make arrangements with the marina to ensure that you know what to do and what to declare to authorities before you arrive.
Remember, the borders of the country begin the moment you cross from international water into territorial or national waters. According to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, international waters begin and end 12 miles from the coastline of a country.
Weather
Finally, be sure to check the weather before and during your voyage. Due to the tropical climate of the region, weather can change on a dime and cause problems for you and your vessel.
If you plan your trip around broader forecasts and stay tuned throughout, you should have a safe and pleasant time sailing around the Caribbean.
You can receive regular weather updates via satellite, which is a good way to supplement the internet and VHF radio. Satellite weather forecasts are particularly important in areas without accurate (or any) local weather forecasts. Additionally, a wind vane and a barometer are also great to have.
