Atlantic Spain and Portugal

Foreword to 6th edition
Whilst the RCC Pilotage Foundation, the author and the publishers have used reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content of this book, it contains selected information and thus is not definitive. It does not contain all known information on the subject in hand and should not be relied on alone for navigational use: it should only be used in conjunction with official hydrographical data. This is particularly relevant to the plans, which should not be used for navigation. The RCC Pilotage Foundation, the authors and the publishers believe that the information which they have included is a useful aid to prudent navigation, but the safety of a vessel depends ultimately on the judgment of the skipper, who should assess all information, published or unpublished. The information provided in this pilot book may be out of date and may be changed or updated without notice. The RCC Pilotage Foundation cannot accept any liability for any error, omission or failure to update such information. To the extent permitted by law, the RCC Pilotage Foundation, the author and the publishers do not accept liability for any loss and/or damage howsoever caused that may arise from reliance on information contained in these pages.

Foreword to 7th edition
In recent years I have sailed the full length of the coasts of Atlantic Spain and Portugal between Cabo Ortegal and Gibraltar, both southwards and northwards. On board we had a copy of the 6th edition of The RCC Pilotage Foundation Atlantic Spain and Portugal and it became a very well- thumbed reference and an invaluable companion. I join Henry Buchanan in thanking the originators and subsequent authors and editors who have built such a thoroughly useful pilot book.
In this fully revised 7th edition Henry Buchanan has used his own recent experience of cruising these coasts, together with a great deal of useful feedback sent in to the RCC Pilotage Foundation by fellow yachtsmen, to update and extend the information as much as possible. The RCC Pilotage Foundation is sincerely grateful to Henry for taking on the task of editing the whole of this edition, and to all the contributors who have sent in corrections, photographs and additional information.
The Atlantic swell is a very common concern when considering cruising this coastline. As is ever the case, those who do not have deadlines and who are prepared to be patient will be well-rewarded. Others may be lucky to grab a chance in a much shorter time frame. Either way, it is perfectly possible to enjoy favourable conditions whether heading south or north. The trick is to monitor swell forecasts as avidly as you monitor the winds, and to make shorter hops along the coast if patterns are unstable. Every stop off provides something to enjoy. Don’t be tempted to pass it all by!
Coastal features do not usually change very much, but harbours and facilities often do. If you find anything which needs updating in this edition please do email us to let us know. An annual supplement will be produced each year after publication and will be available as a free download from both the Imray and RCC Pilotage Foundation websites. Click through to the Atlantic Spain and Portugal page of the pilot books section of the websites where you will find any mid-season updates or corrections and links to the annual supplement.
This meticulously updated 8th edition invites the cruising sailor to safely explore numerous exquisite locations, reassured by the author’s wealth of experience. The considerable expertise of the well-respected Henry Buchanan is the backbone of this publication. It is a no-nonsense book, rather than a humorous anecdotal compilation for the coffee table.

The familiar and accessible layout belies the attention given to updating navigational detail and support information. There is a logical division of the pilot into three distinct cruising areas with a cruiser-friendly layout to the sections within. Corrections and updates to earlier editions have been made throughout.

In an age when information is instantly at our fingertips, we may fall foul of anecdotal comment from unknown and unproven sources. The Pilotage Foundation uses tried and tested sources which are then cross-checked by experienced cruising sailors. This is most reassuring and allows for a more enjoyable cruise.

The less experienced visiting sailor will find this volume accessible and instructive. Well-positioned photos of overview and sea-level approaches complement the Imray plans. The seasoned navigator, seeking out the less frequented, will also be supported in the approach to places like Malpica and Islas Sisargas. He or she can learn from the experience of others regarding hazards such as the previously uncharted rocks at San Vincente del Mar or changed positions of tuna nets in the Algarve. The newly charted Aguina approaches in Galicia is a most welcome addition. I do favour a row up the totally unspoilt Rio Vascao, a tributary of the Algarve’s Guadiana, which deserves a mention. I am also enamoured of a 5m pool off the hotel used by Franco on Isla Toxa Grande, Ria de Arousa; tricky navigation but worth it.

Foreword to 8th edition
This 8th edition also assists in making the cruise more pleasant with information about visits ashore to tranquil nature reserves or lively fiestas. Also, we are given pertinent information on permits for protected areas and appropriate etiquette in marinas and Yacht Clubs.

