Going from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic is less a delivery than an expedition to plan. The way to Gibraltar, down the Iberian coast and on to the Canaries asks for different criteria of season, preparation and paperwork than passages within the Mediterranean.
Route and season
- Western Mediterranean: towards Gibraltar winds tend to blow along the strait; the easterly Levante or westerly Poniente sets the timing of the passage.
- Strait of Gibraltar: tidal streams and heavy shipping; the transit is planned around current and wind.
- Iberian coast: in recent years orca interactions with boats, especially rudders, have been reported; current advisories and recommended routes are followed.
- Canaries and the ocean: a common departure point for Atlantic crossings, usually planned after the hurricane season ends.
Preparing the boat
- Survey. Structure, rudder, rig and seacocks reviewed for ocean conditions.
- Spares. Filters, impellers, belts, and critical parts for steering and autopilot.
- Safety. Liferaft, EPIRB, offshore lifejackets, emergency steering.
- Power and water. Able to stay independent of shore for long periods.
- Communications. Weather information and communication offshore.
Paperwork and insurance
- The policy's navigation limits must include the Atlantic; if not, extra cover.
- Crew visas and permitted stays; the boat's VAT status in EU countries.
- Exit formalities and ports of entry along the way.
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- Turkey to Italy: The first part of the westward route.
The Strait of Gibraltar
The key point on leaving the Mediterranean for the Atlantic is the Strait of Gibraltar. Currents are strong and change with the tide; the wind usually blows east or west, funnelled along the strait. Heading west, an easterly and a favourable tide are awaited; trying to pass in a strong westerly means a steep, short sea. Heavy shipping in the strait is part of the plan too.
Season
Leaving for the Atlantic is usually planned for late summer and autumn; boats crossing the ocean leave the Canaries after the hurricane season ends. That calendar sets the timing of the Mediterranean legs too: departure from Turkey is worked backwards from it.
Iberian coast
In recent years, interactions between orcas and boats' rudders have been reported off the Iberian peninsula. For boats passing through, current reports and recommended precautions are followed before departure.
Preparing the boat for the ocean
A boat heading into the Atlantic needs more thorough preparation than for Mediterranean sailing: detailed checks of rig and steering, emergency steering, a watermaker or enough water capacity, energy independence, satellite communication and a comprehensive spares list. A condition survey before departure is the basis of that preparation.
Papers and rules
The route crosses many countries' waters; each country's entry conditions and the boat's VAT status within the EU are assessed in advance. Crew visas and permitted stays are followed separately over a long voyage.
Legs
The route is split into several major legs from east to west of the Mediterranean; at the end of each, crew, boat and weather are reassessed.
Crew
Crew for ocean-bound legs are chosen for experience and endurance; changing crew at major ports is planned in advance.
Over such a long voyage, how the crew get on matters as much as their technical skill, so crew are chosen with both in mind.
A stop at or near Gibraltar is a natural point to check the boat one last time, complete provisioning and wait for the right window into the ocean.