Sailing in Gibraltar: charts, pilot book recommendations?

S

SMaturin

Member
Joined
4 Jun 2017
Messages
38
Visit site
Please advise on Imray or other charts and pilot books for sailing in Gibraltar. In particular a good guide on Gibraltar Harbour and approaches. For a day sail starting from Gibraltar.
Also what weather expect, places and times where it can blow strong in the end of November.
Thanks!

Steve
 
No it’s called “The Straits Pilot”. I’m sure Capnsensible will be along with a range of definitive answers. He was based in Gib for a few years
 
Hiy'all.

Actually, my friend Colin was the author of the 'Straits Sailing Handbook'. I just revamped it a bit each year and my wife produced it. Sadly though, we left Gib a couple of years ago and without Mrs. Sensible chasing things up, it has lapsed to be an ex book.

There is a similar (but rather inferior ;) ) Yacht Scene Gibraltar that is the sole survivor and would do. Try an email to Simon at Gib Yachts, the new chandlers down at New Harbours to get one.

The best chart is Admiralty 1448, will give you all you need.

Where are you going from? If its a charter boat, should have all that on board.

The Bay is very busy. Vessels in and out for bunkers, service launches, occasional warship, Spanish and Brit official vessels, sailing schools, Dolphin tour boats, ferries, fishermen etc. Needs a careful lookout and the vhf radio traffic is enough to make some on here explode, probably.

November can still be mild. If wind from west it will be strong in Straits. If from east, visibility reduces a bit but less strength to breeze.

A bit of a challenge but I really enjoyed lots of years sailing round there.

Hope it goes OK!
 
Thanks! Unfortunately neither 'Straits Sailing Handbook' nor 'Yacht Scene Gibraltar' are available any more, searching on Internet gives no result of sites that sale these. Could not find Imray books with lots of info specifically on Gibraltar marinas also ...
 
SMaturin said:
Thanks! Unfortunately neither 'Straits Sailing Handbook' nor 'Yacht Scene Gibraltar' are available any more, searching on Internet gives no result of sites that sale these. Could not find Imray books with lots of info specifically on Gibraltar marinas also ...
Click to expand...

Dont worry, there are only two that you may sail from unless its a small local boat. Queensway Quay and Ocean Village (Marina Bay) have probably all you need on their websites.

The thing most missing are the surface flow charts for the Straits. But if you decide to go over to Ceuta for the day, Start in the middle of the Bay and point the boat at the big mountain until you are two thirds of the way over. Coming back, point at the lighthouse on the western side of the bay. Never fails! ;)
 
This was our experience of Gibraltar (passing the strait and up into bay). It definitely was incredibly busy in the bay. And we smashed the boat to splinters at La Linea, but all patched up now.

The RCCPF pilot book was fine, and a bit of research online for the currents in the strait. Don't get these wrong or you'll be sailing sideways (when crossing). Trip to Ceuta recommended. Beware of high-speed ferries passing in close proximity and kicking up a big wash. Before going up the rock, check the weather. The levanter cloud will obscure any and all views eastwards (if the wind is out of the east). It looks pretty cool with the cloud blowing straight through the gaps though.

chartbusy.jpg
 
Traffic yes, but squally winds happen sometimes in the harbour area if the wind is from the east. Felt a lot less halfway across towards Algeceiras. What kind of yacht? most should handle it but it can get a bit sporting close in to the detatched mole!
 
It is a chatter boat Sun Odyssey 38 from Marina Bay. What is a detached mole? Also, as I understand it may blow from the Rock any time without any warning, correct?
 
SMaturin said:
It is a chatter boat Sun Odyssey 38 from Marina Bay. What is a detached mole? Also, as I understand it may blow from the Rock any time without any warning, correct?
Click to expand...

Gib harbour is protected by three breakwaters and two entrances. North, South and Detached moles.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ports/186/Gibraltar_port:GIBRALTAR

Weather forecasting in Gib is very good, the gusts dont come without warning. They come with the right conditions.

http://www.meteogib.com/

Enjoy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top