In brief, study ATLANTIC SPAIN AND PORTUGAL (8th edition) before your cruise and then thumb through it as you go. It would be in poor judgement to cruise without and your experience will be enhanced immensely.
Contents to 6th edition
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
I. Galicia
A Coruna to the Portuguese border
1. Rias Altas
A Coruna area
A Corufia to Laxe
Laxe to Finisterre
Cabo Finisterre and Seno de Corcubion
2. Finisterre to Isla Ons
Ria de Muros
Ria de Arousa
3. Ria de Arousa to Baiona and La Guardia
Ria de Pontevedra
Ria de Vigo
Baiona to la Guardia
II. Portugal - the West Coast
Foz do Minho to Cabo de Sao Vicente
1. Foz do Minho to Leix5es
2. Porto to Figueira da Foz
3. Figueira da Foz to Cabo da Roca
4. Approaches to the Rio Tejo and Lisbon
5. Cabo Espichel to Cabo de Sao Vicente
III. The Algarve and Andalucia
Cabo de Sao Vicente to Gibraltar
1. Cabo de Sao Vicente to Tavira
2. The Rio Guadiana to the Rio Guadalquivir
3. The Rio Guadalquivir to Cabo Trafalgar
4. Cabo Trafalgar to Gibraltar
Appendix
I Charts
II. Waypoints
III. Facilities
IV. Useful addresses
V Regulations, tax and VAT in Spain
VI. Marina charges in Galicia
VII. Portugal and Andalucia on the Net
VIII. Glossary
Index

Contents to 7th edition
Foreword vii
Acknowledgements vii
Introduction
I. Galicia
Cabo Ortegal to the Portuguese border
1. Ria de Cedeira to Cabo Finisterre
1.1 Ria de Cedeira to A Coruna
1.2 A Coruna to Laxe
1.3 Laxe to Cabo Finisterre
2. Cabo Finisterre to Isla Ons
2.1 Cabo Finisterre to Ria de Muros
2.2 Ria de Muros to Ria de Arousa
2.3 Ria de Arousa to Isla Ons
3. Isla Ons to the Portuguese Border
3.1 Isla Ons and Ria de Pontevedra to Islas Cies
3.2 Islas Cies and Ria de Vigo to Baiona
3.3 Baiona to the Portuguese Border
II. Portugal - the West Coast
Foz do Minho to Cabo de Sao Vicente
1. Foz do Minho to Leixoes
2. Porto to Figueira da Foz
3. Figueira da Foz to Cabo da Roca
4. Approaches to the Rio Tejo and Lisbon
5. Cabo Espichel to Cabo de Sao Vicente
III. The Algarve and Andalucia
Cabo de Sao Vicente to Gibraltar
1. Cabo de Sao Vicente to Tavira
2. The Rio Guadiana to the Rio Guadalquivir
3. The Rio Guadalquivir to Cabo Trafalgar
4. Cabo Trafalgar to Gibraltar
Appendix
I Charts
II. Waypoints
III. Useful addresses
IV. Regulations, tax and VAT in Spain
V. Portugal and Andalucia on the net
VI. Glossary
VII. Abbreviations used on the charts
Index

Contents to 8th edition
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
I. Galicia
Cabo Ortegal to the Portuguese border
Ria de Cedeira to A Coruna
A Coruna to Laxe
Laxe to Cabo Fisterra (Finisterre)
Cabo Fisterra to Ria de Muros
Ria de Muros to Ria de Arousa
Ria de Arousa to Isla Ons
Isla Ons, Ria de Pontevedra to Islas Cies
Islas Cies and Ria de Vigo to Baiona
Baiona to the Portuguese border
II. Portugal - the west coast
Foz do Minho to Cabo de Sao Vicente
Foz do Minho to Leixoes
Porto to Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz to Cabo da Roca
Approaches to the Rio Tejo and Lisbon
Cabo Espichel to Cabo de Sao Vicente
III. The Algarve and Andalucia
Cabo de Sao Vicente to Gibraltar
Cabo de Sao Vicente to Tavira
Rio Guadiana to Rio Guadalquivir
Rio Guadalquivir to Cabo Trafalgar
Cabo Trafalgar to Gibraltar
Appendix
I. Charts and books
II. Waypoints
III. Useful addresses
IV. Regulations, tax and VAT in Spain
V. Portugal and Andalucia online
VI. Glossary
VII. Abbreviations used on the charts
Index