Gulf of Tehuantepec: Strong katabatic winds

On the map

The map shows this spot. You can pan, zoom and click the other spots.

Gulf of Tehuantepec: how the place works

When cold air from the Gulf of Mexico is forced over the narrow isthmus, the Tehuantepecer forms: a katabatic wind that reaches gale force within hours and extends far out into the Pacific. From October to April it occurs regularly, signalled by the pressure on the Atlantic side.

Gulf of Tehuantepec: what breaks there

The wind sea turns short and steep and builds fast. Anyone caught outside collects damage to rig and sails; the usual answer is to run close inshore, where the wind still blows but the sea does not build.

Gulf of Tehuantepec: what this means for your policy

This situation is visible days ahead, and that is exactly what the gross negligence defence aims at. Check whether your policy waives it, and whether it covers sail damage from overloading.

Cruising range

In the calculator this spot falls under Worldwide

Nearby