The Truth About Sailing On The Algarve

[emandvee44]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

I went to olhao yesterday and chatted to a very nice lady in the marina office. The marina has been open since july 1st. and is full. However they might have a short stay berth from time to time. Pontoons have water and electricity, but the long arm does not. It would appear that berthing on the outside of the long arm is not allowed. As others have pointed out, it is a pongy area all the way along the front, especially at low water.
There were 5 yachts moored on the outside of the long arm of the East 'marina' but there you need very good fendering as the water taxi and ferry wash makes it pretty lively and most of the arm has lost its wood fender so it is your fenders against rough concrete. The anchorage between the two 'marinas' is still being used.
Michael.

 

[nortada]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

I went to olhao yesterday and chatted to a very nice lady in the marina office. The marina has been open since july 1st. and is full. However they might have a short stay berth from time to time. Pontoons have water and electricity, but the long arm does not. It would appear that berthing on the outside of the long arm is not allowed. As others have pointed out, it is a pongy area all the way along the front, especially at low water.
There were 5 yachts moored on the outside of the long arm of the East 'marina' but there you need very good fendering as the water taxi and ferry wash makes it pretty lively and most of the arm has lost its wood fender so it is your fenders against rough concrete. The anchorage between the two 'marinas' is still being used.
Michael.

So how many berths do they currently have? Surely not 500.

Did she have any idea when the extension work will start?

The long arm was designed as a wave break so not a good place to tie up, especially on the outside!

Seem to recall there aren't any cleats on the wave break?

 

[emandvee44]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

I did not ask about the planned works. The marina appears to be exactly as it was in terms of number of berths.
M

 

[nortada]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

I did not ask about the planned works. The marina appears to be exactly as it was in terms of number of berths.
M

Thanks.

I assume there are about 100 berths?

I am sure the other Algarve marinas will be watching with interest.

 

[Ludd]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

Bump!

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

Cheers

 

[XTE]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

I want to try a couple of weeks in Lagos as it seems to be the most recommended place on here, but a long way to sail from UK east coast just to check it out. Might someone do a boat swap for a couple of weeks? My boat is a Beneteau 373 in Suffolk Yacht Harbour!

 

[GrahamM376]

Just been on TV regional news, they're going to dredge the Guadiana as far as Pomerao.

 

[25931]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

Thanks.

I assume there are about 100 berths?
.

I think that you'll find that it's nearer to 300 but many are very small. The plan is to include the whole stretch towards the ferry terminal - someday.

 

[maxi77]

Re: Then And Now.

This weeks Resident tells us a new big marina may come to the Faro docks area

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Then And Now.

This weeks Resident tells us a new big marina may come to the Faro docks area

We've heard that but a few months ago saw architects proposed layout showing a marina off Faro town. Semi-circular breakwater which looked pretty but seemed fairly small and unable to be extended. Concentration was on appearance in tourist area rather practicality.

Have also been told by a guy working for the camera that no funds available for a marina and they're spending thousands at the moment replacing the stone cladding to the town small boat marina walls - the old stuff has been falling off for a year or two. Too many different tales, hard to separate fact from dreams.

 

[25931]

Re: Then And Now.

We've heard that but a few months ago saw architects proposed layout showing a marina off Faro town. Semi-circular breakwater which looked pretty but seemed fairly small and unable to be extended. Concentration was on appearance in tourist area rather practicality.

Have also been told by a guy working for the camera that no funds available for a marina and they're spending thousands at the moment replacing the stone cladding to the town small boat marina walls - the old stuff has been falling off for a year or two. Too many different tales, hard to separate fact from dreams.

They are the same project - replacing the commercial harbour. There is no question of Faro council being involved financially. The "doca" small boat harbour is the responsibility of Docapesca no camera cash involved.

 

[GHA]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

I think that you'll find that it's nearer to 300 but many are very small. The plan is to include the whole stretch towards the ferry terminal - someday.

