Now is the time. You have about 3 weeks to get packed up and out of
there. After November the weather windows get shorter and shorter and
the forcasts less reliable. Head in the general direction of Bermuda
but don't be tempted to stop there unless you have plenty of money and
resolve to continue on immediately. Bermuda is seductive, expensive and
a storm magnet in the winter.

If departing after the first of December go south to Bufort before
heading out. Take the ICW behind the cape. If you can't fit in the
ditch head out ESE from Norfolk. Stay at least 200 miles off of
Hatteras. Get as much easting as you can above about 25N. We do it out
of Charleston on deliveries every couple of years but getting east is a
lot easier when you start out from Bufort or further north.

When you get to 65W hang a right and proceed direct to the Eastern
Caribbean.


Ayesha wrote:

A bit of advice, please, for a UK yachtsman.
If I have a boat in Newport RI and want to head south to the Caribbean
-I imagine this is well worn route - what is the best time of year to do
it? Is it better/ more interesting to use the inland route, or make a
sea passage? How long would you allow to cruise it, rather than race
it?
Anything that would help me plan this passage would be useful,

many thanks

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com