Sailing south from A Coruña

[simonpickard]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone can offer some advice in terms of pilotage on this run from A Coruña down to Portugal? I should have picked up the pilot book when back in the UK but can't find one local so any advice would be great.

I've looked online and keep reading about 'Rias' and unmarked rocks everywhere? Is it a tricky area to navigate then?

We plan to sail from A Coruña to Camarinas, Vigo, Baiona then Porto.

Any areas we need watch out for that wouldn't be shown on our charts?

Thanks in advance,
Simon

[Hydra]

Simon,
There is some information in the US Sailing Directions for the West coast of Europe and Northwest Africa (pub 143), downloadable for free here: Maritime Safety Information

Alain

[simonpickard]

Great stuff! Thanks Alain

[Jolly Roger]

Go with a northerly and keep a good offing until you get round Cape Finisterre, then it’s plain sailing down to Bayonne, Vigo, Oporto and Lisbon.
There is only one thing to beware of, even in mid summer—COASTAL FOG. So stay well out to sea until you want to make a port.
This will also keep you clear of the fishing nets which are strung out nearly a mile or so offshore.
Good sailing.

[Tellus]

At Portugal coast have a look for habor situation, marine bars
Portal da Marinha - Estado das Barras

[boatman61]

I'll second the advice about standing offshore running to and rounding the headland past Finisterre.. there are some rocks depths 3 and 4 metres about a mile+ out by Finisterre.. also try and get there for the S run of the tide.. gives you a great boost past for the 50 mile run down to Baiona.. visit there 1st before going up river to Vigo.. its just by the entrance to the river and you can pick up a local chart..
Still waiting to get my phone back then I'll send some pic's from my pilot book.. and hopefully you can get them big enough to make sense.
The best chart you could have gotten for this leg is the Imray C19 Finisterre to Gibraltar passage chart.. it has inserts for La Coruna, Baiona, Leixoes, Cascais, Lisbon and approaches, Sines, Lagos, Rota and the Bay of Cadiz along with the Straits and Gibraltar itself.
Enough info for a safe passage along these coasts.