Tidal Europe - Atlantic, North and Irish seas

The Atlantic cruising regions are demanding, and call for a wider combination of sailing skills than the Mediterranean and Baltic. Tidal range, tidal streams, the risk of severe weather throughout the year, occasional big swell, frequent poor visibility and areas of heavy commercial traffic create the Atlantic challenges. Rain dilutes the fun, too. Add to that the ever-sprouting obstacles of drilling rigs and wind farms (well lit), and you can understand why up to date charts are sensible.

However, there is enormous diversity. The dramatic scenery of Norway, West Scotland and NW Ireland provide a backdrop for remote, cheap and uncrowded sailing. South West Ireland probably has the most welcoming culture in Europe. For the visitor, the south coast of England (especially the Solent) is a crowded mix of sailing for sport, commercial traffic, expensive berthing, and superb yacht support. The south west corner of England is busy, but an attractive cruising ground of flooded river valleys. The Channel Islands and North Brittany coasts have strong tidal streams running through them, creating some of the most exciting pilotage challenges in the world. Worth it, because France has some delightful old half timbered towns hidden up the tidal estuaries. Once south of Ushant, weather improves. The civilised older towns of southern Europe with their attractive pavement cafes offer a new culture - and new menus - to enjoy.

These coasts (bar Norway) are described in the Cruising Association Almanac, which gives pilotage and tidal information to enable safe passages and good cruising throughout the region.   

The Cruising Regions

The regions below are presently described in Cruising Guide Booklets, which can be downloaded free of charge by members through the page links below. We have to warn you that mny of these booklets are well out of date. Replacement web pages are being developed.

Norway. From the Lofoten Islands to Nordkapp and, for the adventurous, beyond to the Russian border and the island of Spitsbergen to the north, this area of the Arctic Circle offers a variety of sailing amongst snow capped mountains and fjords. The west coast offers opportunities to visit the many fjords which penetrate this coast and protected passages inside the various archipelagos. The south coast to Oslo and the Swedish border provides mainly sheltered sailing inside the coastal island chains.

Netherlands. Sailors enjoy a unique advantage over other tourists in that many of the most interesting features of the country are best seen from the water, and the harbours are often in the picturesque centres of old towns. The flat countryside contributes to an almost ideal environment for sailing and, if you want to explore beyond the waterways, it's very good for cycling too apart from the sometimes strong winds. The large areas of sheltered and largely tideless water, and the comprehensive network of navigable rivers and canals, provide opportunities for undemanding and relaxing holidays. At the end of a day you can find yourself in an attractive and well-preserved town, or a quiet rural backwater, or meeting new friends at a barbecue on a small island. The choice of a variety of sheltered routes means that you are not too dependent on the weather once you have arrived, and safe family cruising can be enjoyed in all but the worst weather conditions. The hospitality and friendliness of the local people, particularly towards the British, are notable.

Ireland. Ireland is probably the easiest of all cruising grounds in NW Europe. The plentiful number of fine, natural harbours, generally easy tidal streams, freedom from language problems for English speakers, and the lack of crowding in anchorages or on passage all make for peaceful pleasant sailing without hassle. The few exceptions to this scene are spelt out in this Cruising Guide. Much of the Irish coastline is high, with dramatic scenery. This is particularly the case on the Southwest and West coasts which, in addition, have a lot of islands offshore, many of which provide beautiful anchorages. Of course, the west coast exposure to the Atlantic introduces a lot of rain, and sometimes big swell. To compensate, the Irish are some of the most sociable and welcoming people in Europe.

North Brittany and Channel Islands. CA does not yet publish details of this coast except in the Almanac, but a list of excellent links is available from http://www.digimap.gg/marinas 

Atlantic Iberia. Atlantic Iberia offers unspoilt cruising in a mild climate, damp in the north (but 5c warmer than UK) and hot in the south. It is best cruised anticlockwise with the prevailing winds and currents. There is one gem of a cruising area worth making a considerable effort to visit: the rías of Galicia. There are some wonderful sights to visit, some on the coast, and some inland but easily accessible. There are a variety of ports, marinas and anchorages. Generally you won’t see many yachts compared with Britain or France (excepting in busy South Portugal) but the rest is becoming increasingly popular. Smaller ports and marinas can become completely full during the summer holiday period.The Portuguese trades are northerly winds which predominate in summer, often becoming quite strong, making northerly passages hard work.