A Bahamas sailing vacation promises an easygoing time aboard with fair winds year round averaging between 5 and 20 knots. They are seldom stronger unless a northerly front (a ?norther?) blows through during the winter months, bringing with it fresh breezes from the northwest.

Wind directions are east to southeasterly in summer and more northeasterly in winter. The Sea of Abaco is usually calm, passages are short, and the navigation is mostly line-of-sight. However, the waters are also quite shallow, making it prudent to heed the charts and to account for the tidal range, which can be as much as three feet during a full or new moon.

A look at the tide tables reveals negative ranges, meaning the recorded depth at mean low water on a chart could actually be less in reality. While this portion of the Bahamas is ideal for the novice sailor and families with young children, the beauty and unique character of the Abacos also lures veteran sailors to return time after time for more adventures.

Daily high temperatures range from 75?F (24?C) in January to 95?F (35?C) in August. Daytime temperatures December through February may dip as low as 60?F (15?C).