Slow crossing to Jamaica

[Como No Cruising]

Como No is at Errol Flynn Marina, Port Antonio, Jamaica after a slow crossing from Boqueron, Puerto Rico. We were plagued by a current of 2.0 to 2.5 knots on the nose while sailing West down the South coast of the Dominican Republic. The adverse current lasted until 145 miles East of Jamaica. It was discouraging to see our speed thru the water at 6.0 knots to 6.5 knots and Speed Over Ground at 3.4 to 4 knots.

We subsequently learned that although the prevailing current in these waters is Westerly, there exists an Easterly countercurrent that flows along the South Coast of Cuba and sometimes extends to the S. Coast of the D.R. Thus, our trip took longer than anticipated and in fact became one of our slowest trips in over 50,000 miles of voyaging. Hopefully, the next leg from Port Antonio Jamaica to Isla Mujeres, Mexico will be somewhat different, in that the prevailing current should be Westerly at .5 to 1.5 knots with East Trade Winds.

We will wait for this latest front to move thru our area and the Trade Winds to return before leaving.

The positive note on the recent trip is that all went well. Mostly wing and wing all the way. Lots of roll, but we were moving at a good speed. Our new crew member, Posha (the cat) only puked once, the first day, and settled in with her sea legs for the remainder of the trip. Thanks to solar panels and the wind generator the batteries stayed up. Evidently the new LED bulb in the tri-color helps.

We hope to depart here in a week and be in Isla Mujeres within 5 days of departure. Plans call for a reunion with old friends there and a stay of about 3 weeks before sailing across the Gulf of Mexico to Texas.

Fair Winds to all
Will, Annie and Posha (The cat)

[Kevin Kaldenbach]

We look forward to meeting you when you get to Texas