Bay of Biscay information

[fiveflipflops]

Would be grateful with any experiences of making a northern passage across the Bay of Biscay from April to May time and July - August. Any ideas of the 'usual' sea state and weather at those times?

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[tcm]

martin Northney (google for his site) is resident in portugal and i asked a similar question regarding a northbound trip. he says :
"I do feel that Easter may not be a good time to do it. We get
a lot of equinoctial gales at that time of year. I think that May would be
better; the only disadvantage of May is that we usually experience north
easterly winds at that time of year in the English Channel, but they are not
usually very strong and so should not slow you down too much."


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[dansar]

I've done Biscay 3 times and each time has been different. The time of year can help but, as you are probably aware, it depends on the weather--ie:-
First trip--February--flat, mirror calm, brilliant sunshine--not what was expected.
Second trip--June--started as F4 but increased F8 (not forecast)
Third trip--October--F5

Best to read the books, plan your dates etc but get a good weather window then go but keep one ear open for any upto date forecasts.

Good Luck.

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[john_morris_uk]

I agree. I've done Biscay twice - once in March and once in April. First time it was quiet as a lamb - max force 4. Coming North it was a roaring broad reach in force 7/8. I was in a heavy displacement longish keeled 55 footer so it was just fast and furious (Santander to S Brittany in not much more than a day and a half!) Look at the forecast but set out prepared! I was amazed by the N Spain Coast where you go from soundings to several thousand metres in matter of miles...

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[robind]

Hi! There are weather buoys in biscay itself so you could check the long range "Azores low" situation, and the buoys themselves to form an opinion "on the day" as it were
Regards"
Rob

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