Story going round isn't that, but to move the fishing boats to the fishing harbour and the the marina take over those pontoons. Really hope they never build pontoons all the way down, would completely chance the fell of the waterfront by the markets, but not in a good way..

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

FARO Marinas
Info gained this morning from Clube Naval employee. There are two entirely separate proposed schemes.

The commercial dock is owned by the State and is exempt from the Natural Park regulations. The proposed marina there will be a joint venture between the State and private Taiwanese enterprise. As usual, apartments etc to cover some of the costs.

The other proposal is for a joint venture Camera and Clube Naval for a marina off the town, no apartments etc. Natural Park regulations do apply so many regulations and, knowing Portugal, palms to be greased.

The work being done on the dock is, as said above by Docapesca. They are also to dredge the entrance channel and part of the dock where the small fishing boats are. The Clube will then fund dredging the rest.

 

[maxi77]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

FARO Marinas
Info gained this morning from Clube Naval employee. There are two entirely separate proposed schemes.

The commercial dock is owned by the State and is exempt from the Natural Park regulations. The proposed marina there will be a joint venture between the State and private Taiwanese enterprise. As usual, apartments etc to cover some of the costs.
.

Thats the one with pretty pictures in the news. Suggests the money is almost in place but thst is what they all say. Plans look like a Villamoura without the golf courses, so quite a substantial resort area. If it does go ahead I suspect I will be in an old folks home by then

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Olhao Marina An Option

Don't know what they're going to use for the dredging

https://www.dredgingtoday.com/2018/01/17/hopper-dredger-brasinho-capsizes-off-armona/

 

[andyfollett]

Hi After many years of Dartmouth, a place we love, we decided that the season was to short and stumbled upon Portimao on the Algarve. The beaches are wonderful anchorages too and weather predictable. the Portuguese are genuinely lovely people across the board. Very friendly welcoming and that sense begins at the airport and extends to the dockside and even the marine authorities. We have been replacement boat hunting for 18 months now and traveled far and wide. S. Sardinia, N. Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, Palma and S. France. We have been paying attention to places to visit and for our needs feel that the Algarve is the best place to keep a boat. We dont do massive cruises. (last boat was a Jeanneau 49ds next will be a Princess 42 or 43) and simply enjoy pottering between anchorages and marinas . In order of prefference Portimao (beaches, restaurants, lovely marina with beautiful aspect and central algarve) Villamoura (same but not so pretty and a bit frenetic but fun for the kids for a night or 2)
Lagos (interesting town lots of fun, Cornish like beaches but windier and cooler) Albufiera (Ok but a bit enclosed for our liking and out on a limb) Faro (some awesome places to stop but closer to airport etc). If Youre into masses of variety The Algarve might only keep you occupied for a few years but when in Dartmouth we only ever did 1 long cruise per year to either channel islands or Falmouth and spent weekends either in Dartmouth or sprinting around to Salcombe. The Algarve suits that mentality but in flatter bluer seas, warmer days, and clean, pretty coves and beaches. We love it and so do the kids..

 

[25931]

I came here in 1980 intending to stay for a few weeks...........East of where you mention is the Ria Formosa and stopping places all the way round to Gib. I'm sure that you'll enjoy pottering.

 

[andyfollett]

Yes true. Im afraid we are getting a bit lazy!!!
cheers andy

 

[GrahamM376]

Funny how people's viewpoints differ, often depending on the season when visited. Bottom end of the package holiday market is Albufeira, good for getting pissed and punch up but, it has the safest marina which looks a bit like Legoland. Portimao is more of a Portuguese holiday destination and Praia do Rocha has sprouted amusement arcades and crowds. High season sees a stage erected close to south end of the marina with 24 hr headbanging music so loud we left the anchorage. The marina is very exposed to bad weather and we've seen fingers broken off with boats till attached and walkway bridges in the water.