From CruisersWiki

Portugal Discussion Page

Suggest new content sections/headings, post questions, general suggestions, etc., below. Click on the "+" sign next to "Edit" (top of page tab) to open a new topic for discussion or "Edit" to add to or comment on existing topics on this page.

Port entry on the west coast of Portugal

Entering the ports on the west coast of Portugal can be dangerous at any time of year due to a number of factors. Please read below for more information.

The majority of ports on the Portuguese west-coast were built on rivers entering the sea. These rivers carry a lot of water and have strong currents and so tide timetables should always be referenced before entering a port. A rising tide can cause the water exiting the river to become pushed back, making the water flow even more powerful once the tide has turned and the water is released again. Extra caution should also be taken when there has been heavy rainfall in the area.

Predominant winds are the Portuguese north-winds and consequently all the ports are well sheltered from winds coming from the northern sector. Therefore extra diligence should be taking when a southerly is blowing (common during winter). The southerlies often bring rain with them, making ports very dangerous to enter or leave as the water from the river runs out in a south-westerly direction against the wind (often also having to pass a sandbank at the river-entrance).

As an exposed coastline a considerable swell is often experienced when sailing along the Portuguese coast. The swell seldom develops because of local conditions, typically it will come from a low-pressure system that has built up far out into the Atlantic. It is not uncommon to be sailing in a slight southerly breeze but with a 5m swell. It is important to remain aware of the impact the swell will have on your port entry. Once under way for a few hours the size of the swell can start to seem lesser to the crew however it may still be very dangerous to enter port. Nazare and Leixoes (Porto), are the only 2 harbours on this coast that can be entered in any condition. Always check a ports guidelines before entering. Figueira da Foz for example cannot be entered in more than a 2m swell and you should never enter here on the ebb.

What we recommend before departure:

- check the Portuguese website for harbour-closures: http://www.marinha.pt/pt-pt/servicos/informacao-maritima/Paginas/Estado-Barras.aspx (The site is in Portuguese only but can be translated. Due to there only being two ports safe enough to enter in all conditions on this coast, this should always be checked before departure).

- write down the times and heights for high and low water

- have a good look at the windguru stations along the coast in the direction you are heading (www.windguru.cz) and especially at the predicted wave-heights.

- if you can get Grib-files (for example ZyGrib or pocket grib) have a good look at them for an area that includes the north-atlantic. If no Grib-files, check www.passageweather.com.

What we recommend whilst under way:

- unless you are absolutely certain about the conditions for your entry call the port on VHF or with a mobile phone to ask about conditions. Following several bad accidents in 2013 the port authority are on watch 24/7 just to answer this kind of question.

- all the ports have day and night signals. ALWAYS check for these before entering.

- if in doubt, turn around and stay out at sea.

.

Headings

I have updated the Headings in this to conform with the latest Templates. --Istioploos 13:31, 21 March 2013 (GMT)