Atlantic Spain

[Guest]

We are looking to move to the Atlantic Coast of Spain in a year or so. We are also keen to sail in th earea so are looking for good harbours near safe inlets like Raz de Brest or Falmouth etc. Seems a bit vague but this is early days. Does anyone have any good ideas and what is the sailing like??

 

[davidhand]

You might want to get hold of a copy of the Atlantic Spain and Portugal guide by Oz Robinson and Anne Hammick, "Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson". I sailed out of Gib once for about three days, it was a bit dull so we went back and into the Med.

 

[AndrewB]

Wonderful cruising area, in the Rias between Finnesterre and the Portuguese border. Fabulous scenery, plenty of marinas, there are islands and picturesque fishing villages to visit, good sheltered sailing (though mind the rocks outside).

Principal drawback is that it has become overcrowded in summer, specially the Ria de Vigo. Also the weather can be very changeable, and it isn't the easiest place to reach from England, though there is an airport at Santiago.

 

[charles_reed]

By far the best cruising area are the Rias Altas and Biaxas - comparable to Scottish West coast, but warmer.

They have one major problem and that is transport back to UK.

If you'd like to pass the following details - boat size/draft - periods aboard/ left unattended - trip-frequency back to the UK, I'll try and advise, having spent 12 months coming round Iberia.
As boating costs on the European mainland drop in inverse proportion to your distance from Sot'on Water you'll definitely save money.
E-mail me direct.