Cruising in the Med

[ericflint]

Next year we may have an extended cruise, possibly in the Med. We have a 26' Westerly Griffon in good condition. We have no holding tanks or fridge. We do not fancy selling and buying the perfect boat. but are not sure about the suitabilityof using what we already have. May consider the Coata Brave or Alicante area. Any advise welcomed. Thanks

 

[jerryat]

HI Eric,

Go for it! You do not need all the so-called 'essentials'. You will need good anchors (or a very deep pocket) good ventilation and a cockpit canopy. There are lots of other bits and bobs which others may suggest, or you could do a search here 'cos there has been lots of advice in the past.

Cheers Jerry

 

[charles_reed]

As one author put it - the western Med is put there to go through to the eastern Med.

On the whole the sailing in the Med is poor to non-existent and the Spanish mediterranean coast, crowded and thoroughly badly developed though I must admit parts of the Brava are quite picturesque.

Decent cruising grounds only occur east of the Golfe de Lions.

For the Med you need a good, reliable engine, during the season that will be your main means of progression.

Your boat will be far smaller than most, and you'll find a problem, if you go to marinas, of getting pickups long enough to suit you.

Being without a fridge makes life thoroughly uncomfortable but not impossible, but you'll probably need to eschew butter and shop for food on a daily basis.

If your just looking for warmth and a different venue I'd recommend the Galician Rias or Atlantic Andalucia as being more pleasant, economical and picturesque than mediterranean Spain.

 

[Blueboatman]

You can buy an awful lot of ice for the price of a fridge .Have you thought about a good marine cool box ,and a soft coolie bag for going ashore ,depending on your chosen route south ? .A porta potti would get you through the canals or inshore anchoring ,for the price of a good night out fot 2 in the Uk ! I can't comment on the Med ,but N.NW,and SW Spain are superb ,as is Portugal . The biggest boat I have enjoyed cruising was a 28 footer ,on all(3) of my old boats ,out came the Fridge ,heads and -yes-inboard engine too ,and in went the solar panel, awnings,Good Japanese outboard ,and an autopilot/windvane .Good Luck ,you have a great,proven boat already !