River Guadiana Bridge Height

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chrisjackson

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We are presently based in Portimao on the Algarve and really wanting to cruise up the River Guadiana, apparently it is navigable for about 60 kilometers, trouble is, the big road bridge north of Ayamonte/ Villa Real, does anyone know the clearance under it? I have tried asking locally and studied pilot books, charts etc and cannot get a satisfactory answer! Our air draft is 18 meters and it looks close but it is impossible to judge from the deck as you approach. Any info much appreciated.
 
Took me 1 minute. Google is your friend

Anchorage in the river is possible anywhere you will not be in the way of ferries (frequent between Vila Real and Ayamonte on the Spanish side). It is preferable, however, to continue upriver under the Guadiana suspension bridge (clearance 23 metres) and anchor out of the tidal streams.
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Likewise, we're about 17.5 from the waterline and went through easily (at least as easily as you can tell from the deck). There is a wierd humming noise from the wires on the bridge, sounds quite eerie but dont let it put you off :)

Also, if going up - go with the tide so you start at roughly low water anyway. Coming back is more problematic if you want to go straight out as you've got to balance the bridge with the bar!
 
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In fact, it was some influentual yachties who got them to put it so high. As for 'frequent ferries' Not so many after the bridge was built...

Context: a mate has about 40 hct just south of Alcoutim. Idylic. With a Pheonicean well and very old olive trees. Calmest place I can remember.
DW

Another mate lost his delightful 39ft classic cutter trying to sail in against the tide. Engine failed to start, but he tried anyway. Ran aground and it fell over and filled with the tide. The river can run 5kts.
 
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