How to cross Biscay

Crossing Biscay is a rite of passage for many sailors: Rachael Sprot has expert advice on how to handle the 'Golfe de Gascogne'

- Rachael Sprot

The Bay of Biscay gained its notorious reputation because in the prevailing westerlies a square-rigged vessel could be 'embayed' for days. Failing to make sufficient ground to windward, they'd drift inexorably closer to the French coast and potential disaster. However, with 21st century forecasting techniques and a modern yacht it no longer needs to be the feat of endurance it once was- but it still needs preparation, strategy and a healthy dose of respect.

In my dealings with Biscay over the years, I've motored across in light airs with pilot whales for company, beaten across in a howling gale (using every pair of socks I owned) and on one occasion I sat west of it with the drogue out until it calmed down, determined to keep the sock inventory dry.

A Biscay crossing is as variable as the weather itself and there's no one-size-fits-all rule that can be applied to the passage.

However, if we identify the various challenges and plan for them in advance then we can tailor-make a crossing strategy that works for each boat, crew and weather forecast.

Crossing considerations

There are six main factors to consider: the distance, prevailing conditions, heavy weather, the continental shelf, the lee shore element, and shipping

1 Distance 

The shortest distance across Biscay without going into the Bay itself is 360 miles from Brest to A Coruña. A vessel heading directly from Falmouth around Finisterre to the Rias can expect to add another 150 miles onto that.