Gulf Stream
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Gulf Stream (off Florida, USA)
The Gulf Stream, together with its northern extension towards Europe, the North Atlantic Drift, is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico, exits through the Strait of Florida, and follows the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. At about 30°W, 40°N, it splits in two, with the northern stream crossing to northern Europe and the southern stream recirculating off West Africa. The Gulf Stream influences the climate of the east coast of North America from Florida to Newfoundland, and the west coast of Europe.
A river of sea water, called the Atlantic North Equatorial Current, flows westward off the coast of northern Africa. When this current interacts with the northeastern coast of South America, the current forks into the two branches. One passes into the Caribbean Sea, while a second, the Antilles Current, flows north and east of the West Indies. These two branches rejoin north of the Straits of Florida.
Consequently, the resulting Gulf Stream is a strong ocean current. It transports water at a rate of 30 million cubic meters per second (30 sverdrups) through the Florida Straits. As it passes south of Newfoundland, this rate increases to 150 million cubic meters per second. The volume of the Gulf Stream dwarfs all rivers that empty into the Atlantic combined, which barely total 0.6 million cubic meters per second. It is weaker, however, than the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Passage
West to East - "Gulf Stream" crossing.
(Also see East to West)
Departure Points
Arrival Port/s
Possible arrival ports at end of the passage:
Charts
List the charts required for this passage.
Climate & Weather Information
Expected climatic & weather conditions?
Sources of weather information for the passage:
- Gulf Stream Velocity - Maps of current velocities of the Gulf Stream in the vicinity of the East coast of North-America.
- Gulf Stream Forecasts Passage Weather
Weather Windows
The summer months are when the sea is the calmest and visibility is the best. A forecast of light to variable winds in the summer will make for a great crossing.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
List radio Nets covering this passage.
The Passage
The passage from Florida to the Bahamas is about 50 miles - crossing the Gulf Stream at it's narrowest.
The weather is the most important consideration for crossing the Gulf Stream. It is the exception to make this passage on a flat sea so waiting for a reasonable weather window is vitally important to make a safe, comfortable crossing.
The Gulf Stream runs roughly North/South between the Bahamas and South Florida so, the sea can kick up dangerously high and steep if a wind of over 30 knots blows from the North - against the current.
Ideally, if crossing from Fort Lauderdale directly east, the wind should be under 15 knots and from the South. Leave very early in the morning, sail as fast as you can (even motor-sail) to ensure that you complete the crossing and arrive well within daylight hours.
Be very aware of your drift in the current (which can run up to 3 knots) and adequately compensate your heading. It is VITAL to constantly update your position on a chart and know exactly where you are during this crossing.
A good rule of thumb is not to make this passage if the wind has a Northerly component.
Also see: US to Abacos Passage
References
Books, guides, etc.
Forum discussions
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North America | Caribbean | Bahamas | Gulf Stream | |
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