Bay of Biscay south to North

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luke1000123

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Hello all I'm after a bit of advice please we are cruising the north of Spain we are just wondering what is the easiest way of getting back up north the options we have come up with is sail to the northwest coast of Spain then wait for a weather window to cross the Bay of Biscay or sail to the northeast of Spain and then follow the coast up, we have looked at the predominant wind for the Bay of Biscay and it seems to be Northerly, any advice will be appreciated thanks
 
Done this a number of times, nearly always direct from Corunna to Brest or southern Brittany. It takes three days.

Once I went round the coast - wouldn't try this again, even though there are some interesting places to visit particularly along the north coast of Spain. The trouble is both wind and current seem to conspire to push you into the SE corner of the bay - once there, it is a flog either way to get out.

In summer months the prevailing wind in north-west Spain is NW, but becoming more SW by the time you reach France. Not too much of a problem from Corunna or further west. As you suggest, it's always a good idea to watch the advance forecast as a gale in Biscay can be uncomfortable, specially close to the edge of the continental shelf.

P.S. A question like this would be better posted on the Liveaboard forum.
 
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luke1000123 said:
Hello all I'm after a bit of advice please we are cruising the north of Spain we are just wondering what is the easiest way of getting back up north the options we have come up with is sail to the northwest coast of Spain then wait for a weather window to cross the Bay of Biscay or sail to the northeast of Spain and then follow the coast up, we have looked at the predominant wind for the Bay of Biscay and it seems to be Northerly, any advice will be appreciated thanks
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I think it really depends on the weather pattern when you get to Coruna - did it once that way and went non stop to Plymouth light winds but OK

if you haven´t done it on the way down then its a real pity to miss the west coast of France. Absolutely lovely with first rate facilities and lots of historic stopping places... Here is a list to the Chanel du Four http://www.michaelbriant.com/west_coast_france.htm - From Spain you need to read up from the bottom...
 
Thanks for all the replies it was greatly appreciated we have now decided to sail to the Northwest tip of Spain and then cross the Bay of Biscay in a good weather window, we have been sailing along the coast all the way from Cardiff so it will be good to do a long passage across
 
Done it a few times and luckily never had wind on the nose. Crossed at the end of May, Coruña to Benodet, 60 hours with first 35 close reaching in ESE 5 then the rest motoring in millpond conditions. Great for spotting whales and a lot of Tope swimming at the surface; not something I've seen before. Maybe a breeding thing? Another first was being buzzed by a French Coastguard jet 150 miles out and asked for crew details and destination.
 
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luke1000123 said:
Thanks for all the replies it was greatly appreciated we have now decided to sail to the Northwest tip of Spain and then cross the Bay of Biscay in a good weather window, we have been sailing along the coast all the way from Cardiff so it will be good to do a long passage across
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"all the way from Cardiff"?
How does that figure with S to N across Biscay?
 
If you wait for a weather window, it's not too much of a problem. Heading for The Azores can add days to the crossing, which might as well be spent waiting for the window.

On the occasions I have considered it, the only reason to head towards the Azores is if you want to go to the Azores :)
 
When looking for your weather window, be sure to look at the 'visibility' forecast as well as wind etc. I had a full three days of not being able to see beyond the foredeck whilst the accompanying drizzle made for wiping the instruments vary few seconds to look for AIS contacts - we could hear lots of stuff but see nothing.
Probably the most tiring trip in 50 years of sailing - not fun.
As others have said, you should plan for 3 days of motoring just in case.
 
KellysEye said:
Crossing Biscay going north is upwind and up current boats often aim towards the Azores and turn when the wind goes west.
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When you get halfway to the Azores & there is no wind, what do you do then, at least going close to the coast you have an opportunity to refuel/seek shelter should the shite hit the fan. Going west & then hanging a right, was the advice in Admiralty Sailing Almanacs, but then they were square rigged & couldn't sail close to the wind.
 
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LadyInBed said:
:encouragement: Drink the wine and wait. Stats suggest that you won't have to wait too long for a favourable wind.

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The same stats that say you might wait for a favourable wind to sail the rhumb line? The NW corner of Spain shows a predominantly N wind but lots of days with NW round to SW wind...

I’ve always sailed straight across. I ended up in Concarneau once but it’s a lovely place so I didn’t care.
 
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