Is Gibraltar worth the stop?

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BlueSkyNick

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On Sunday, we are setting off from Almerimar, southern Spain, on the first leg to bring Lechwe back to the UK. Planning to get to Lagos, and if really lucky with weather push on up to Lisbon.

First stop had planned to be Gibraltar for one night's rest, and wait for tide to get out through the straits in reasonable weather.

The forecast is looking remarkably calm (touching all wood in close proximity), so on Monday I could make the most of it and keep going out through the straits round to one of the marinas near Cadiz for a rest.

This would mean sacrificing a visit to Gibraltar itself.

Would we be missing out on much ?

our blog will be updated when we actually stop - wifi or 3G permitting
 
Cheap booze & fags - cheaper than Spain.

Also UK style food in supermarkets - sliced bread etc.
Worthwhile stocking up on stuff if you want 'convenience' items you know.

Not much else there.
 
i guess it would be good to break the journey somewhere, and get weather updates.
for myself i couldnt wait to leave, the pubs closed at 11pm (it being british), and the harbour staff didnt were not as helpfull as the other places we to.

the winds around tarrifa (trafalgar) can wipp up round trhere as well.
 
Re: Is Gibraltar worth the stop? - I think So!!

I think its what you make it! Having been to Gib by land on several occasions I thought it a very dour British military creation.

Arriving by sea was for me quite special and different, rounding the Rock and mooring quite close to the runway just felt special, can't say why!. Its a place of such history when you think of all the British vessels that have been there.

I can hardly claim all of Gib is photogenic, but you definitely see it at its best coming in from the sea and I enjoyed a my break there en route back the UK.
 
We spent 4 odd years there and love it or hate it, don't pass by! Only needs a couple of days to look round and victual, but savings alone are worth it. A taxi tour, couple of hours, does all the highlights, top of the rock, St Michaels cave, Moorish Castle, Siege tunnels. Take your camera! For shopping, there is a huge Morrisons plus all the cheap booze shops up the Main Street. For 'yacht in transit' you can order duty free from an outlet in Marina Bay and the next day you will have cigs, booze and soft drinks delivered at about as cheap as you will ever get. Order as soon as you are there. Diesel is the cheapest around the Med, 47 ish p per litre.
Check the tides with the marina Staff, best time to slip to get the most favourable outgoing tide (that opposes the inbound current) is around 2 1/2 hours after high water Gib. This will help your passage time through the Straits by hours. There are regular weather reports from Tarifa Traffic for the Straits I think every odd hour plus15 mins BST on channel10. They do an all ships warning just before on channel 16 and you get it in English too. Helps when you are on passage as you get real time reports from them.
Regarding bars, a lot shut at 11 on Sundays, but all the rest of the week, party on! The big Square (Casemates) has bars open to at least 0200 and nearby a bar or 2 open to 4!! Be careful!
Hope this helps you decide. Enjoy.
 
Going the other way in June, my decision will be made by time and conditions. i.e. if we have a fair wind, or little wind, and time to get a bit further before wanting to stop, we will carry on.

Having said that, I think the more likely Easterly wind, and associated convergence, suggests that you may have an easier time of it than us. e.g. if the wind is E6 or so, you can fly through past Tarifa with a favourable tide.

We may have to head for the African Coast to take advantage of the wind divergence, and cope with wind over tide.

We called at Gib on a cruise in 2003 and chose the boat ride to see Dolphins, (which we did)... wasnt overly attracted by any of the shorebased offerings - but I have to admit to being a bit culturally lacking.

If you miss Gib, you can always have a look at Cadiz, nip up the Rio Guadiana, or just get to Lagos and enjoy a lovely town and a super marina with excellent facilities.
 
Hi Nick.

I happen to know Gibralter reasonably well and its well worth a visit. Lots to see and do, however, if the forecast is good I'd 'make hay' on the trip. you could always go back to Gibralter some other time.
 
It's worth seeing but not worth going to see; by which I mean if you're passing all well and good but I wouldn't make a special trip just to go to Gib. If the conditions are fine press on!
 
[ QUOTE ]
You may not get in unless prepared to anchor - friends of ours going t'other way went on to Sotogrande a month or so ago having failed to find a berth for a couple of nights.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh no ..... the anchor wars are about to start again.... what sort of anchor would you use Nick? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I was stormbound Gib once in the early 80's. It was like Plymouth or Portsmouth used to be, but with sun!

In three days we did everything possible to do in Gib. We went up the rock, down the rock, round the rock, through the rock, got very drunk, got laid, got in a fight and sailed with hangovers in a falling force 7 rather than endure another day there.

It may be different these days, though!
 
Gib's a big dump. but it's worth the visit for the experience. suspect there will be no room at the inn though. you used to be able to anchor off the runway just on the spanish border. but dont leave the tender ashore. as it might not be there on your return.

have a safe passage
 
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