Blue Water fit-out base Algarve - Canaries area recommendations.

[Blue Seas]

Due to a number of health issues over last the winter we are behind with our plans to join the Atlantic/ Carib circuit later this year and, in order to get further south this autumn before the weather turns, I'm starting to accept that some fit-out items (not refit works) may have to be done during en-route stop-off(s). New Sails, Genny, water maker, air-con, fridge and freezers, solar etc.
'Yacht in Transit' suppliers seem to have packed-up (unless somebody knows different)?? But that aside, any recommendations for a base to fit out? Portimao? Gib? Canaries? I'll need a crane / derrick and some labour for the bigger bits but other than that I don't need any technical assistance.
Delay until next year is not an option - we are going whatever!

 

[veshengro]

A bit vague with details I'm afraid, but I spent a couple of weeks or so in a yard just across river from Portimao. I had previously been in the anchorage outward bound to the Med. Came back from Greece and wintered in Portimao Marina and went into the yard in the Spring. My memories are of a very well run yard, good chandlery and helpful staff. I can't remember prices but it must have been reasonable. I anti fouled, replaced some running rigging etc: Nice folk in the yard and not too far from shops for food stores etc:

 

[webcraft]

A bit vague with details I'm afraid, but I spent a couple of weeks or so in a yard just across river from Portimao. I had previously been in the anchorage outward bound to the Med. Came back from Greece and wintered in Portimao Marina and went into the yard in the Spring. My memories are of a very well run yard, good chandlery and helpful staff. I can't remember prices but it must have been reasonable. I anti fouled, replaced some running rigging etc: Nice folk in the yard and not too far from shops for food stores etc:

We are in the yard in Portimao just now and can confirm your memories are accurate.

- W

 

[veshengro]

Ah! Thank you, I'm glad that is so.

 

[greeny]

Ah! Thank you, I'm glad that is so.

Can recommend Vassille and Johnny at Slickhull in the boatyard if you decide to go to Portimao. You won't be disappointed. He's been doing my boats for so long now I can't remember how long. And if they can't do it, they will have a contact who can.

 

[PhillM]

Las Palmas has all you may need. Cannot think of anything that wasn’t available pre the ARC. Lots of options and price points.

 

[Goldie]

Another Algarve option is Sopromar in Lagos. They seem to have every capability. Possibly not the cheapest but very good indeed (in my experience) and an excellent on site chandlery. The surrounding area has all you’d need too - transport links, supermarkets plus a nice old town for down time.

 

[Graham376]

We use Bruce's yard as it's cheapest but strictly DIY. If needing assistance, Portimao would be first choice. One problem around Algarve is chandlery prices so many of us import from SVB in Germany. A good alternative I've used this year is in Italy with 6-8 days delivery -

https://www.maremossoforzasette.it/en/navigation.html

 

[Blue Seas]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. We were based in Sopramar for a couple of years but that was more than 10 years ago - it's probably a little too 'clean' for the work we envisage if you know what I mean. So it looks like a toss up between Portimao (which we occasionally visited whilst in Lagos) and Las Palmas which we haven't visited since 1980! I'll do some more digging but if anyone has alternatives to consider then please do flag them up.

 

[capnsensible]

I would go anywhere rather than the awful....in my opinion.....marina in Las Palmas. Worst in the Canary Islands.

 

[Blue Seas]

So it seems like we are focusing in on the Algarve then. Also has the added advantage that I can drive down there with any heavy bits.
I do like a plan.