Spain vs United Kingdom @ Gibraltar.

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david36

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The present Spanish Government appears to be determined to create a nationalist smoke-screen for their political party problems and their country's huge economic difficulties by reactivating and escalating the territorial dispute with the UK about the sovereignty of Gibraltar. A significant part of the Royal Navy plus a Royal Marine force are about to " drop into Gibraltar while they are passing" on their way to various exercises and patrols. No doubt they will be welcomed by some and abused by others in that region. Leaving aside the rights and wrongs of the territorial sovereignty question, has there been any impact upon yachting activities in the immediate area or anywhere else in Spain? If so what? Has anyone moved their boat from a Spanish port because of this dispute or been deterred from visiting? Hopefully the economic impact upon Gibraltar itself will be minimal and common sence prevail without delay. However, I somehow doubt it! I might have to do a quick rethink of my plans for the coming year.
Fair winds to all - well nearly all!
 
We've just returned to Algarve after cruising SW Spain, LaLinea, Gib & Ceuta. Only problem we had was a visit from Gib customs to seal our bond locker as we had an excess of duty free cigs on board.

LaLinea anchorage directly behind the breakwater is closed but no problem when we (plus about 20 others) were anchored to the north of the breakwater area, off the beach.

We did see very long queues of cars at the Spanish side of the border and even foot traffic was queued one day we passed through with more baggage checks than usual.

UK armed forces are often there, there were 7 Tornados for a month or so last year, deafening everyone with afterburners on take-off.

I see no need for anyone to worry or stay away.
 
david36 said:
The present Spanish Government appears to be determined to create a nationalist smoke-screen for their political party problems and their country's huge economic difficulties by reactivating and escalating the territorial dispute with the UK about the sovereignty of Gibraltar. A significant part of the Royal Navy plus a Royal Marine force are about to " drop into Gibraltar while they are passing" on their way to various exercises and patrols. No doubt they will be welcomed by some and abused by others in that region. Leaving aside the rights and wrongs of the territorial sovereignty question, has there been any impact upon yachting activities in the immediate area or anywhere else in Spain? If so what? Has anyone moved their boat from a Spanish port because of this dispute or been deterred from visiting? Hopefully the economic impact upon Gibraltar itself will be minimal and common sence prevail without delay. However, I somehow doubt it! I might have to do a quick rethink of my plans for the coming year.
Fair winds to all - well nearly all!
Click to expand...

We were in Rota and Chipiona last week - business as usual without a hint of tension.
 
I can report that all the marinas in the area are very much business as usual.

Crossing the border by car is a pain though, even more so than it has been for years!

Protest by Spanish fishing boats tomorrow morning though, but I understand they are not protesting about all the reefs laid to prevent them fishing in Spanish waters, just the new one in British waters......
 
Thank you Chris and others for the updates. Please post any future significant events or views. Personally, I have a nasty suspicion that this problem is not going to go away anytime soon and that yachties will be caught in the backflow. Fingers crossed for Gib based folk.
Fair winds.
 
I sailed into and out of Gib last week from Estepona without any difficulties. I also flew into Gib yesterday and walked straight across the boarder (with rucksack) without even being challenged for a passport. As previously mentioned I think driving in and out is to be avoided until the 'tensions' subside, but generally sea traffic is all business as usual.
 
we are a us boat in la lina right now and no issues -- we came in so we could do a road trip through spain -- we walk across the border anytime and no issues whatever -- we do carry our passports and flash them but both sides seem to care less -- when we did a bit of food shopping in gib and came back with bags they did ask if we had smokes which we did not and waved us through -- as for the motor traffic -- somedays it is very easy to cross over and somedays bring a lunch and maybe dinner -- all in all no issues and we like la lina
chuck patty and svsoulmates
in La Lina
 
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