Gibraltar
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Gibraltar
| Gibraltar | |
 Gibraltar | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Gibralter |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Currency: | Gibraltar pound |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC + 1)
CEST (UTC + 2 summer) |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
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Gibraltar is a territory of UK. It is a city of 6.5 km2 with a population of 27,884. It is surrounded by Spain. Relations with Spain have not always been cordial.
Human settlement in Gibraltar can be traced back to the Phoenicians around 950 BC, although there is earlier evidence of habitation by the Neanderthals, a prehistoric subspecies of man. Semi-permanent settlements were later established by the Carthaginians and Romans. Gibraltar was named at that time as one of the Pillars of Hercules, after the legend of the creation of the Straits of Gibraltar. On April 30, 711, the Umayyad general Tariq ibn Ziyad, leading a Berber-dominated army, sailed across the Strait from Ceuta. He first attempted to land on Algeciras but failed. Upon his failure, he landed undetected at the southern point of the Rock from present-day Morocco in his quest for Spain. Little was built during the first four centuries of Moorish control. (See Islamic conquest of Iberia, Reconquest.)
Gibraltar was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it's history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defenses of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson's body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson's body was returned to Britain for a hero's funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery.
Today Gibraltar is bustling place with many liquor stores and other tax-free items for sale. It is a pleasant enough place combining Spanish ambience with British efficiency.
Climate & Weather
Mediterranean with mild winters (although they can be rather wet and at times quite cold) and warm summers. There are two main prevailing winds, an easterly one known as the Levante coming from the Sahara in Africa which brings humid weather and warmer sea and the other as Poniente which is westerly and brings fresher air in and colder sea.
Weather information sources
- Weather on Line provides detailed 7 day forecast charts for the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Atlantic
- Windguru A surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts
- Passage weather Worldwide Weather Maps
- Navtex Broadcasts List of all the Navtex broadcast times and frequencies
Charts
- BA 92 Cabo de Sao Vicente to Strait of Gibraltar
- BA 142 Strait of Gibraltar
- BA 144 Gibraltar
- BA 773 Straight of Gibraltar to Isla Alborán
- BA 1448 Gibraltar Bay
- BA 3578 Eastern Approaches to Gibraltar
- Imray-Iolaire C19 Cabo Finisterre To Gibraltar
- NIMA 52031 Strait Of Gibraltar To Balearic Isl
- NIMA 52039 Strait of Gibraltar
- NIMA 52040 Strait of Gibraltar to Cabo de Gata and Cao Milonia
Gibraltar, unlike most of the Mediterranean, is subject to significant tides and associated currents. It is advisable to consult tide tables and plan a passage so that the current will be favorable. Also, keep in mind, that when the current flows in opposition to a strong wind large seas built up.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Warning: While the international telephone prefix for Gibraltar is +350 if you are calling from Spain you must use the local area code (+34) 9567.
Arrival/Departure procedures
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There are 3 marinas in Gibraltar: Queens Way, Marina Bay, and Sheppard's. In addition one can anchor offshore just S of the runway and N of Marina Bay. Berths in this busy crossroad of Atlantic and the Mediterranean are at a premium. Advance reservations are almost a necessity. If, you cannot find a birth in Gibraltar, try the Sotograde Marina, 15 nM SE.
Yachts must proceed either to the fuel dock at the entrance of Marina Bay and from there to the near-by custom's shack or the Queens Way marina, where customs forms will be available for skippers to complete.
Immigration & Customs
Entry formalities are simple, at least for boats from the EU. The official are friendly and efficient. Exit formalities are dispensed with. --Istioploos 14:24, 17 June 2008 (MDT)
Immigration
Nationals from EU countries do not require visas for visiting Gibraltar. Being a British territory, the same immigration rules apply as for Britain, however, nationals of those countries normally requiring a visa for a visit to Britain are usually allowed to stop in Gibraltar if they arrive and depart by yacht.
Visas are required by nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
The Immigration authority must be notified of any changes of crew as well as details of any crew member that stays ashore while the vessel is in port.
Customs
Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival and will be held in custody until your departure.
PETS: Gibraltar accepts those animals arriving under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which have a Pet Passport, microchip, a current Health Certificate, Rabies Vaccination Certificate and have been blood tested by a recognised Veterinarian prior to entry.
Gibraltar is part of the E U but is however outside the VAT area. This means that yachts remaining here will not be eligible for VAT, but if the yacht sails on to a VAT area of the EU, Customs will consider the 18 month VAT-free temporary importation to have commenced on arrival in Gibraltar.
