Solent to Gib, end of May/early June

[mainsail1]

I would be grateful of up to date practical advice as I have not done this trip for 40 years...... but I have done the book/chart research in the last few weeks.
I wanted to leave the boat in Gib for a few months but someone told me that all marinas there are full?
Portugal and Gib seem to have lifted all Covid restrictions but not France or Spain?
I understand the Orcas are still a problem?
Any knowledge gratefully received.

 

[capnsensible]

I pit stopped in Gib twice last year for fuel. Spent the night in the La Linea marina,much easier. A berth in Gib may be possible given enough notice to either Marina Bay or Queens way Quay. For Schengen purposes, probably worth try,but plan for the worst case!

You can see here what's happening at Marina Bay:

gibraltar webcam weather

Enjoy your trip. The first few days always seem to be the hardest, once past Finisterre life always seems to become relaxing!

 

[Ningaloo]

We did this last June/July last year, taking about 8 weeks. At that time PCR test was required for entry to France, but I doubt that this is the case now. No Schengen related issues once we had entered France.
Other than masks and weekend curfew, everything as usual.
Orcas were causing damage in July between Cadiz and Gib. We arrived Gib 10 Aug and seemed to just miss the worst. There were exclusion zones to keep you inshore. We did see damaged boats.
Gib will need booking ahead but we just anchored NW of the runway (Spanish waters).
It's s great trip. We spent a week at Brest waiting for weather/crew and getting used to the new biaty, then another week or so in Galicia which was simply wonderful until the fog arrived! New marina at Povoa and Porto and Lisbon are worth time out.

 

[footsoldier]

I understand the Orcas are still a problem?
Any knowledge gratefully received.

There is a current post from Halcyon - just below yours - re an orca attack. He found that the oft-advised tactic of starting the motor and sticking the boat in reverse was effective.

 

[mainsail1]

Thanks for the information Capnsensible and Ningaloo. Thanks for the heads up Footsoldier.