French Atlantic Coast to Northern Spain

snorkmaiden

snorkmaiden

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We are planning a cruise this summer, starting around La Rochelle ( we are based at Marans). We have a Sadler 29, well-maintained and equipped with wind-vane self-steering (Sea Feather) and are experienced within our cruising limits (mainly between UK west country and here, and avoiding F7s). We have Navtex, AIS, radar, sea anchor (as yet unexplored) and the usaul navigational equipment. Engine has been reliable so far! Now here's the question - we have a scant month, and I am planning to leave from here, with a NE wind, heading around the end of Ile de Re and then setting a direct course for Gijon. From there we work our way East to Santander and then back with possible stop at Arcachon if the weather is favourable. Anything grossly wrong with this picture? Any suggestions for the unmissable? (Alternatively we hop around the islands looking for good anchoring spots and get in some practice with that!)
 
I guess the most obvious problem is that the minute you set out, this ruddy NE wind that has brought us such a cold spring and early summer will do a 180 and hit you on the nose all the way down! Other than that, it sounds like a fine idea and we'll watch with interest since we have it in mind to do exactly the same next year, work commitments permitting.
 
One of the most interesting aspects of your planned cruise is the enormous cultural difference between N Spain and France in the Basque region. Read lots more about the various ports, the "must sees" and the "avoids" at http://jimbsail.info/tidal-europe/biscay/n-spain .

I have to admit that I've always avoided Arcachon. On two occasions the weather was unsuitable, and my time ws running out. On another, the ranges were active because I hadn't planned the trip properly, so it was 40nm off to sea before going south. I don't know whether I missed any big experience
 
Arcachon is a bit reminicent of Clacton but with a bit of French style. OK for a day or two stop off en route, but I wouldn't want to stay there for too long.
 
Thanks for the link! We have visited the area before by land - I like the area and speak enough Spanish to get by. I will study your info. - forewarned & all that. Sounds like Arcachone deserves a miss in a deep keel boat. There are several french films set in that area that I have enjoyed. I had sort of ignored the firing range problem - will put it back on the agenda!
 
I've done the same trip but in the opposite direction, starting and finishing in Bermeo (near Bilbao), twice. Can certify that it is doable provided you get the right weather window for the crossing from Royan / La Rochelle to the N Spanish coast. As you, we also dislike F7s !!!! From now onwards we should see quite a few windows with largely NE winds or sea-breeze regimes and fair weather. Avoid anything with W in it and also heavy westerly or north-westerly swell. Gijon and Santander can be entered in all but the most extreme winter weather. Bilbao is all-weather all the year round, as are most of the smaller Basque ports, but then you say you won't come that far east. Be careful of breaking crests at the bar in San Vicente de la Barquera and also Ribadasella -- not to be messed with. The former can be entered with a 2-meter swell at or shortly after high water. Don't try it under those conditions on a spring ebb -- you could come a cropper, or just get lucky. Try the "sidra" at the bar above the port in Lastres, but go easy on it -- too much is not a good idea !!!

Plomong
 
Someone I know in the marine industry has this to say of the Arcachon entrance: "Every year I lose one or two of my clients there". That comment has kept me away from the place. However, I may try it one day, if the conditions are flat calm.

Plomong
 
The range is not a problem at weekends.

search the forums for other posts of mine about ports around these parts (Basque-land and further west) and about the Landes firing range. The interesting ones would be in the last 3 or 4 years.

Also look at Jim Baerselmans site -- it has a lot of good information.

Plomong
 
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