Sailing in Spain *Portugal

[dar]

I plan to sail one week( charter) next summer in Spain ( not in Balearics) or Portugal
Please could you recommand me in this questions:
1. Where is the nicest coast line to sail- where to start and where to finish ?( one way)
2. Does the area which recommanded include bays ?
3. What is the best week to sail ?
4.Any other tips about the area will accept with pleasure


Many thanks

Ami

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[Trazie]

If you want to charter a sailngboat here in the Algarve I can give you a couple of leads. Do you want bare boat or skippered? Algarve is beautiful, but there again so are lots of other places, but maybe not to beat the algarve!!

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[charles_reed]

I'd strongly recommend the Rias Biaxas in N Spain.

It beats anywhere but the western isles into a cocked hat.

I suspect the best place from which to charter would be la Coruna (which is really in the Rias Altas) though you could try Villagarcia.

They are a series of drowned glacial valleys - stretching from Finisterre to Bayona.
In a week you'll not have enough time to explore the area - have a look at a map and you'll see that it's a mass of bays and islands with about 4000 anchorages.

The best time to go would be end June.

I only allowed myself 5 weeks there on my way round from the UK which was insufficient to do them justice.

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[johnsomerhausen]

Though I have no personal expereience of chartering there, I would also recommend the Algarve in view of the "Portuguese trades" that blow almost constantly in the spring and summer along the coasts of N Spain and Portugal. They are a delight when you are going South but a bit too robust for my taste when you've got to return North. In the Algarve, these NE'lies lie more or less on the beam.
john

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[charles_reed]

Algarve

But where do you go to?

Lagos - as oppressive as any UK S Coast marina
Tavira - OK if you're shoal draft
Olhao/Faro - a maze of tiny channels in a mass of sand
Portimao/Villamoura - The only two I've not been to, the reports from those who had, being quite sufficient warning.
The only place worth visiting is Alvor - and there the channel up to the pool is unmarked.
The Guadiana is a different matter, well worth a visit if you're into the simple life.

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[Trazie]

Re: Algarve

You dont like Portugal then???

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[charles_reed]

Re: Algarve

Yes I do, but don't rate the Algarve as a particularly inspiring sailing area.

Further round between Guadiana mouth and the Straits are far more diverse and less crowded.

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[dar]

hi Charles

Is there any charter company in the area you recommanded ?

Which pilot book and itinerary in the regionv ?

Many thanks

Ami

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[dar]

I want bareboat,

Is there any charter company in the area ? and which itinerary you recommand

for one way sailing ?

Many thanks

Ami

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[Trazie]

Try www.southwestcharters.com
They operate from Lagos and have a variety of good yachts for bareboat.
Speak to Derry (Irish guy) and tell him that Theresa passed on the lead - should do you a good deal.
Have fun

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[ccscott49]

Re: Algarve

Totally agree with you! I have been toVilamoura and portimao, you wouldn't like either!

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