Sailing in Portugal

[geeps]

Having recently done my day skipper course (theory and practical in the Solent), I am considering chartering a boat in Lagos this summer for a week (August). I will probably persuade some more experienced friends to join in, but would be interested to get opinions on how demanding the sailing is. Will probably be sticking to short coastal hops between marinas. Can anyone recommend a good chart of the Algarve coast, and suitable reading material? Also, what are the best marinas/anchorages to visit? Alternative destination is Nice/Cote d'Azur, but I'm quite keen on Portugal.

 

[steve_cronin]

Take a look at:-

http://www.edinfor.pt/anc/index-e.html

It's all there.

There was also a stand at the London show giving out Portugeese marina guides. The larger marinas had their own but the smaller ones were all in a national guide.

Steve Cronin

 

[vyv_cox]

I've never been there, but I'm sure I remember reading recently that hops between marinas are not short. They look few and far between on the website given by Steve Cronin.

 

[Jeremy_W]

Well, I'm a fan of Portugal too. But, certainly going West then North the next stop with marina facilities is Sines: utterly charming, but quite a hike - nearer 48 hours than 24. I was travelling Southwards with Rally Portugal 1997, which stopped at Lagos, so I don't know about the area to the East of Lagos.

 

[davidhand]

Get the book "Atlantic Spain and Portugal" by Oz Robinson, published by Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd. has a wealth of information. Also check out the website www.marlagos.pt/2001/index.html good luck.

 

[DaiB]

try manorhouses.com/ports which gives loads of info.

 

[ccscott49]

I am presently in Lagos, on tha Algarve, although leaving shortly. The sailing from Lagos, going east is fine, with some lovely anchorages and marinas, Alvor, Portimao, Feregudo, villamoura, Faro, Isla Culatra and on to the Guardiana river. onshore breezes during the morning, calm at lunchtime, then off shore breezes in the afternoon early evening. lots to see, dolphins all over the place, good cheap food and wine. Enjoy yourselves you'll love it. Going north is OK, but the Portugese trades make it a little difficult, (northerlies). Fine coming down!!

 

[Gerry]

Just back from Vilamoura. Fantastic weather, dolphins galore. Recommend the sailing as being not too demanding, loads of places to stop along the Algarve coast and eating out cheap and good. Winds quite strong last week but just enough to have fun! Mind who you charter from there are some p...s poor boats on the water down here,you need a reputable company-sorry don't know any!

 

[geeps]

Thanks for the advice. Any information on reputable charter companies would be much appreciated!

 

[zefender]

Re: Lagos - Sines 24hrs+??

Lagos to Sines is about 74 miles. 36 hours would be an average of 2 knots. I assume you had to sail a few dog-legs to beat against the Northerlies?

I'm planning to do the trip this Summer - am I missing something? !!

 

[Jeremy_W]

Re: Lagos - Sines 24hrs+??

I stand corrected. I'm working from memory of "Rally Portugal 1997"