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Old 23-07-2019, 05:52   #1
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Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

I have the sailing boat. I need to understand what is going on in the strait to make the passage.
What is the way to do it?

Thank you
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Old 23-07-2019, 06:15   #2
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pirate Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

Keep to the N shore (Spanish) going either way and out of the shipping lanes and try to time it for a favourable tide and winds.. its pretty easy just watch for the fast ferries coming in and out of Tariffa..
When you get to the Bay watch out for the ferries running to and from Morocco and Cueta.
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Old 23-07-2019, 06:36   #3
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

Thank you

I think that i will anchor somewhere before the entrance-maybe Barbate and ask when the timing is ok because of current and tide current.
I will be coming for Azores.

But maybe current is all the time the same direction. It is that sometimes is stronger and then weaker.

And it mater just to not have wind from the east.
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Old 23-07-2019, 07:15   #4
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pirate Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

Quote:
Originally Posted by pr2501 View Post
Thank you

I think that i will anchor somewhere before the entrance-maybe Barbate and ask when the timing is ok because of current and tide current.
I will be coming for Azores.

But maybe current is all the time the same direction. It is that sometimes is stronger and then weaker.

And it mater just to not have wind from the east.

The tide strength depends on the moon, wind from the East is not good as a force 3 in Gibraltar can often be a force 6 to 7 as it passes Tarifa and the seas can be nasty wiith wind over tide.. best to wait for winds with some W in them or calm windows.
Here is a site for tides at Tarifa if your phone has internet access in Europe.
https://www.tide-forecast.com/locati...a/tides/latest
Porto Sherry/Cadiz is a better place to anchor and wait for wind changes than Barbatte as strong winds reach past there so you will be forced into the marina.
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Old 23-07-2019, 07:18   #5
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

I did this recently but the other way around. Your way is super easy as 98% of the time you will have the wind in your favour so all you have to do is wait for the tide. Though it's not that important as there are micro currents, and it's long enough that at some point the tide will against you and at some point with you.
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Old 23-07-2019, 08:17   #6
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

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Originally Posted by pr2501 View Post
I have the sailing boat. I need to understand what is going on in the strait to make the passage.
What is the way to do it?

Thank you
There is a book that gives the currents in the straits . There are several lanes and they change at different times. It is complex so having the chart of the lanes is helpful. Not sure where to get it. Its several years since I did it but try to find it and it will facilitate your passage.https://www.tidetech.org/news/2012/8...r-tidal-model/ this might help.
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Old 23-07-2019, 08:27   #7
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

Keep a keen eye open for small fishing boats! There are dozens of them.

Enjoy the Azores, they are beautiful!
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Old 23-07-2019, 08:55   #8
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

It’s similar to any other somewhat narrow passage with a lot of traffic: you best keep a sharp lookout. When a levanter (wind from the east) is blowing it’s about impossible in a small boat. I found that you get a 12 hour or so advance warning of the onset of such an event: you’ll get an uncomfortable swell that should tell you to seek some shelter and wait for the levanter to abate.
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Old 23-07-2019, 09:54   #9
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

All good info. Only thing I can add is study your charts there is a 5-lane TSS off the corner of Portugal. With AIS I was able to pick my way across it without impeding anyone.

Downside of AIS, is that when we went through the straits, Vesper was reporting 250 targets!

Also check the marina operating times. Gib marinas were saying they close at 21or2200. When we asked about tying up at their fuel dock or prepaying for a slip, I was told they do not sell fuel and secure the Marina with a float and chain system.

Although we discovered it after sunrise, there is the Puerto Deportivo Alcaidesa in Spain. It is a very short distance from Gibraltar. You can clear in there and it does not look like they secure water access at night. So you can tie up at their fuel dock or drop a hook in their protected cove.
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Old 23-07-2019, 12:28   #10
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

To emphasize a previous point, that the wind accelerates at Tarifa - often a lot. If you are working along the coast and get to Tarifa and find yourself in a force 6, don't anchor at Tarifa for better weather. Push on and the wind will quickly drop. You can spend days waiting at Tarifa for the wind to drop, so keep in mind it is a local phenomenon. How do I know? Don't ask...


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Old 23-07-2019, 13:04   #11
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

might be of interest >

Transiting Straits of gib Eastbound - Any Tips/Advice?
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Old 24-07-2019, 03:12   #12
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

Thank you.
I am leaving in 2 hours from Azores
I will let you know.
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Old 24-07-2019, 13:11   #13
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

It's not hard. We had Windy.com on our phones and waited for the right wind to make the crossing. Don't use a spinnaker.

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Old 24-07-2019, 17:19   #14
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

In my view the bible on this one is the Straights Sailing Handbook. If you can get hold of a copy.

Otherwise, just remember that the Straights are a funnel. F3 at the W end will probably be F6 at the E end and vis a versa. Tariffa is the windiest place in Europe. Hence all the kite surfers. Gib Bay itself can be interesting. One moment no wind and the next getting knocked sideways by katabatic. The good news is that on the Gib side the only outlying rocks are the Seven Sisters. By Rosia.

Approaching Gibraltar for the first time is OK in daylight but massively confusing at night. Forget all that stuff about paper charts. There are simply too many lights to differentiate. You need an up to date chip in your MFD and even then, with all the land reclamation, it will probably be out of date.

Anyway, the marinas have booms that go across quite early. Your options then are (1) anchor in Getares by the old whaling station (2) go to Alcaidesa Marina - which is La Linea, but they do not want to use the name as the town is pretty down at heel (3) sail on to Sotogrande - which is flash but not cheap (4) Go across to Ceuta on the other side - which is worth a tourist trip. As well as having a super Aqua Park to laze and splash about in.

If you do go to Alcaidesa never even think about having any work done by MH Yacht Preserve. You have been warned.
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Old 25-07-2019, 10:06   #15
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Re: Navigation through the strait of Gibraltar from west to east

Stick to the Spanish coast. This should position you well to take advantage of the east going current. It also keeps you out of the way of the Moroccan fishing boats.

Check the times for HIGH WATER AT GIBRALTAR and aim to be off Tarifa around the time of high water. (Note- some tables give the time in BST and not UTC!) This should put you in a current going east into the Med at around 2 knots.

Rota and Cadiz are nicer places to make a stop than Barbate .

You are correct in noting that an easterly wind in the straits is to be avoided. Have a few more beers in Rota and wait for the ‘ponente ‘ wind.

If you stop at Gibraltar, don’t forget to top up with tax free diesel!

https://www.tide-forecast.com/locati...K/tides/latest
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