[PUP] Caribbean waves

[Truelove39 at aol.com]

Hi Scott -
 
Good to hear of your progress and options. 
 
The waters of the Caribbean  Sea are constantly influenced by a number  of 
features which cause varying and often uncomfortable seas. Swells from  far-away 
storms in the North, drastically changing depths within short  distances, 
unpredictable and highly variable E-W tidal streams, again within  short N-S 
distances, diversion of swell direction and upheaval of water in  the shallow 
passages between islands  and the Antilles Current  all combine to make the 
Caribbean an interesting body of water. The Christmas  Winds," now abating, make 
things even more interesting in the "dry  season."
 
That's my take. Enjoy the gentle seas at this time of year!
 
Best,
 
John
 
>Perhaps someone can explain to me why the Caribbean
develops such  short steep chop?  Is it the depth of the water, the fetch
from the  windward island or what?  In the Pacific I don't think 10 or 15
knots of  wind would yield the same bumpy ride?  Perhaps these are waves that
are  much larger and steeper several hundred miles from here and we are
simply  dealing with the results of those conditions? 



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