Trailing Boat to Spain

[andrewa]

Does anybody on the forum keep their boat or trailed down to in or around Ampuriabrava? We are looking to have a large family holiday next May in the last week to the area and would like to know what the boating is like that time of year.

 

[PhilF]

we are south of Barcelona, and my experience is that most days in May it is too windy for a small craft to go out comfortably. What size are you trailing and are you thinking of staying on the boat? Ampy is a inland, canal type development that leads to the sea, lots of housing with moorings, but thats it, you need to go out to sea to do anything

 

[andrewa]

Phil

Thanks for your reply, boat will be a Chaparral 260 Signature but planning on using it as a day boat only. A collegue at work said it would probably be windy. They hold wind surfing competions in the area I think he said around that time of year. Picked the area because it is a fairly easy drive and said to have a nice coast line. Still glad I asked now before booking!

 

[Planty]

Andrew,
Sorry to be a party pooper but:
Trailed Searay 225 weekender over to North Barcelona area 3 years ago, honest truth, wouldn't do it again. Ferry Plymouth - Bilbao run by French and really not good, packed vehicles in so tight, hull got badly scratched by numerous passengers back packs as they made their way off car deck, just too tight. Problems with moorings booked literally 6 months beforehand, Spaniard cashed money order then denied all knowledge. Any Trailer problems, just ruin holiday as everything is a trial and takes ages to fix the simplest thing. Lift in and out are ameteurish to say the least, nearly had her out of slings twice. As said here earlier really not that pleasant a cruising area and the charts are crap with not very good anchoring either. Great dream, mediocre reality, remember is supposed to be a relaxing holiday. PM me for more details. Paul

 

[Nautorius]

Hi I have twice towed a Chaparral 240 Signature down to Spain. Actually the first time I towed it to the south of France (Saint Cypyrian) and then took it round the coast to Barcelona. This was in August and when the wind got up it was a very rough ride with limited bays to run for. I would not even consider it in May! Mind you I found the Chaparral hull handled the chop a lot better than my brothers 268 Four Winns. At that time of year you will struggle anywhere round that area of coast to get great boating weather. I even went across to Menorca from Barcelona, which was fine on a nice day. Unfortunately had to get the Car + Trailer out to Menorca to get it back as it got too rough to try the crossing again (24ft + Single engine a bit scary in anything other than flat calm for a 4 hour crossing)

The second time I thought I would avoid the chop of going down the coast and towed it (via ferry) all the way to Menorca. Now that was a lot more fun (and cost) but again it was in August. The towing is not a problem if you take reasonable care and spares! It is quite stressful but for August weather it was worth it. Feel free to ask any other questions. The Chaparral is the perfect day boat as it is not too big so can get in small coves and get berthed anywhere within reason and handles great if it does blow up.

Cheers Paul