Reply To: Cats in the Caribbean

It's all relative and also dependent on expectations and determination,
as does all ocean sailing. If you are looking for comfort then a cruse
liner will be better than an HT, but an HT will do the job.

Sailing in the Caribbean (Windward & Leeward Islands) comes in two
parts, first in the lee of the islands which can be easy sailing in
slight seas, followed by a mad dash between islands for about 20 miles
or less with a F4 to F5 on the beam with a 3000 mile fetch. Which can be
boisterous to say the least. It's the price you have to pay to be there
in your own boat.

A lot depends on what you get used to. If you've spent a month sailing
the trade winds to get there with the F4 to F5 and 2 metre seas (often
more) behind you then it's all accepted as the norm. Close to the
Canaries/African coast/Cape Verdi islands then a F6 with 3 metre
breakers is common. I've spent over a week running with 3 metre
breakers behind me on the trip to the Cape Verdi, after that anything
less is easy sailing.

Mike
Allegro III
Muros – N. Spain