Thoughts of crossing the Bay of Biscay are enough to get sailors pulses racing – especially when we mention that we are crossing in October. There are many tales of high winds, huge seas and how difficult it is to round the headlands of Ushant and Cape Finisterre. These are all true – cross any open stretch of water at the wrong time and it can be treacherous. However, if you study the weather and pick your time, this does not have to be the case.
We studied the weather before leaving Plymouth and managed to be around Ushant and far enough south to miss the worst effects of ex hurricane Gonzalo. We had 12 hours of Force 7 winds in the middle of the bay but nothing worse. Most of the time we had a steady force 5 and Velvet Lady flew across the bay.
As we rounded Cape Finisterre conditions were absolutely the opposite to those you would be led to expect. Glassy calm sea and light breeze at dawn. Dolphins playing in the wake and fishermen waving as we went by. As the day wore on the heat came and by the time we arrived in Bayona we were wearing shorts and t shirts in 27 degrees.
We spent a couple of days in Bayona sorting out some jobs on board before heading up the Ria to Vigo.
We are now in Vigo – ready for a week sailing in the Spanish Rias before continuing south to Lanzarote and more sunshine.
If you fancy sailing in the sunshine this winter why not join us in Lanzarote for one of our real deal sailing weeks, £675 per person all inclusive on board. Details in our schedule
