Going WEST to EAST Straight of Gilbralter

[seattletutu]

Going west to east from Tarfia through the Straights of Gilbralter - which tide is best? 🙏

[HeinSdL]

Hi Seattletutu, welcome to CF. In my experience it's mainly the Levant (strong easterly wind funneling through the Strait of Gib) which you need to take into consideration. This blows for a couple of days from time to time. Not so familiar with the tide situation although my understanding is that at the surface, the current is mainly into the Med and at depth in the other direction.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, seattletutu.
➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...st-221332.html
➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...go-209508.html

➥ https://www.sail-world.com/news/2312...ibraltar-tides

[seattletutu]

Thanks you replying. We know that the westerly wind is really important but I am asking about the TIDES.

Which is the most favorable tide to enter from WEST to EAST?

[boatman61]

If you run in with the flood it will add 3+kts to your speed.. usually lasts about 3hrs before it turns again,. Stand about 1nm off the N shore and don't try crossing the shipping once your past Tarifa or you could be hit with a €1million fine.

[seattletutu]

Thank you so much. We sailing to Barbate right now. We will take your advice!! Marianne

[seattletutu]

Thank you. We are sailing to Barbate right now. We will take your advice🙏🤗

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by seattletutu

Thank you. We are sailing to Barbate right now. We will take your advice🙏🤗

Stand off the Tarifa entrance far enough out to see over the top of the breakwater +1/2km and keep your eye open for the fast Catamaran Ferries that run to and from Tangier.. you can spot their bridgedecks as they leave the jetty.
They come out accelerating and turn hard West to clear the TSS and make quite a wake.. return the same way.. assuming Covid has not shut them down.