Med in and out

[Sailfree]

We did our DS in 1998 in Gibraltar and the instructor wanted to go West but said conditions were not suitable.

Now based in Nazare thinking of summer cruise and possibly into the Med but how difficult is it to return out of the Med with a sailing boat.

 

[skipperwales]

Many here with much more experience than me, Ive gone both ways twice and its a matter of patience. Going into the med wait in Barbate until decent winds forecast and heading West I waited in La Linea. The winds will surprise you, last time I came out of Barbate into thick fog with no wind, at Tarifa there was 20 - 25 knots.

 

[skipperwales]

PS, get hold of the Straits sailing handbook. It tells you all you need to know.

 

[KellysEye]

We have been there twice and both times when wanting to head west we waited for easterly winds and tides.

 

[dom]

This old link is still quite cool:
https://www.tidetech.org/news/2012/8/23/24-new-straits-of-gibraltar-tidal-model/

 

[Sailfree]

We have been there twice and both times when wanting to head west we waited for easterly winds and tides.

Are the conditions to head west something that you may have to wait a few weeks for or usually just a few day?

 

[Sailfree]

This old link is still quite cool:
https://www.tidetech.org/news/2012/8/23/24-new-straits-of-gibraltar-tidal-model/

Thanks for that. We did our DS with Straits Sailing.

 

[capnsensible]

Thanks for that. We did our DS with Straits Sailing.

Hiya, I used to work for them!

Sadly the Straits Sailing Handbook has come to a halt but an old copy will give you the tidal flow charts and you can use up to date HW information. There may well still be 2017 ones hanging about in Marina Bay office or Sheppards.

The passage out of the Straits is nothing like as fearsome as some try to make out. East winds as mentioned, no problem. West winds are generally strongest near a Gib. If you take the tide up to and beyond Tarifa, the winds ease. Have done that scores of times. Try a site like passageweather or best give Stef a call at Meteogib. For a nominal charge she will do weather routing for you. She is brill and has saved us a lot of unnecessary hanging about over the years.

Going in, my favourite was to go to Sancti Petri north of Cape Trafalgar. Pick up a club mooring, not expensive. A couple of afternoon beers, early supper, early rack out. Up at around 0400 to depart. Cracking sunrise as you enter Straits, normally back in Gib around late afternoon.

Enjoy your trip!