For cruisers in the Bahamas wanting to head east, making windward progress during the summer months can be very challenging. The consistent trade winds that make the islands a paradise for sailors can quickly become your worst enemy when you need to head east. Early summer (specifically May through July) although not the easiest time of year, offers some good opportunities to work your way to windward if you know how to read the patterns and plan accordingly. 

After getting a late start to our cruising season this year we found ourselves trying to get to windward later than expected. We still really wanted to spend one last season in the Bahamas. This means we had to be more patient and spend more time planning instead of grabbing one of the many fronts that come by in the spring. 

Understanding Early Summer Weather Patterns

The early summer period in the Bahamas presents a unique window of opportunity for windward passages. Unlike the more volatile late summer months, May through July typically sees more stable weather patterns with fewer tropical disturbances. The trade winds are well-established but not yet at their peak intensity, often settling into a predictable 15-20 knot range from the east-southeast.

During this period, the Atlantic tropical wave activity is just beginning to ramp up, meaning you’ll encounter fewer weather systems disrupting the normal trade wind flow. This stability, while sometimes frustrating, can be crucial for planning windward passages, as you can count on more consistent conditions. Taking a window when it arrives becomes crucial.

The key to success lies in understanding that even during the trades, the wind isn’t constant. Early morning hours often bring the lightest conditions, with winds frequently dropping to 10-15 knots. This daily pattern, combined with occasional passing of tropical waves can temporarily shift winds away from the east, creating the weather windows you need to make meaningful progress to windward.

Identifying Your Weather Windows

Modern forecasting tools make identifying weather windows much easier than in years past. Apps like Windy or Predict wind provide detailed wind forecasts that let you spot those crucial periods when wind speeds drop and waves subside or direction shifts favorably. Look for forecasts showing wind speeds below 15 knots and smaller seastates or any shift in wind direction from the east that gives you a better angle to sail.

Pay particular attention to the movement of high-pressure systems across the Atlantic. As these systems move through, they often create a period of lighter, more variable winds in their wake—perfect conditions for making windward progress. These windows typically last 12-24 hours, giving you enough time to cover significant distance before the trades fill back in.

Onboard Wildly Intrepid II we really tend to be fair weather sailors for the most part. Having 2 children under 4 forces us to be extra picky about which weather windows we take. Often choosing to take shorter windows with smaller seas to keep all the crew happy and avoid seasickness as much as possible.

Strategic Route Planning

Success in windward sailing during early summer depends heavily on strategic route planning. Rather than attempting marathon passages, break your windward journey into shorter segments between protected anchorages. This approach allows you to time each leg for optimal conditions while ensuring you always have a safe harbour within reach.

Making our way to Georgetown is normally the easier part of our passage making as you can make ground earlier in the season using the clocking winds to make our way east. Taking your time getting there as you enjoy the beautiful waters along the way. 

When working windward from Georgetown toward Long Island and beyond use protected anchorages on route to keep your crew and vessel happy. Plan your departure from Georgetown to reach Stella Maria Long Island, then Conception Island or Rum during a weather window before jumping down to Crooked and Aklins. This route breaks a potentially brutal windward beat into manageable day-hops with excellent anchorages for waiting out unfavorable conditions.

Of course you can adjust your route according to where you would like to go as we did this season. Spending much of our season in the amazingly beautiful Ragged Islands before finally heading around the southern end of Long Island toward Crooked Island.

Tactical Sailing Techniques

Making the most of light air windows requires specific sail handling techniques. Configure your boat with the largest genoa or jib you can safely carry, as these light air conditions demand maximum sail area to maintain boat speed. 

Motor-sailing becomes a valuable tool during early summer weather windows. When winds drop below 10 knots, adding engine power can help maintain the boat speed necessary to point higher and make better windward progress. Finding the right balance is important not just to save fuel but to have maximum comfort. Enough power to help without overpowering the sails and creating excessive sail flogging

As sailors, of course we would love to sail as much as possible but for some passages we find ourselves taking advantage of the light winds and calm seas to make comfortable ground east. The Gulf Stream for example is one of those passages we do not try to sail. After waiting weeks to cross under sail before finally having to motor sail across has taught us that it is ok to motor sometimes.

Safety Considerations and Backup Plans

Every windward passage plan must include multiple backup anchorages in case of changing weather. Identify safe anchorages every 6-10 hours along your route, and be prepared to abandon windward progress if conditions deteriorate. Don’t be afraid to turn back if you need to. The Bahamas’ shallow waters and numerous reefs make night sailing particularly hazardous, so ensure your weather window allows for daylight arrival at your destination.

If you cannot arrive during the day make sure to choose an anchorage that doesn’t require difficult navigation around shallows on coral heads. When we made our jump from Crooked Islands to Turks and Cacos we decided that we should break up the trip by stopping in Mayaguana until the next window opened up. But unfortunately that meant arriving after dark so we chose to anchor on the western shore in Betsy Bay for the first night instead of trying to navigate Abrahams Bay and its many coral heads and shallows.

Multiple anchoring options become essential when seeking shelter in unfamiliar anchorages, as bottom conditions vary significantly from beautiful sand bottom, to rock hard bottom throughout the Bahamas.

Making It Work

The secret to successful windward sailing in the Bahamas during early summer lies in patience and flexibility. Don’t try to force passages when conditions aren’t favorable despite how much you may want to leave now. Waiting for the right weather window often means the difference between a comfortable sail and a miserable bash to windward.

Early summer offers a balance of predictable conditions and reasonable weather windows for windward work. By understanding the patterns, planning strategically, and maintaining flexibility in your schedule, you can successfully work your way to windward and explore the incredible eastern islands of the Bahamas that many cruisers never see.

Remember, no destination is worth risking crew safety or boat damage. The islands will always be there, but the right weather window won’t last forever. When conditions are right, take the opportunity and enjoy the satisfaction of successfully making windward ground without bashing your brains out in one of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds.

Cory Bertrand

Cory and Alex share their adventure with weekly videos on their YouTube channel “Wildly Intrepid Sailing”. Their dream is to travel the world and to live without any regrets.