Sailing from Gibraltar to Northern Scotland is over 1300 nautical miles. It passes through the waters of Spain, Portugal, France, Cornwall, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
This is one of the most scenic sailing grounds in the world with a multitude of islands lochs and ports. great for wildlfie spotting from Sea Eagles to Otters and Minke Whales.
Bounded by four nations these seas are criss-crossed by vessels. The weather will decide your route through these waters.
In the far south west of England you will find brilliant sailing and adventure in the waters of Cornwall and the idyllic Isles of Scilly’
western Europe
Crossing the Bay of Biscay is always an achievement, it can be calm but it also has a reputation for rough seas and huge long swells.
Stretching down the Ria coast of North West Spain into Portugal and its famous maritime harbours, back into Spain and at last to Gibraltar.
Is sailing experience necessary for Western Europe voyages? No prior sailing experience is needed. Western Europe voyages range from coastal exploration to challenging offshore passages, welcoming both beginners and experienced sailors. Professional crews teach navigation, sail handling, and seamanship appropriate to each voyage. Whether island hopping in the Hebrides or crossing the Bay of Biscay, you’ll receive hands-on instruction suited to your experience level.
What makes the Bay of Biscay challenging? The Bay of Biscay has a reputation for rough seas and huge long swells, making crossing it a genuine sailing achievement. While it can be calm, Atlantic weather systems often create challenging conditions. However, experienced skippers know the best crossing windows and will teach you proper offshore sailing techniques. Successfully crossing the Bay of Biscay is a milestone many sailors remember proudly.
Which areas does Western Europe sailing cover? Western Europe sailing spans over 1,300 nautical miles from Gibraltar to Northern Scotland, passing through Spanish, Portuguese, French, Cornish, Welsh, Irish, and Scottish waters. This includes the dramatic Iberian coast, the Bay of Biscay, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the Irish and Celtic Seas, and the spectacular Hebridean islands. Each region offers unique sailing conditions, history, and landscapes.
What’s special about the different regions? The Hebridean islands offer stunning scenery with wildlife from sea eagles to minke whales. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly provide brilliant sailing with perfect anchorages. The Irish and Celtic Seas are bounded by four nations with routes determined by weather. The Bay of Biscay tests your offshore skills. The Iberian Peninsula stretches from the Ria coast of northwest Spain through Portugal’s maritime harbours to Gibraltar, each port rich with history.How long are Western Europe voyages? Western Europe voyages vary greatly depending on the route. Short 3-5 day coastal passages explore local areas like Cornwall or the Hebrides. Week-long voyages might cross the Bay of Biscay or sail along the French or Spanish coast. Longer expeditions of 10-14 days can cover significant distances, perhaps from Scotland to France or Spain to England, experiencing multiple sailing grounds in one adventure.
Tall Ship Sailing from La Rochelle to Bordeaux OS050926
Embark
Sat 05-09-2026
La Rochelle, France
Disembark
Thu 10-09-2026
Bordeaux, France
From
€950
Summer Sailing: A Coruña – La Rochelle OS260826
Embark
Wed 26-08-2026
A Coruña, Spain
Disembark
Sat 05-09-2026
La Rochelle, France
From
€1900
Sail from Spain to Shoreham by the Sea
Embark
Sun 17-05-2026
Pasaia, Northern Spain
Disembark
Fri 22-05-2026
Shoreham, West Sussex
From
€900