Sailing Gibraltar to Uk.

[Echtagon]

I am planning to sail Gibraltar to Uk and up to West Coast Scotland leaving mid July.
Any advise on best route.
Vessel is 37' Beneteau, well equipped but crew not so young. We are not in a hurry.
Choice seems to be:
1 motor sail/ beat up Portugese coast against prevailing Northerlies while hoping for favourable local breezes then Cape Finisterre to Uk in one leg
Or2 after Cape St Vincente head for Azores and then long leg to Eire or Corwall (either OK destinations).
I appreciate it depends on overall forecast on leaving Cape St V, but would appreciate your combined experience.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Echtagon.

[edsailing]

If you can sail to windward well and tack through a reasonable angle then I would go up the coast of Portugal and Spain, lots of good places to see and, if necessary the engine will help.

If you go out to the Azores you may well get favourable winds but you have some long legs to sail, Azores to SW England you will need to allow 14 days although you may do it in 10. Similarly, Gib to Azores is a good sail as well.

It really depends what your priorities are - my preference is the coastal route with possible stops in Lisbon, Bayona, Vigo, La Coruna, Brest (I've also fancied Ushant at well)

Hope this helps