I can never convince the crew to cross the gulf stream in the winter. Last Christmas, we went across the OWW from Palm City to Sannabel. On our return trip, we cross Lake O on Jan 2, with 20 - 25 kt Northeast winds and 3 - 5 foot steep chop "seas". I was glad that we were not in the Bahamas trying to get back to Florida. You have to be prepared to wait on either side to make the crossing.