Biscay close coast sailing

[kjelle69]

We recently crossed the Biscay and Arrived to Bayonne yesterday. Took 38 hours from Ile D'Yeu. We did not see many boats on the way. Perfect condition sea and windwise. Now heading towards Spain. Any suggestion tips and trix concerning navigation and ports in this area is highy welcome. 36 ft Boat with 1.95m draft.

Kjelle & Mia on Akita from Sweden

 

[[3889]]

Same sized boat and just sailed French coast. St Jean de luz a pleasant holiday town with good anchorage, swimmable to beach. Hondarriba on the Spanish side of the border is a better bet than Hendaye. San Sebastian is worth a visit for the city but marina tiny. You'll end up rafted 3 or 4 deep so arrive early.
I like Motriku. HM is very weloming and if you don't fancy the climb into town there are elevators in the cliff face. Bermeo is busy and a bit grim on the wall. Of the 2 marinas in Bilbao, (we used both) Getxo (northern one) is more welcoming and offered me 10m rate even though I declared 10.8. Really nice town with great restaurants in the old port, Puerto Zahara?, N of the beach and good metro link to city centre. Also a good anchorage between marinas.
Currently in Santander which is not overly impressive after Bilbao. Lots of wash in Hordado anchorage and not great holding. But a nice walk along the beach to the city. Only marina accepting visitors is by the Airport which is 20 mins by bus to city.

 

[LadyInBed]

Currently in Santander which is not overly impressive after Bilbao. Lots of wash in Hordado anchorage and not great holding. But a nice walk along the beach to the city. Only marina accepting visitors is by the Airport which is 20 mins by bus to city.

Suggest you move out to Enseada de el Sardinero (43 27.863N 03 46.552W)
Wondeful anchorage, good holding, Beach Bar, short boardwalk along beach to town.

 

[cmedsailor]

Any suggestion

Yes. Post some pictures so we get even more jealous......

 

[TonyMS]

Our favourite ports were: Lequeitio, Ribadesella (try to book a slot to see the cave paintings), Luarca and Santa Marta de Ortiega (but you have cross a difficult bar to get into the river). My website has accounts of our voyages along this coast. Enjoy!

TonyMS
Razzmatazz

 

[jimbaerselman]

You'll see a comprehensive list of ports to visit in N Spain at http://www.jimbsail.info/tidal-europe/biscay/n-spain - together with a picture of a rather hairy arrival in port when there's a swell running!

If you can't remember the URL - just google "jimb [port or sea area]" and the right page usually pops up high on the list!

 

[[3889]]

Suggest you move out to Enseada de el Sardinero (43 27.863N 03 46.552W)
Wondeful anchorage, good holding, Beach Bar, short boardwalk along beach to town.

I'm exactly where your photo is taken from. I've dived the anchor and the bottom is flat rock with the occasional patch of shallow sand. Every ship that passes at less than 1/2 tide creates enough wash to send crockery flying. Dragged twice since I've been here. Only dragged once before in the 5 years I've had the boat.

 

[LadyInBed]

I'm exactly where your photo is taken from. I've dived the anchor and the bottom is flat rock with the occasional patch of shallow sand. Every ship that passes at less than 1/2 tide creates enough wash to send crockery flying. Dragged twice since I've been here. Only dragged once before in the 5 years I've had the boat.

Was I lucky, or are you unlucky!

 

[kjelle69]

Pictures requested

Sailing into St-Jean d'Luz.