Bay of Biscay

[Keith and Jen]

We are planning to take the Bilbao/Santander ferry to Portsmouth in early November but are concerned about bad weather and a rough crossing.
Has anyone any experience of sailing at this time of year?

Keith

[John H]

Hi Keith, the first crossing we ever did was 10 years ago this November, it was like the proverbial mill pond.
I'd been unduly worried about the weather, on the second day it was shirtsleeves on deck, it was gorgeous
Our bad experiences have been in April and May

Regards all

John


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[Tony Gillam]

I think it is pot luck. We've done the bay in summer on a cruise ship and OH was ill. Did Bilbao to Portsmouth one February and OH was ill. A lot depends on your tolerance levels. It was rough when we were on the Queen Victoria but the February trip on the old P&O boat it was only about Force five although the restaurant only had me and about twenty other people at dinner, so perhaps it was a bit rough. Last time I crossed the bay it was a millpond.

[Blue and white stripes]

Crossed it 4 times and never had a problem. Perhaps I'm just lucky.

[DaveG]

We were due to sail that route in reverse in February this year but the sailing was cancelled due to storms forecast. To be fair to Brittany Ferries they gave us the choice of an alternative sailing or a refund. We took the money, that was very promptly refunded and drove over.
As already commented with the weather it's pot luck and your tolerance of rough seas. I was in the RN in my youth and had a couple of horrendous crossings Plymouth to Gib in the summer months and some really smooth Atlantic crossings in early spring.
Dave.

[Keith and Jen]

Thanks for the replies.  It looks like it's pot luck with the weather.
We just tried to book a sailing but all the cabin accommodation is sold out.  So we will drive through France to St. Malo instead.

Keith