Hazard spot
Gulf of Tehuantepec
Cold air from the Gulf of Mexico funnels through a gap in the mountains and reaches gale force within hours. Staying close inshore is the usual answer.
- Cause
- Strong katabatic winds
- Main season
- October to April
- Position
- 15° 12,0' N 095° 00,0' W
On the map
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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.
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.
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.
Read this in fullCruising range
This spot lies in the cruising range the calculator lists under this step: Worldwide
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