Bilbao to rochelle

[PersephoneD]

Hi

Does anyone have experience of crossing part of Biscay from say Bilbao to Rochelle?

It would mean crossing onto the continental shelf with all the potential for swell, but it's a short weather window so with a good forecast maybe it's not too bad

Has anyone tried this and able to share experiences?

Regards

P

[neilpride]

Exactly what you say, a excellent window,, if not , the shelf is the Hell!!!


I do a La Coruna to Olone , but never on top of the continental shelf, i mean with a good weather forescast go for it!!

[boatman61]

Done it the other way a few times but to Viveiro further W.. summer never had a problem.. winter can be crap.. but its a short hop so a 3 day window W round to E and your good..
1st day to let things settle..

[sailorF54]

Hundreds of French (and other European) sailors cross Biscay every year IN THE SUMMER without mishap from or to every marina on both coasts. Weather forecast is reliable. But don't do it during or just after a gale...Remember that there is NO port of refuge beyond St-Jean-de-Luz (almost on the French Spanish border) north to (possibly) Royan, and (much safer) La Rochelle in case of bad weather (including high swell). The Arcachon Pass is impossible to cross in bad weather There is also a large bombing / missile firing training zone N of Arcachon. Give it a wide berth. Stay largely offshore for the main part of the trip, at least up to the Gironde river mouth. Note the VERY dangerous area on the northern shore of that river mouth, and do not attempt going inside Ile d'Oleron on a first visit.
The (expensive) Imray nautical guides are well worth having.

[barnakiel]

You want a window that is long enough and you want stable conditions.

Do not go when wx dynamics are at top volatility (fall/winter; winter/spring).

b.