Passage Majorca to Algarve Questions

[Wandering Star]

Don't have any charts or books to browse and am in daydream mode. Can anyone tell me:

a) what the mileage is from Majorca to (say) Lagos?
b) generally speaking, what sort of weather would be encountered making such a passage in mid February - is it foolish to even consider it?
c) I should know the answer to this, which is the correct position (North side or South side) and the most favourable time, to pass through the Gibraltar Straits in respect of contrary tides and quickest passage?

Only asking because I've swapped my current boat for my previously owned boat (Vancouver 27), i'm really happy to have her back but she's currently in Majorca so I want to reposition her ASAP.

Thanks, Brian.

 

[ksutton]

Direct non stop distance from Palma to Lagos is 626 NM

Trip is feasible at this time of the year, carefully watching forecasts, you would be never more than about 30 NM from a safe port. Worst bit would be through straights and then highly likely strong westerlies from Tarifa onwards to Lagos. Five or even six sensible strategic stops on this route would not add many more miles.

 

[multihullsailor6]

Agree fully with ksutton - absolutely do-able in the right conditions. Most probably you will find some wind during the day and none at night until you get to Gib but watch the various forecasts.

I left Gibraltar last year on 28th January (after a 5 day easterly storm) on a strong W6 which blowed for two days and got me past Cabo de Gato and 20M on in one go before it faided to typical Med weather. Just don't forget the nights are cool, between Cabo de Gato and nearly to Gibraltar you're sailing past the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range.

 

[sailorman]

Don't have any charts or books to browse and am in daydream mode. Can anyone tell me:

a) what the mileage is from Majorca to (say) Lagos?
b) generally speaking, what sort of weather would be encountered making such a passage in mid February - is it foolish to even consider it?
c) I should know the answer to this, which is the correct position (North side or South side) and the most favourable time, to pass through the Gibraltar Straits in respect of contrary tides and quickest passage?

Only asking because I've swapped my current boat for my previously owned boat (Vancouver 27), i'm really happy to have her back but she's currently in Majorca so I want to reposition her ASAP.

Thanks, Brian.

Google Earth

 

[25931]

Watch the forecasts as always. For the next several days the Algarve is predicted as having force 2 mainly E.

 

[Wandering Star]

Thanks for all the helpful info, 'fraid i don't "do" Google Earth, it appears to be a splendid and useful resource but I've only recently moved on from lead line and Dutchman's log to using GPS and stuff (actually untrue) but certainly using Google Earth is beyond the level of my intelligence! I'm flying to Majorca on 21st to organise her relaunch and then I'll fly out again early Feb to sail her to Algarve. Thanks again for the helpful advice.

Cheers, Brian.

 

[multihullsailor6]

Brian,

One your way come and pop in to the Yacht Port Cartagena marina and say hello!
When you enter the harbour turn 40° to starboard and then straight ahead - a glass of wine is always waiting.

 

[chinita]

Thanks for all the helpful info, 'fraid i don't "do" Google Earth, it appears to be a splendid and useful resource but I've only recently moved on from lead line and Dutchman's log to using GPS and stuff (actually untrue) but certainly using Google Earth is beyond the level of my intelligence! I'm flying to Majorca on 21st to organise her relaunch and then I'll fly out again early Feb to sail her to Algarve. Thanks again for the helpful advice.

Cheers, Brian.

When you get to Lagos, pop in - B27.