To the Mediterranean from Scotland!

[Bobcat]

Interested to hear what others who have sailed these routes in a relatively small boat think about the various choices for sailing from Scotland to the Mediterranean.

1. Scottish East Coast to the English Channel thence to the Balearics via Canals or Gibraltar.

2. West of Scotland and Irish Sea, thence to the Balearics via Canal du Midi or Gibraltar.

3. West of Scotland and the Atlantic West Coast of Ireland via Canal du Midi, the Canaries or direct to Gibraltar.

All routes will be very dependent upon the vagaries of Weather and Crew etc. - no time limit but if would be good to do it in one season if possible. Your thoughts very much appreciated!

[Pete7]

You could be in Santander in 48 hours on a ferry and then Midi canal to the Med.

Pete

[Bobcat]

Originally Posted by Pete7

You could be in Santander in 48 hours on a ferry and then Midi canal to the Med.

Pete

True but Deck cargo is expensive. I would still probably have to sail her to Southampton ... not easy by road (4.5m beam) and police escorts. I'd really like to sail my own boat back to the Med - even if it takes a bit longer!

[Pete7]

Okay that isn't as small as I first visioned.

My route would be West Coast of Scotland, East Coast of Ireland, Cornwall, North then South Brittany, Santander, La Coruna, Cape St Vincent, Gib.

The Scottish Western Isles as I am sure you are aware are just magical. Equally the Eastern side of Ireland has some real gems, so don't rush.

Once you're in France the cruising is very nice so again don't rush and a cat will be easy to anchor or dry out or see the Gulf of Morbian. Portugal and Rias also worth stopping along route.

You could spend a whole season just getting to Gib and have a great time on route.

Pete

[out42]

Don't be in a rush! All of that route has its magical moments and of course times when the weather just screws everything up. I'm about to start my second season in the Rias Baixas on my way to the Med which I was originally going to do in a 4 week stint. I'm very glad I took the time.

[inchcailloch]

I have sailed this route twice both times leaving the west coast of Scotland mid August via Scilly Isles then either La Corunia or 2nd time straight to Isle D Cies. Apparently not you require permits to anchor Isle d Cies now purchased ahead of time, not very practical if making first port of call after UK. Both times has to motor a lot down the coast of Portugal. However very pleasant though more marina berths than anchorages if not sailing straight through. Ann Hammocks pilotage very valuable and can be picked up off ebay etc.

[stewie]

Many years ago my wife and I sailed from the river Tay to Dover. We crossed the channel to Boulogne, got fed up of being in the smelly harbour waiting for a favourable wind to take us to Spain. Turned around and dropped the masts in Calais and took to the canals. Great fun. A few days in Paris and then we were up to 1,000 feet above sea level and emerged into the Med at Port St. Louis. There are many books on the canals and routes. Best you line your yacht with used car tyres especially at the bows to avoid damage. You will find plenty of them discarded by yachts going the other way in Calais. That was 35 years ago an after two Atlantic crossings and many years cruising it changed our lives for ever...... Best of luck to you on your adventure.

[bil56]

hi !
after crossing the channel, easy to sail along britanny-vendée-charente coasts, then Gironde, mast down in Pauillac (visit the wine cellars !) before Bordeaux, canal du midi, and after a lot of locks you are in the big blue ...