ACROSS BISCAY WITH THE ARC RALLY

Abrupt storms and choppy seas keep James Kenning and the crew of Arkyla on their toes

- James Kenning

The Bay of Biscay may not command the romance of an Atlantic or Pacific crossing, but it is, nonetheless, a significant body of wild ocean that demands careful planning, meticulous preparation, and the utmost of respect.

My wife Jenny and I bought our 2008 Regina 43 Arkyla in 2018 with the intention of heading south to the sun. Even with significant cruising experience, we felt that support would be wise for a first crossing of Biscay and so signed ourselves up to the World Cruising Club (WCC) ARC Portugal Rally.

In olden, square-rigger days, the fear of becoming embayed in treacherous conditions made Biscay one of the most dreaded stretches of water in the world. Although advances in design and technology make it easier, a direct UK-Galicia offshore crossing, of 550-600 miles, will likely take a typical cruising boat four to five days, which is on the outer edge of reliable weather forecasts. With the steep continental shelf can come formidable sea states, not to mention the potential of significant winds around Finisterre. Crews are well advised to expect the unexpected.