Vigo

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Revision as of 18:39, 6 February 2014

Vigo, Spain

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	42°14.4′N, 08°43.74′W
	Photo gallery
	[ Local chartlet]

Ria de Vigo looking W
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The commercial port of Vigo
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The large commercial port of Vigo lies on the S shore of the Ria de Vigo on the coast of NW Spain, around six miles from the entrance to the Ria. Together with its suburb of Bouzos, it is the largest city in Galicia, with a population of just under 300,000. In addition to being a major fishing and shipbuilding and repair centre, the city also hosts a major Peugeot Citroen car manufacturing plant. As well as offering all the facilities of a major city, Vigo boasts a total of four marinas and has a wide range of chandleries and marine support and repair services. It is in consequence a popular spot for yachts to refit or lay up for the winter. In 2005 leg one of the Volvo Ocean Race started from Vigo and ended in Cape Town.

Charts

Imray

C48 - A Coruna to Porto

British Admiralty

3633 - Islas Sisargas to Rio Mino

1730 – Ria de Vigo

1731 – Spain West Coast, Puerto de Vigo

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

The entrance to the Ria de Vigo is largely protected from N and W by the Illas Cies, which stretch N-S just under two miles off the entrance and keep out the worst of the Atlantic swell. Fog is an occasional problem.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

• See main page for Spain.

Approach and Navigation

There are a number of rocky islands and reefs in the approaches to the Rio de Vigo from both N and S, but all are well charted. If coming from Bayona, it is possible in settled weather to pass inside the Illas Estelas, a group of rocky islets on the N side of Bayona bay, but it is safer to pass outside in bad weather. On the N side of the entrance to the Ria is the archipelago of the Illas Cies with an isolated islet a mile S of the three main islands. Other than these, there are no hazards in the approach to Vigo as long as a yacht keeps half a mile offshore until reaching the commercial port.

Berthing options

Visiting yachts can usually find a berth at one of the four marinas in Vigo and its suburb of Bouzas. If they are all full there are further small marinas at the settlements of Cangas and Moana on the N shores of the ria and at San Adrian de Cobres under the road bridge in the tidal lagoon of Enseada de San Simon (see Wiki entry for Ria de Vigo for details.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

For details of the Vigo and Bouzas marinas, see the Vigo page.

Marinas

Real Club Nautico de Vigo 42°14.52′N, 08°43.38′W and 42°14.46′N, 08°43.56′W
has a total of 320 berths on finger pontoons in two separate basins in the heart of the city. The basins lie around 500 metres NE of the commercial harbour. Maximum length 22 metres. Maximum depth 8.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Small area of hard standing. Travel lift (25T). Fuel station. Security (24 hour). Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 104762. [Email]. [Website]

Marina Punta Lagoa 42°15′N, 08°42′W
has a total of 326 berths on finger pontoons. Maximum length 24 metres. Maximum depth 3.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Restaurant. Fuel station. Large area of hard standing. Travel lifts (110T and 50T). Fixed crane (5T). Security (24 hour). Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 374305. [Email]. [Website]

Liceo Maritimo, Bouzas 42°13.61′N, 08°45.11′W
has a total of 277 berths on finger pontoons. Maximum length 15 metres. Maximum depth 4.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Gym. Restaurant/clubhouse. Small area of hard standing. Slipway. Fixed crane (12.5T). Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 232442. [Email]. [Website]

Marina Davila Sport, Bouzas 42°13.9′N, 08°44.5′W
has a total of 180 berths on finger pontoons plus a superyacht berth. Maximum length 150 metres. Maximum depth 28.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Restaurant/clubhouse. Chandlery. Wifi. Separate boatyard with large area of hard standing. Travel lift (70T). Fuel station. Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 244612. [Email]. [Website]

Yacht clubs

• Real Club Nautico de Vigo (founded 1906) organizes every August one of the largest sailing races of the Iberian peninsula: the Regata Rias Baixas, which attracts up to 130 yachts of all nationalities. See Website for details.

• Liceo Marítimo de Bouzas yacht club (founded 1907) organizes two important regattas in the Galician sailing calendar: the Regata Vila de Bouzas and a Regata de Solitarios y a Dos. See Website for details.

Anchorages

There are no suitable anchorages close to Vigo. However, there are several sandy bays in the Ria de Vigo which offer good anchorage in settled weather, especially along the N coast from the entrance to the Ria and near the settlements of Cangas and Moana. With care and attention to the tides, it is possible to pass under the high road bridge at the E and of the Ria and into the Enseada de San Simon, where one can anchor near the settlement of San Adrian de Cobres in perfect shelter from all except E winds.

However, the most beautiful anchorages – arguably the best in whole of Galicia if not of Spain – are on the E side of the Illas Cies, where there are three coves on the north and middle islands, Illa de Monte Agudo and Illa del Faro, and another on Illa San Martino to the south. The Illas Cies are now designated a national park and permit is necessary to visit (see below for details).

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Good chandleries in Vigo.

Repairs/Yards

Good repair facilities at most of the Vigo marinas.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Water and electricity at al the marinas. Fuel in Vigo and Cangas.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Itinerant folk musicians on the streets of Vigo
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The beach on Isla del Faro, Illas Cies
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Street in the Casco Vello, Vigo
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The old centre of Vigo, the Casco Vello, is very enjoyable to explore, with its narrow streets and traditional craft shops exuding character. Vigo also boasts several good museums, including an important Museum of Contemporary Art and a Museum of the Sea. The 17th century Castro fortress 500 metres inland from the commercial harbour is worth a detour to explore its ramparts and peaceful gardens, especially towards sunset.

Most visiting yachts sooner or later make a beeline for the magical Islas Cies, where there are several idyllic anchorages on the two main islands of Illa de Monte Agudo and Illa del Faro. Both islands are also worth exploring on foot – especially Illa de Monte Agudo, where it is possible to climb to the top of the eponymous mountain where there are unusual eroded rock formations and magnificent views over the Ria de Vigo. Although tripper boat visitors are limited to 2,000 daily, the great majority stay on the beaches and you may well be alone up here even in high season.

A permit is necessary to visit and the application form can be downloaded via the national park webage at [1] or directly from [2]. Supporting documentation is required in the form of boat registration documents, certificate of competence and passport or ID card (it is a good idea to scan these in before you embark for the Rias as it is then possible to apply online).

Grocery & Supply Stores

Several supermarkets and provisions shops in the city.

Eateries

Numerous restaurants in the city and near the marinas.

Internet/WiFi

At most of the Vigo marinas.

Laundry

Several in the city (details from the marinas).

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Numerous rental outlets in the city.

Garbage Disposal

Bins at the marinas.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

• Local bus service to Bayona and Pontevedra.
• Train service to Santiago de Compostela
• Domestic airport at Vigo and international airport at Santiago de Compostela (65 kms)

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

• Cruiser Log moderator "NAUSIKAA" (Stephen) is currently living and working in Vigo. Visiting yachts are welcome to contact Stephen, using the messaging facility on the Cruiser Log site, who will be glad to offer any assistance he can.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

• National Park website
• Wikipedia
• Galicia tourism website
• Vigo on Wikipedia

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2000 -- Atheneoflymington

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