10. Bermuda to Nova Scotia
(Heavy Weather Passage)

This is the return voyage every sailor from the Northeast must make to get home from the palm tree studded beaches of the Caribbean. By mid-May the winter storm systems should have blown themselves out and this is usually a slightly tamer voyage than the passage south. However a cold front is possible and the North Atlantic can always throw in a surprise or two. The weather will be warm as we leave Bermuda, but foul weather gear will become essential after we cross the Gulf Stream and approach Nova Scotia.
This will be a true offshore bluewater passage as we contend with the North Atlantic in spring. Weather routing will be important as we decide where to cross the Gulf Stream, and the best route for the changing weather conditions. We will be sailing in the area of prevailing westerlies, which are far less established and consistent than the Tradewinds. This will make for more quickly changing conditions and multiple sail changes. This also might be the first trip where fog becomes a serious navigation challenge! Hopefully it lifts on our approach, so we can take in the beautiful, rugged coastline of Nova Scotia!