I have a theory about the Horn that I'd like to check out.

With the prevailing westerlies comes a prevailing current
from the same direction.

Look at the shape of the horn and it's easy to picture
a swirl of current in a counter-clockwise circle just
east of the Horn. This would indicate to me that there
is a favorable current close to shore right out to the tip
of the Horn itself.

I think a crafty sailor in a small cruiser could take
advantage of this current to place himself in a
position to go round the Horn given some winds
that weren't overly stiff which winds do occur
from time to time in the summer and winter for
that matter. One could lie close in in the lee
of the Horn and use the current even if the
winds were partially blocked by the Cape
to progress right out into open water but
close to the Horn itself which I understand
is deep right up to the rocks.

It's a plan. A thinking sailor's plan.

CN


"Nav" wrote in message ...
Yes, that is correct. March is probably the best time but the gales are
no less terrible. The seas are steep and beating into them takes a
vessel that drives into a breaking sea well. I'm not sure that Bill Trip
designed the 27 with beating into the screaming 50's and Cape Horn in
mind. Forget using your outboard to help. Perhaps you might like to
consider the Straits instead?

Cheers

Capt. Neal® wrote:

Fewer mid summer because the gales tend to travel west to east at lower latitudes
in mid-summer. Autumn is a bad time because the gales are occurring further
north.

CN


"Nav" wrote in message ...

But are there fewer gales mid summer than autumn?

Cheers

Capt. Neal® wrote:


Fewer winter gales in mid-summer. It's the sensible time
to attack Cape Horn. One could freeze to death in the
winter before making it around.

CN


"Nav" wrote in message ...


You think mid summer is the best time?

Cheers

Capt. Neal® wrote:



It's not all that difficult given the right time of year
which would be mid-winter here, mid-summer there.

Every real sailor should round the great Capes to
starboard. That's what sailboats and sailors were
created to do - thwart the will of God!

God loves nothing better than to see a man doing
that which God has made very difficult or near
impossible. God put it in our genes.

CN


"Nav" wrote in message ...



You wan't to go 'round the Horn in your boat from east to west?

Good luck.

Cheers



Capt. Neal® wrote:




The Caribbean is becoming old hat though
the Bahamas still have many locales I have
not seen.

I'm kicking around the possibility of going
'round the Horn and heading off to the
South Sea islands. Of course, I would
continue around to close the circle.

I figure at my leisurely pace it should take
three or four years.

The question I must ask is could you guys
and gals survive that long without me?

CN