Greece to UK mid Sept to mid Oct......

Sy-Revolution

Sy-Revolution

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What sort of winds and weather would I be able to expect? And how far west and north should I aim to reach?

Decision made, Revolution is coming home. I'd like to make some headway this year and perhaps finish the job next spring. Biscay way not canals though as she draws to much.

Any infos appreciated,

Cheers,
Crispin
 
Best time to make north up the Atlantic coast is early spring before the northerlies set in. However that means struggling across the Med early as well and as I found out when I tried it 3 years ago hard work if you are trying to keep to a schedule.

Making as far west as possible in the autumn with a view to late April/early May to do the north bit. So a winter in Southern Spain or the Algarve seems a good idea.
 
+1 with Tranona.
I did it northabout a couple of years ago, leaving Ayamonte around 20 April (then having to wait fully three weeks for favourable winds for Biscay), Timing is hard to recommend with recent weird weather, and the Portuguese coast is no place to be if big Atlantic lows are in that area: usually not much searoom, and few harbours of refuge (potentially much scarier than Biscay). Portugal is also notorious for armadas of lobster pots, so night passages should be made well offshore. You'll need a very good ear for weather info.
 
Hi Crispy,

We met some people who, with a full crew and going more or less non-stop did the Aeolian islands to Falmouth in six weeks....and that was starting in May ....

September/October is likely to be windy with `equinoctial gales` around which are likely to have west in them...(though this year`s weather has broken alot of the rules) I suppose it depends how determined, how many crew....and how much `comfort time` i.e. waiting for blows to go through...you are prepared to spend...

For what its worth...... faced with the same trip...I would be looking at getting to the Ionian...and signing out of Greece somewhere like Argostoli...thence across to Siracusa..........where the option is either to give up for the winter and put the boat somewhere cheap...like Marina di Ragusa.... or to go around the north side of Sicily and get to the Balearics possibly via s Sardinia.......and thence to somehwere like Almerimar....or if its going really well...Gibraltar (La Linea)...or even Lagos or Faro (Faro is fairly cheap out of the water.....Lagos expensive but is a very good place to overwinter on board)...

As far as the next bit goes.... I always thought that the standard wisdom was that if it is northerlies...then head west and a bit north towards the Azores.....then head well outside Biscay back to Falmouth.......but I expect many others on here will have more `hands on` knowledge about that than me

Best Wishes and fair winds.....I shall be fascinated to hear of your progress

NOHOH
 
In 2009 I think I left Malta June 19th, (might have been July 19th), had a week waiting for a part in Sardinia, and got to Glasson Dock August 23rd.

So you could set off now and be back this year.

However, its a nice trip so, if you can afford to be leisurely, I'd aim for Almerimar or Lagos by end of September, then head up the Portuguese coast next year.

With time on your side, you can wait for gaps in the Northerlies, and head across Biscay on the back of a low pressure.

Take your time, spend a bit of time in a few places, and enjoy. If you're heading back home, you probably won't be going back for a while, if ever?
 
Hi John, how's it going? Where are you now?

I was thinking/hoping to do much of it solo. been itching for that for some time. My thoughts were to head for Siracusa from south eastern tip of Peloponese and then see how it goes. winter in Ragusa is an option, go south coast Sicily an up to Cagliari, then Formentera, Almerimar (Gah!), Gib, Portugal. I'd prefer to winter in Portugal if poss as I've got an outstanding speeding (a trap for sure I tell ya's!) fine (300 euros!!!) in Spain........

Might have to pick up some crew along the way I guess if I find it all a bit lonely/tiring but could stop and leave the boat anywhere en route.

Cheers,

C.
 
Going south of Sicily is the long way - but probably better stop off possibilities. I did Corfu, Messina, north coast Sicily, Cagliari, Majorca, San Carles. Latter good spot for winter, although bit longer to then go down the coast to the straits.
 
If you don't make it before the northerlies off the Portuguese coast, it is also up-current, or they start on passage, then head off towards the Azores and turn when you reach the westerly's. Obviously you need the provisioning to do that.
 
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