Gib to Lanzarote

[MAURICE]

Hi
Has anybody done this journey at the end of June. Ive tried to find out what are the historic wind patterns to give me an idea what to expect but so far I cant get any info. Most people seem to go in October probably for the ARC. Any help please
Thanks
Maurice

 

[macd]

Google something like "Atlantic wind roses June" and you'll get all the info you need.
Here's the first to pop up: http://msi.nga.mil/MSISiteContent/StaticFiles/NAV_PUBS/APC/Pub106/106jun.pdf

If you want software that does the same thing rather more interactively, try here: http://visual-passage-planner.software.informer.com/2.1/
(It's pay-for, but there's a free trial. There may well be other, similar software, in which case someone will probably be along with a link.)

If you want a simpler summary, prevailing winds for that passage in June are NNE becoming NE for the second half. In fact they're pretty much like that for most of the year, but with an increasing risk of Atlantic lows towards November. Currents are also helpful.

Incidentally, most people may well go in October, but they don't go for the ARC.

 

[tri39]

You could always buy an Atlantic pilot atlas, I just have!
But whatever time of year you go, obtain an up to date 3-5 day fcst!!
And be prepared to wait for a weather window if nec!

 

[capnsensible]

Hi
Has anybody done this journey at the end of June. Ive tried to find out what are the historic wind patterns to give me an idea what to expect but so far I cant get any info. Most people seem to go in October probably for the ARC. Any help please
Thanks
Maurice

Hiya, have done this trip both ways a fair few times. With a decent forecast, its been, for me, doable virtually all year round. Despite what some say!

Easy to get reliable forecasts in Gib. Straits tides can be worked in your favour. Some good pit stops on way.

Any questions, very happy to answer!

CS

 

[Sea Devil]

Hiya, have done this trip both ways a fair few times. With a decent forecast, its been, for me, doable virtually all year round. Despite what some say!

Easy to get reliable forecasts in Gib. Straits tides can be worked in your favour. Some good pit stops on way.

Any questions, very happy to answer!

CS

I have done it a few times and with a good forecast it is more or less down wind... Forecast important as there can be big big gales around the Canaries.

 

[Peroo]

Hi
Has anybody done this journey at the end of June. Ive tried to find out what are the historic wind patterns to give me an idea what to expect but so far I cant get any info. Most people seem to go in October probably for the ARC. Any help please
Thanks
Maurice

We did our trip via Madeira in late May and had good winds somewhat aft of the beam on both legs. We may have been fortunate but thoroughly enjoyed both trips. In 2010 we came across vast fishing nets south of the TSS on the direct line to Madeira - we were "shepherded" for hours by a watching boat and we had to change course several times as they were laid in a series of almost, but not quite, parallel lines. We were also treated to endless calls for "Mario" on Ch16 and advised of a live firing exercise nearby involving our cousins. We left Gib when various weather sites, including Passage Weather, indicated a window.

 

[tcm]

Hi
Has anybody done this journey at the end of June. Ive tried to find out what are the historic wind patterns to give me an idea what to expect but so far I cant get any info. Most people seem to go in October probably for the ARC. Any help please
Thanks
Maurice

You would likely get lighter winds June-August, stronger stuff September-October, but almost always with south in the wind. If you want a clear run straight there, consider heading 50+ miles out beyond that NW tip of Africa, to avoid the ships charging up the coast towards Gib. Sites like Passageweather give good for a week ahead. It's almost exactly 600nm. Whatever the forecast wind in Tarifa, double it for max actual wind

Otherwise ask the CapnS _who has lived on boat in Gib, then Lanza for a few years, then Gib again...) further up the thread about places to stop en route...

 

[franksingleton]

For planning ahead and to help interpret GMDSS forecasts, you will not do better than the GFS. Either zyGrib7 or use Saildocs via email. The GFS now uses a smaller grid than previously. It outputs done to 0.25 degrees. As ever, always look at GMDSS forecasts. Meteo France is the prime source. See their website or mine for relevant links.