Anchoring from Brittany to Spain

[chockswahay]

Hi everyone, we will be cruising from Jersey to Algarve this season. Does anyone know of good pilot guides etc that detail anchorages as opposed to marinas? We have 'Secret anchorages of Brittany' already but I can't find any good one's for Spain and Portugal.

Many thanks, gotta go coz out of time in library!

Cheers

Chox

 

[oakum]

south biscay pilot, atlantic spain and portugal pilot may be called cruising guide.

 

[BobnLesley]

We used South Brittany & Atlantic Spain & Portugal Pilots (RCC as I remember?) If you get the weather, don't miss a visit to Sterr Wenn anchorage (it's noted in South Brittany Pilot) its a fantastic spot; but I stress only in settled weather.

 

[Ocean Hound]

Ster Wenn is great out of season, but can be a blxxdy nightmare when busy and at the first sign of inclement weather - just leg it. It's not called the 'Lobster pot' for nothing. Lots and lots of places on the North/North/west Spanish coast, it's still relatively commercially untouched compared to the Uk & France and it helps if you have shallow draft/swing keel. PM me if you want more info and I'll look out the logs, but part of the pleasure is just happening on them. Presently I'm in the Galacian Rias at the moment and it's taken 2 seasons of w/ends and weeks here and there to get here - so enjoy!!

 

[sophia]

If your French is up to it recommend Alain Rondeau's Pilote Cotier - Espagne Nord No.4. We found anchorages along N coast spain much less sheltered from swell than rias to the W. and the most protected areas were full of local boats. We moored alongside quays amongst fishing fleet!!! and commercial traffic which was exciting if not always v. pleasant.

 

[AndrewB]

Agree with Oakum, the RCC Pilotage Foundation South Biscay pilot and Atlantic Spain and Portugal guides are excellent on the availability of anchorages. They were first written when there were hardly any marinas in these areas, anchorages and occasionally harbour walls was all you got. Hard to believe that there are now 25 marinas in the Rias alone!

 

[chockswahay]

Thanks everyone, we look forward to the cruise!

Cheers

Chox

 

[mithril]

When are you leaving the UK?

There's a gang of us in La Rochelle and we are slowly leaving to head South. Most of us to the Algarve. Our plan is to coastal sail and anchor whereever possible. Not strictly a plan but a wish.