Subject: Gulf Stream Myths and Worse
From: (JAXAshby)
Date: 03/20/2004 17:12 Pacific Standard Time
Message-id:
Sherwin, you might just wanna take a look at a temp chart of the waters
between
Florida and Newfoundland to see just how much of a well-defined "river" the
Gulf Stream is. On the average, it "gets there", but there is not much
"average" about it.
There are areas of the "Gulf Stream", and then there are areas of the Gulf
stream.
Since it's been awhile since I've seen charts and pilot charts of the East
Coast, things may have changed.
However, when I first started running with and against the stream, the charts
at that time showed a course which approximated the main axis of the stream,
generally to some point NE of Hatteras.
At that time, it was a given that the "stream" moved inshore at some points of
the year, and offshore at others (can't remember which and only remember that
it was a winter summer thingy).
Having said all this, we noticed the strongest current when running the Fla.
coast, which diminished slightly when north of the Bahamas, and diminished
again, North of Hatteras (where it tended to spread out).
Most of the information used as a basis for this information, was based on
experience from those who had gone before.
Surprisingly, once we started getting more modern up to date info on the main
axis of the stream, and tried to follow it, it was frequently surprising how
often we found ourselves out of the stream in areas that with the old methods,
we would be in the "stream", and if heading South, vice versa.
For those who are racing, I would definitely suggest paying close attention to
daily predictions, but for those cruising, I'd say watch the "old" main axis
you can find on various charts and if possible, compare and make a "big
picture" use of the more up to date predictions ..... i.e. don't ignore the
old, whether you are just trying to use it, avoid it, or cross it.
Shen