Help Gibraltar stait

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vivalavidaspider

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Leaving Torrevieja early Sept to Portugal to winter boat. Shes a 32ft sail boat 5 knots under power.
Heard loads of tales about the straits of Gibraltar. Just wondering is there a best time to go through Hw/Low water any hidden dangers, best place to lay up Spanish side.Also is there a winter yard Malaga area
Many thanks Cpt DJ Spider
 
Gibraltar Straits

You do have to time your passage through the Straits carefully. While there are tidal streams shown on the charts, we found the Straits Sailing Handbook very useful. Google Straits Sailing and you'll find it. Depending on when you go, you might be able to get a copy for free or reduced around the marinas or chandlers in Gib. we got one from the laundrette!
 
Winter yard, Malaga?
The simple answer is no, the nearest with any real chance of geting in would be Almerimar. The longer answer is that there are a number of marinas (but not Malaga itself) but overwintering in any of them would not be certain. Possible maybe, if you can get in on a temporary visitor basis and then 'convert'. But not certain. Gibraltar also not at all certain. Anchoring off La Linea quite possible, but keep your dinghy chained up.
The Straits Handbook is the tome for planning. I have one sitting on my desk here in Oxford available for the cost of an SAE (to take A5+ 190pp spiral bound) but you'd need to be very quick, we leave to go back to France on Friday.
 
vivalavidaspider said:
Leaving Torrevieja early Sept to Portugal to winter boat. Shes a 32ft sail boat 5 knots under power.
Heard loads of tales about the straits of Gibraltar. Just wondering is there a best time to go through Hw/Low water any hidden dangers, best place to lay up Spanish side.Also is there a winter yard Malaga area
Many thanks Cpt DJ Spider
Click to expand...

What about wintering on the Morrocan side? Marina S'mir would do all your winter work and it's not bad commute over.
 
You really need to read the Straights Handbook. Also be aware there are two large wrecks just off Europa Point. Both have warning bouys around and will have Tugs on standby. Just means crossing close in to Gib is a little more complicated.

The weather turns fast here, as does the wind. You will be able to overnight in Gib in Marina Bay if you want and the fuel is VAT free (63p a litre) as is the beer and Tobacco, so maybe worth calling in. No haul out area in Gib anymore as Ocean Village built a load of shops, restaurants and Swimming pools on it.

Beware of the ferries. There are two very fast catamarans (huge wake) and several slower ferries crossing all the time. It is also a busy shipping lane as is Gibraltar bay.

You can moor in La Linea for free by mooring off but I would pay for marina Bay.

With care and planning it will be no problem. I was sailing out in the straights yesterday in 25knots of wind! At 32 foot you will be fine (just check engine is OK if doing it on Sail.

Good luck

Paul
 
As previous comments, Marina Bay or La Linea good place to start. I think you only get 3-4 hours favourable tide/current going west so need to plan carefully and they are strong at springs. Straits Sailing book is good for planning as previously mentioned.

Also if an easterly wind is picking up reef early as it normally picks up quickly as you approach Tarifa. Once past Tarifa you can stop at Barbate if you've had enough but watch out for Tunny nets around the entrance.

Also be a little careful of katabatic winds when heading round the Rock to Gibraltar as they can be pretty brutal at times.
 
Grehan said:
Smir's good for berthing and lifting out, but you need to bring over all spares and materials from Gib. I've not been in there, but Ceuta's also reckoned to be good. Verdad?
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Had a look at the Ceuta setup before we left. Brand new hard standing with apparently good security and close enough to walk to the town centre and harbour. Might be worth checking out.

If you do decide on Smir, as Grehan said, make sure you take literally everything you will need ie antifoul, solvents, sandpaper; literally everything as there's nowhere local to buy anything.

That apart, both good choices and cheap as chips compared to 'across the water'.

Good luck

Chas
 
In simple terms, (from the handbook), arrive Europa Point 3.5 hrs after high water Gib and, in an easterly, watch for smoother water, (wind with tide, or less tide under wind), to show where the tide/current is more in your favour.

Wind was around F2 at Europa Point, but funnelled to become F4/5 by the time we reached Tarifa.

Almerimar is cheap, and seems to have a good range of facilities. funny little place, but I'm sure one winter could be interesting and enjoyable.

Cheers

Richard
 
Foxy said:
watch for thunderstorms off the coast all the way down If forecast, take them seriously as they can be quite severe.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree. And you can add two forces to any east or west wind forecast with wind over tide problems. Knock-downs are very common in the Straits. The Straits can go from pussy-cat to tiger in minutes. Look for no significant pressure gradient over the region as that signifies stability.
 
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