The Dreaded Tehuantepec and Papagallo’s are Here
The gradually curving northern shoreline of the Gulf of Tehuantepec(tay-WAN-tay-peck)
measures about 275nm, it’s more of a navigational hurdle that boaters must get across in order to proceed into Central America.
At the head of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, we find the narrowest span of land between the Pacific and Atlantic (120 nm). The high mountains stop for approximately 75 miles leaving flat land and a gap for the winds to blow across.
Winds average force 6 (22-27knot) but during the T-Peckers they rise to Force 8 – 9. The winds raise treacherous, short, high seas which can be experience offshore 500 miles.
A Tehuantepec blow begins suddenly and lasts anywhere from a few hours to several days.
The winds are created when an intense continental high pressure over Texas causes strong north winds in the Gulf of Mexico. The higher the high the stronger the resultant winds. Once the wind funnels through the isthmus, it fans out to the southwest on the western shore of the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
There are 2 strategies for transiting, 1- (the one we will do) is to hug the shore at about ½ mile. This is in the lee of the land and you should get only wavelets if the wind kicks up. It will still not be comfortable but it won’t be dangerous. This means that many fisherman will be out if the conditions are favourable so watching for nets will be an issue. 2) Travel 500 miles offshore. (I think not)
Luckily there are many ways to receive weather for this area, and we are hoping for a good weather window around Tuesday.
Once you get through the Tehuantepec, another weather phenomenon known as the Papagallo can occur. These too are gap winds but do not generally get as windy. The driving force for these winds are the Caribbean Trade Winds. These winds can be felt as high as Guatemala but general are more pronounced in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. As with the Tehuantepec the tactic is to hug the land.
We have been told that cruise ships have come in that were hit with the winds to have the people kiss the ground. A Canadian couple we met drove their car through the area when a gale was blowing and said they were scared in their car. They had kayaks on the roof and thought the whole roof was going to come off the car.
We have been pretty much been studying this area for the year and feel we are ready. My stomach actually doesn’t even hurt. The weather window will be right or we won’t go.
Now for all the people reading this blog; while we do the dreaded T-Pecker cross your fingers and toes maybe say a prayer or two for all who are travelling around here, not just us.
I have chosen to write this extra blog this week as there will be lots to write about Huatulco.