VAT is not due on vessels that are purchased in Gibraltar. Vessels kept in Gibraltar for longer than six months are subject to an import duty of 12%. Yachts purchased in Gibraltar by non-Gibraltarian persons and companies and taken away from Gibraltar within a six month period are exempt from import duty. However, yachts can be left unaccompanied in Gibraltar for a longer period (under bond) without paying duty if permission is obtained from Customs.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Marinas/Yacht Clubs
Marina Bay
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Marina Bay [36° 09' N 5° 21.3' W] is the largest marina, with 200 berths, in Gibraltar. It is well located near the airport, restaurants, and shops. Their facilities are adequate if slightly worn. The piers are made of concrete and do not float with the considerable tide, so at times entering and exiting from your boat can be problematic. The marina is staffed 7/24.
In the shopping area of Marina Bay there is a health clinic.
The marina can be contacted by VHF Channel 71, by telephone at +350 73300, and by e-mail.
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Sheppard's
Sheppard's [36° 08.9' N 05° 21.3' W] was the oldest of Gibraltar's marinas. It had moorage for 150 boats and was Gibraltar's only working marina. Unfortunately its land has been acquired by a developer who is building apartment complexesand. The marina has closed down (temporarily?). So it is not available, for the time being for visiting yachts.
Sheppard's had been operating a shipyard, the only one in Gibraltar. It is now, temporarily, located in Coaling Island, near Queensway Quay marina.
Sheppard's can be contacted by telephone at +350 75148/77183 and by e-mail. Their yard at +350 71780 or by e-mail.
Queensway Quay Marina
| Queens Way [36° 09' N 05° 21.3' W] is Gibraltar’s newest marina. It has moorage for 120 boats. It has many bars and restaurants and is only a few minutes walking distance from Main Street. It is a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink whilst looking out across the bay. The marina can be contacted by telephone at +350 44700 and by VHF Channel 73.
Routes/Passages To/FromPopular passages/routes, timing, etc. |  Click for larger view |
Tourism & things to do ashore
There are not too many places to see in Gibraltar. Wandering around main street is fun and so are some of its cafés. A visit to Europa Point, the end of Europe is must. And so is a visit to the top of the "rock" with is spectacular view and the famous Barbary apes, monkeys really. To do so, take the cable car. Well worth while when you get to the top is a visit to St Michaels Cave - this is a vast cave network in the rocks with stalagtites and stalagmites. The whole rock was honeycombed with tunnels and military positions and some of these are open to the public.
When coming down by cable car, don't leave it late - there are only two cars and long delays build up as the afternoon progresses. You can walk down but you need to have good knees!
 The Main Street of Gibraltar |
Gibraltar2.jpg
View from the Top of the "Rock" |
 Barbary Ape |
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel - There is a fuel dock right across from Marina Bay
- Water - On the docks
- Electricity - On the docks (240 v)
Laundry
There is a laundry in the shopping area of Marina Bay. They will wash your clothes on the same day.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- In the shopping area of Marina Bay there is a supermarket
- Within walking distance, behind Sheppard's old site, there is a very large supermarket
Eateries
In general, I found the quality of food in Gibraltar not up to the standards of Spain --Istioploos 16:35, 17 June 2008 (MDT).
- In the shopping area of Marina Bay there a number of restaurants
- There is a Camping Gaz outlet behind the main harbor, about a 10 min taxi ride from Marina Bay, also possible to obtain Camping Gaz from the fuel dock
Internet/WiFi
In Cafés
Motorbike & Car Rentals
It is best to rent from Algeciras across the border in Spain.
Marine Stores & Facilities
Sheppard's operates a very well-stocked chandlery. They are located in the ground floor of Marina Court, on the marina side. Access is from Waterport Road, during the Ocean Village building works. From Marina Bay, you need to walk along Glacis Road to the Waterport roundabout, turn right at the BP petrol station and right again, to reach the marina side of Portland House and Marina Court.
Repairs
- Sheppard's had been operating a shipyard, the only one in Gibraltar. It is now, temporarily, located in Coaling Island, near Queensway Quay Marina
- Alternatively, one can go to Sotogrande Marina, 15 nM SE of Gibraltar
Transportation
There are daily flights to Gatwick (UK) and from Malaga (2 hr drive) to destinations within the EU.
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
- R.C.C. Pilotage Foundation North Africa: Gibraltar to Maroco, Algeria, Tunisia & Malta, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
- Heikell, R. Mediterranean Cruising Handbook, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
- Mediterranean Almanac, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
- Gibraltar (Wikipedia)
- Gibraltar, Tourism
- Gibraltar Marinas
Personal Notes
Personal experience?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- January 2005 --Istioploos 16:35, 17 June 2008 (MDT)
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