summer cruise

[Gerry]

Great excitment in the house as we begin to plan our main summer cruise for this year. We aim to leave Vilamoura marina and head down to Gibraltar across to North Africa and then back to Vilamoura. Think that three weeks should be sufficient time- any views? Would welcome hints and tips of places, services, bars atc along the route.Thanks

 

[romany123]

I knew "bars" would come into it sailing is secondary lol.....Have a good one
Fair winds
Dave

Dave

 

[Goldie]

Vilamoura - Gibraltar usually takes about 24-28 hours. Obviously passage through the straits depends on conditions, if there's a levanter blowing, stop at Barbate and wait! If there are forecasts of a levanter before you leave Vilamoura, why not cruise down in stages? There are plenty of interesting stop-overs en-route, try The Guadalquivir (and anchor off the Donana National Park to watch the wildlife), Cadic and Rota to name but 3. Ceuta is an obvious port of call (albeit a Spanish enclave) but I haven't a clue about current facilities ther. Further South, Restinga Smir Marin has all facilities including agreed price taxis. We rented one (driven by "Larby" who was excellent) for the whole day. A visit to the Souk in Tetouan with a guide, and a trip up into the hills, was very reasonable indeed. You will end up in a carpet shop though1 M'diq is worth a quick visit - but don't photograph the gun boats! Further East are a few more fishing harbours and small resorts. Al Hoceima was interesting, but clearance took 3 hours! Don't anchor at night, unless you want nocturnal visits from the authorities. Well worth a trip into the interior. Have a great trip!