Key takeaways
- ✓The usual routes are across the Bay (Brest/Ushant to A Coruña, roughly 350 nautical miles) or a longer direct run from the UK to Galicia (about 450 nm Falmouth–A Coruña).
- ✓An average crossing takes about three days for a cruising yacht; plan for a weather window that covers the whole passage plus a buffer.
- ✓May to August is the most settled period; autumn and winter crossings need much more waiting time.
- ✓Stay clear of the Ushant traffic separation scheme and the busy shipping lanes to Cape Finisterre.
- ✓For deliveries, agree in advance how weather days are paid — waiting for a window is part of the job.
Routes and distances
| Route | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brest / Camaret → A Coruña | ~350 nm | The shortest crossing; often 2.5–3 days |
| Falmouth → A Coruña | ~450 nm | Direct from the UK; passes west of Ushant |
| Falmouth → Bayona (Rías Baixas) | ~550 nm | Rounds Cape Finisterre; 4–5 days for many yachts |
| Coast-hopping along France and Spain | Longer, in stages | More harbours, more days, fewer long offshore legs |
When to cross
Most yachts cross between May and August, when the Atlantic depressions are weaker and the wind is more often from the north. In September the window narrows, and from October onwards crossings often mean waiting days or weeks for a safe forecast.
Deliveries heading south in autumn usually aim to be in Spain or Portugal by late September, then continue to Gibraltar, the Canaries or the Mediterranean.
Picking the weather window
- •Look for a forecast that covers the whole passage plus 1–2 days — a 5-day outlook for a 3-day crossing
- •Avoid strong south-westerlies and big Atlantic swell running into the shallower waters near the continental shelf
- •Northerly winds give a fast, comfortable run south; watch for acceleration around Cape Finisterre
- •Compare several models (e.g. GFS and ECMWF) and the official shipping forecasts before leaving
- •Have a plan B port on each side of the Bay (Brest, La Rochelle, Gijón, A Coruña)
Traffic and safety
- •Plan around the Ushant and Finisterre traffic separation schemes and cross shipping lanes at right angles
- •Keep a good watch at night — the lanes are busy with ships at 15–20 knots
- •Check jacklines, lifejackets, liferaft, EPIRB and storm sails before departure
- •Brief the crew on watch routines and seasickness — the first day is often the hardest
Owners: tell your insurer about the passage and dates. Some policies restrict Biscay crossings outside the summer months.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to cross the Bay of Biscay by yacht?+
About three days for a typical cruising yacht on the Brest–A Coruña route (around 350 nm). A direct run from the UK to Galicia often takes four to five days.
When is the best time to cross the Bay of Biscay?+
May to August is the most settled period. Autumn and winter crossings are possible but usually need longer waits for a safe weather window.
Why is the Bay of Biscay dangerous?+
Atlantic swell meets the shallower continental shelf, and strong south-westerly gales can build steep seas quickly. With a good forecast and the right window it is usually a straightforward passage.
Who pays for weather days on a delivery?+
It depends on the agreement. Many delivery skippers charge a day rate for waiting in port. Agree it in writing before the trip.
Sources
- Yachting World — Masterclass: crossing the Bay of Biscay
- Yachting World — Chris Tibbs: tips for planning a Biscay crossing
- Yachting Monthly — How to sail Biscay: 3 ways to tackle it
- Met Office — Shipping forecast
- Yacht delivery passage planning and weather (Maritime Delivery guide)
- How long does a yacht delivery take? (Maritime Delivery guide)
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