Biscay

[Guest]

I know this is the sail section but I'm doing a trip to Gib in June, albiet in a motor cruiser, and was
wondering if anyone having been round or across Biscay has any tips and can enlighten me
on what to expect. I will of course be monitoring the weather but given I chose the right
conditions, what will the sea state be like compared to the south east channel which has been
my experience so far. Imagine being deeper water it will involve larger swells ?

cneighbour

 

[Guest]

This is a question like how long is your piece of string.

Everything depends on the weather. In the eastern channel, one seldom gets very BIG seas One can get dangerous seas, but they are rarely BIG. In Biscay, you can get Big seas.

I have crossed Biscay many times, sometimes in flat calm, sometimes in weather that was dangerous to big ships. In June and July, you should be OK if you look carefully at the 5 day forecast on meteo-France, which is really the best for Biscay. However, in a modern motor craft, most of which are doubtfully sea-worthy, do not take chances that far out to sea.

William Cooper

 

[Chris_Stannard]

There was a lot of info on biscay in the thread 'Heavy weather posts making me nervous'. The only thing I would add is take the French Missile Range to the South of Bordeaux very seriously. The French do not have the British attitude to range safety, if you are on the range when it is active their view is that any accident is your own fault and they will not hold up firings because you are there. You may also find yourself in a court. I know this is the case having worked with them in the past

Chris Stannard

 

[Guest]

Very few countries have the British "Clear range" policy for firung areas.

Do not rely on any other country.

Do not rely too much on the British either now that 'eyeball' checking is not considered essential.

Question: how many yachties check with Ns to M and Merchant Shipping notices about range firings? Should the info be wider available? If so, how would you do that?

William Cooper

 

[Guest]

As Bill comments, the meteo france forecasts are very good, and June / July is the most settled weather window. Even with these provisoes, however, I would suggest taking the inshore route calling in at Bordeaux, since that will allow you to cut the trip down to day sails, re-fuel etc.