So does anyone keep their yacht in Spain (near Barcelona)?

[DickB]

After a desperatly wet summer, (a repeat of last year), I am seriousy thinking of giving up on the Solent. When it is fine, it is like sailing the wrong way up the M25, and when it is wet and grey it makes me miserable...

So what about warmer climes? I have sailed in Turkey (Bodrum area) and loved it but a 4 hour flight is too long and expensive. Spain seems to me to be an attractive alternative but I havent been there in years and never sailed (apart from a great trip starting at Palma and ending at KLanzarotte).

Anyone got any views or opinions? What about MDL's new place Carlos something or other? What about other Spanish marinas. The prices seem more competative and flights are still not too bad...


cheers,

 

[dsw]

what about the medway ? nothing like the m25 .

 

[Pinnacle]

Talk to Hurricane - he is about to move his new boat to St Carles.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Unfortunately, the W Med is desperately crowded. Yes, you can find year round berths, but you're talking Solent prices. A mooring in Port Colom in Mallorca is a possibilty, or one of the marinas in the north of the island (Puerto Pollensa maybe). Barcelona berths are also available, but you have to be very patient to track any of these down.

There are half way places - the rias of N Spain, with short flight times or ferries. So, the weather isn't Med, but this is a very uncrowded and good value for money area.

If you insist on the Med, then it's the east Med for available berths; good value too. But travel becomes a pain. not worth coming out for anything except a week or more.

Hunt through my web site to get a feel for each of the areas. That may help. Quite a lot depends on whether you want a lot of sailors around or not.

 

[tomframe]

a friend of mine sailed his boat down to Gibraltar - running a RYA school there now - http://www.atlanticcharters.co.uk/

I went across a few months back, and its great place to sail - popped across to Morocco etc... very tempting

 

[DickB]

Thanks folks for the info, (particularly Jim...) I think a recky trip is in order and certainly from your website (Jim) Greece looks very attractive too...

All food for thought,

thanks

 

[Billjratt]

Alicante is worth a look as the airport is 15mins and less than 20€ from the marina. The winter weather is warmer than Barca and less windy than the Almeria (cheaper) ports like Almerimar. The exchange rate has lost it's attraction lately, and some sizes of berth are like rocking-horse droppings (12M for a start). Do it sooner rather than later.

 

[Shearwater]

http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-santcarles-marina/home.asp

Most impressed to see a new marina being built .... finger berths as well as cheaper 'bows-to' Med style berths.... 8,10, 15 and I think 20 metre berths for sale and rental on 1,2,3 or 4 year terms. Shops bars restaraunts chandlers, slips, carry lift being built, lock-ups to buy for hardware. Huge investment by MDL together with local council. Beautiful sailing in the south side of the Ebro delta. Would offer any help if anyone wants anything in the area - I'm the other side of the Delta at Ampolla; 6 years on SSR and red ensign with no problems about re-regeristering. Hope this helps.