Weather Gibraltar

[Tomtom39]

We have just sailed our yacht from
UK to Gibraltar and having a lovely time.
We use grib files that we overlay on charts and these have been great for our long distance passages and quite accurate.
The question I have is for local winds and local forecast especially around the gib area what would people
Use for forecasting levante wind and fog
We are heading back out mid August and we are going to sail across to Morocco to say that we have done it
Hopefully fun
Thanks for any help


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[neilpride]

Locals say that if the top cloud around Gib is gone expect a strong levante, others say if you found lots of flies buzzing in the deck a strong levante is imminent Lol.


From what i see , Fog is previous sometimes to a strong levante , i dont know ,,is a bitch seriously, use the local weather forescast in Spanish and pay attention from what kind of wind is blowing in the Alboran área, Almeria , dont even think you can deal with a f7 or f8 levante in the Strait, thats the only place i put a spreader in the wáter turning back in the midle of a levante and running back to Cadiz, is just a sordid wind and very dangerous if is blowing hard in the strait... I prefer the Poniente.. Cheers.

[Polux]

I made that strait about 6 times and only once got settled weather. Near Gibraltar/Tarifa strong winds are to be expected in the afternoon.

If you are on the area don't miss Ceuta on the other side of the strait (Spanish town). The weather is better, without clouds and the wind and current less strong. Better prices too.

[steamgoat]

Many years ago got lost in the fog going Tangiers to Gib,very scary,pre gps,no radio etc [the good old days!!] ended up being well into the med due to current when the fog lifted.Only in Tangiers as we could not make Gib due to wind a few days earlier. On passage from N Wales on our first ever offshore trip.!!

[boatman61]

If the winds on the nose going E lay over in Barbatte or as I have done on a couple of occasions.. anchor in the lee of Tarifa..
But then.. I'm not into beating into the wind + tide every 3hrs.. for hours/days to cover 35 miles coz I won't be beat... grew outa it...
Otherwise lay in Gib or Cueta if headed W.. if in Gib keep your eye on the cloud.. when it starts to move.. so do you.. can get a bit lumpy but your running down wind and by Trafalgar its easing off..
Regarding going over to Tangiers.. check very carefully the Regs for the TSS when planning your trip as the fine is I believe 1 million euro if applied for boats entering/using improperly.
Even the Tarifa/Tangier Ferry has to detour to avoid passing through them.