Portugal
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'''Fog''':<br> | '''Fog''':<br> | ||
| - | + | July, August and September are the months with the greatest risk of fog on the western Portuguese coast and it has been recorded as about 4% of observations. | |
During periods of rain, the hills are often covered by low cloud which obscures the cliff top lighthouses. | During periods of rain, the hills are often covered by low cloud which obscures the cliff top lighthouses. | ||
| Line 83: | Line 83: | ||
In addition, to sea fog, there is often fog forming in river valleys in the morning which affects many of the ports. | In addition, to sea fog, there is often fog forming in river valleys in the morning which affects many of the ports. | ||
| - | The southern coast is less liable to fog than the western coast but can have extensive banks when the '''''Levante''''' blowing through the Straits of Gibraltar is blocked by | + | The southern coast is less liable to fog than the western coast but can have extensive banks when the '''''Levante''''' blowing through the Straits of Gibraltar is blocked by Atlantic weather. |
===Local Radio Nets=== | ===Local Radio Nets=== | ||
Revision as of 11:15, 23 January 2008
Portugal
| Portugal | |
 Portugal | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Lisbon |
|---|---|
| Language: | Portuguese |
| Currency: | Euro |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The background and history of Portugal is best observed on Wikipedia
Cruising/Sailing in the area?
Climate & Weather
Most days in summer the Nortada (Portuguese Trade Winds) blow in the afternoon at up to force 6 from midday to about 7 o'clock in the evening. Just right for shopping in the morning and sailing 30 miles in the afternoon if going south.
However, if going north have an early start and be in the next port from between 12.00 hrs. to 18.00 hrs. Expect light south-easterly winds during the mornings.
Many yachts going north have heeded the traditional advice to head out into the Atlantic to search for better winds. Many of these yachts have limped into Northern Portuguese ports to recuperate after meeting adverse weather and swell.
The northerly wind causes down drafts behind the capes. The wind also increases at river mouths as the wind is sucked up the valley as the sea breeze. Be prepared for this wind to increase considerably in strength when nearing a port.
Sources of weather forecasting info:
- Portugal's Met Office
- UK Met Shipping Forecast The new Area of Fitzroy (named after the founder of the Met Office) covers the north of the area down to Porto (Oporto). The area Trafalgar (which does not seem to cover Trafalgar itself!) covers the southern area
Charts
The pilot books give the pilotage information necessary for small craft within harbour and river entrances. The yachtsman will also need passage charts for navigation between the harbours. Since most harbours shelter on the south side of a headland the charts carried should be of a large enough scale in order to be able to identify headlands and any off-lying dangers. Admiralty charts are based on the Portuguese charts and there is a delay in updated information being published.
The Atlantic Coasts of Spain and Portugal published by the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation provides detailed information on all the harbours of the coast and is strongly recommended. It may be obtained from Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson or, most nautical booksellers.
The annual publication The Reeds Nautical Almanac which is published annually has updated information of the main ports and marinas and also information on Navigational aids.
The North West point of Galicia causes the gulf stream to split giving a 1/2 knot southerly drift along the Portuguese coast.
The surface of the sea is blown by the prevailing winds and this surface drift is often more noticeable than the current.
Tidal streams, except where influenced by a river valley or bay, are very weak, setting north on the flood and south on the ebb.
In summer, on the west coast, when the Portuguese trade winds (Nortada) are blowing, expect a southerly current of up to one knot. In winter, when the wind is often from the south, expect a northerly flow.
Off the Algarve coast expect a weak easterly current except after a period of wind from a particular direction.
The tidal stream is important in certain of the river entrances, where there is a bar, and if there is a swell. In these conditions it is best to enter shortly before high water to avoid conflict of the tidal stream with wind and swell. Approach these harbours with caution in these conditions which usually occur in the winter months. On this coast it is important to remember "If in doubt, stay out".
Swell:
Sensible seamanship is required because it is an exposed coast and considerable swell can arise from storms far out into the Atlantic.
In summer the coast is affected by heavy swell for about 10% of the time which increases to 30% in winter. The swell normally cannot be avoided by going offshore since its extends out to about 20ºW.
In summer the swell does not normally present a problem to coastal traffic provided, that the swell forecasts issued with the weather forecasts, are noted and heeded. Navtex is very useful to obtain forecasts in English.
In heavy swell, all the smaller anchorages are dangerous both on the west coast and the south coast. In addition, the smaller ports such as the River Douro, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz and Olhao are quickly closed.
There are now many all weather harbours with marinas to enable a short handed boat to 'day sail' down the coast in safety assuming proper precautions are taken.
Remember that a 1 metre swell at sea can easily become a 4 metre breaking wave at the shore or, on a shallow bar.
If the ports are closed signals are displayed. A list to the Day and Night Port Signals is on the Associacao Nacional de Cruzeiros web site.
Fog:
July, August and September are the months with the greatest risk of fog on the western Portuguese coast and it has been recorded as about 4% of observations.
During periods of rain, the hills are often covered by low cloud which obscures the cliff top lighthouses.
In addition, to sea fog, there is often fog forming in river valleys in the morning which affects many of the ports.
The southern coast is less liable to fog than the western coast but can have extensive banks when the Levante blowing through the Straits of Gibraltar is blocked by Atlantic weather.
Local Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Submit any details about advance notification of arrival, etc.
Immigration & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Immigration
Details?
Customs
Details?
Visas
Submit information about what visitor's visas are available and where they are obtained.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Ports & Popular Stops
- Albufeira
- Cascais (Port of entry)
- Faro
- Figueira da Foz (Port of entry)
- Lagos (Port of entry)
- Leixoes (Oporto) (Port of entry)
- Lisbon (Port of entry)
- Nazare (Port of entry)
- Oeiras
- Peniche (Port of entry)
- Portimao (Port of entry)
- Povoa de Varzim
- Sesimbra (Port of entry)
- Sines (Port of entry)
- Tavira
- Viana do Castelo (Port of entry)
- Vila Real de Santo Antonio (Port of entry)
- Vilamoura (Port of entry)
Offshore Islands
Autonomous Islands
Other Islands
Coastal Cruising Routes
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
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
