Netherlands to Gibraltar

[monte]

We've crossed biscay from La Rochelle a couple of times (2012/2014)
In both years more weather windows were available in June/July than later on. Late July the Atlantic lows became more regular, and the Portuguese trades less reliable. Last year we watched a month of perfect conditions in June and July, but had to wait a week or two when we were ready to depart for a decent window. You will still get decent weather windows later but be prepared to wait a week or two between the lows for the best opportunities. The same goes for the Atlantic coast. When the trades a are consistent it's a great trip south, but you may need to plan some 2-3 day stops along the way if you want to avoid headwinds and fog. It's a great trip with some very nice towns and anchorages along the way so I wouldn't recommend rushing it.

[jim_thomsen]

Hi Morgano,

My wife and I sailed from the Netherlands to southern Spain in 2007. Here is our route and the stops we made along the way: Home Page

This was our first sailing trip alone.

Jim

[Morgana]

Thanks to all for your contributions, the trip is getting closer and this is the route I suggested - Any feedback welcomed!

Ijmuiden to Dover - 160 nm (32 hours) -

 Dover to Falmouth - 260 nm (52 hours) –

 Falmouth to La Coruna - 425 nm (85 hours) - w/c Mon 10th Aug

 La Coruña to I.Cies – 200nm (40hours) w/c Mon 17th UG?

o We are planning to stop and sleep here for one full day and rest our bones. This is a natural park (we can ask permission to anchor at night the same day via www.) and I have a few sailing friends in the area I will like to contact. Depending on time and weather we will see how to continue. Below the route

 I.Cies to Lisbon - 240 nm (50 hours) –

 Lisbon to Gibraltar - 315 nm (63 hours) -

[Pete7]

Your route down to Falmouth and the timings assume you can make a stright line. If you are sailing then you are almost certainly going to find South Westerly winds in the English Channel which blow for 75% of the time.

Keep an on this to see what I mean:

http://www.windyty.com

[monte]

Just opposite isle de cies is a very nice anchorage on the mainland. Punta rabida maybe. It's a nicer anchorage if there's any swell or too much wind. Sparkling sands and naked Spanish.
Also it might be easier to head straight for Baiona and skip la coruna if the weathers good.

[sestina]

Straight to Bayona and miss the Rias? What a shame.

Might as well sail non-stop all the way from Ijmuden to Gibraltar and skip all the interesting places on the way