As Hummingbird sets off from Nevis for the 1000 mile sail west to Montego Bay, Jamaica, they are going to face a mix of weather conditions that will shape their passage. The steady trade winds will drive them westward, but as they move through different regions, they’ll encounter big shifts in wind strength, sea state, and potential squalls. The Windward Passage, in particular, will bring stronger gusts and rougher seas, demanding careful navigation. Here’s a breakdown of what the Skipper is expecting along the way.
WEATHER OUTLINE
As we set sail from Nevis, we expect steady ENE trade winds at 15-20 knots, giving us a fast and comfortable broad or beam reach westward. The swell should be moderate, around 1.5 to 2 metres, but rolling beneath us in long, predictable sets.
As we approach the southern coast of Hispaniola, the wind is forecast to strengthen, funnelling off the land at night and increasing to 20-25 knots. Squalls are common in this region, bringing sharp gusts over 30 knots and sudden downpours, so we’ll need to keep an eye on the radar and adjust sail accordingly.
The Windward Passage will be the most dynamic part of the route. Here, between Haiti and Cuba, I’m exepcting to encounter stronger winds of 22-28 knots, with gusts over 30 knots due to the funneling effect. The sea state will likely become rougher, with short, confused waves up to 3 metres, particularly near the Haitian coast.
Once we clear the passage, the wind should ease slightly to 18-22 knots from the ESE, and the sea state will become more manageable, with a steady 1.5-metre swell. As we close in on the Jamaican coast, the land effect will soften the wind to 10-15 knots, and the sea will flatten, giving us a calmer approach into Montego Bay. After days of open-water sailing, these final miles should feel lovely and relaxed fro the crew. It will be a really exhilarating passage.
