Navigational tools for Atlantic Spain and portugal
Since we began planning our long-distance sailing trip, we've heard stories about how dangerous and demanding it can be to sail along the Portuguese coastline. Looking back in time, before the availability of technological aids, this is a coastline that has claimed many lives—especially during the winter months when major storms rage across the Atlantic.
Even now, when we as sailors have access to all kinds of technological aids, the coastline still periodically claims its victims.
This is our first time sailing down the Portuguese coastline, and naturally, this brings about a series of thoughts on how we can plan our voyage in the safest way.
We’ve previously highlighted the tools we've used, but since then, we've learned a lot more and become familiar with a wide range of new tools that help us in our planning.
In the following, we’ve created an overview of the websites that have greatly helped us in our planning. These include information on waves, weather, and wind, as well as tides, harbor entrances, local warnings, and even the whole issue surrounding orcas.
When we read various forums, it's clear that many theories and speculations exist regarding the correct procedures. Here, it is our belief that when information is easily accessible, sailors can make the right decision for themselves, their vessel, and their crew.
For this reason, we've decided to go into a bit more detail about the tools we used when we sailed from Brest to Figueira da Foz (You can read more here about why we didn't continue).
The following is mainly intended as a reference guide for sailors who are interested in this stretch of coastline. We won’t get into procedures for interactions with orcas, but we’ll simply share the tools we used when sailing this route. This is particularly related to voyage planning.
Portugal
ANAVNET (Portugal)
Provides coastal warnings and other important navigational information for sailors along the Portuguese coastline.
Visit ANAVNET (Portugal)Buoy Network Portugal
View real-time updates on wave heights and offshore conditions along the Portuguese coast, crucial for navigation and safety.
Visit Buoy Network PortugalFollowme@sea
A tracking service for longer sea passages, allowing the Portuguese Maritime Rescue Center to follow your vessel's journey.
Visit Followme@seaMarinha
An overview of the different Portuguese ports where you can see if they are open for navigation.
Visit MarinhaHidrografico Portugal
Offers a comprehensive set of resources for sailors, including weather forecasts, tide maps, and detailed port information.
Visit Hidrografico PortugalSpain
ANAVNET (Spain)
Offers navigational warnings and updates for sailors along the Spanish coastline, including critical alerts for maritime activities.
Visit ANAVNET (Spain)Weather Forecast Spain
Provides detailed oceanographic forecasts including weather, waves, and tides for Spain, with real-time data on conditions.
Visit Weather Forecast SpainPort Authorities Spain
Gives information about Spanish ports, including contact information and operational status for maritime traffic.
Visit Port Authorities SpainOrcas.pt
Orcas.pt
One of the most valuable tools for sailing the Spanish and Portuguese Atlantic coastline is the Orcas.pt website and network. If you consider sailing these waters, do yourself the favor of signing up for their Telegram groups, study the website, and remember to support orcas.pt if you can. It's a voluntarily run website and network doing a lot for sailors in Orca territory.
Visit Orcas.ptOrca Iberica
Orca Iberica
Orca Iberica is dedicated to the study and protection of orcas in the Iberian Peninsula. This site provides valuable insights into orca behavior, sightings, and helps sailors navigate through orca-occupied waters.
Visit Orca IbericaGeneral Sailing Tools
Navionics
A digital charting tool offering precise routes, tidal information, and various other tools to plan your sailing journey.
Visit NavionicsWindy
A weather forecasting tool providing detailed wind, weather, and atmospheric conditions globally, essential for route planning.
Visit WindyReeds Nautical Almanac
Provides up-to-date information on tides, currents, port details, and navigational aids for safe sailing.
Visit Reeds Nautical AlmanacNavily
We use Navily on a daily basis to check anchorage, marinas, buoys, and such. You can also use the app called NoForeignLand. They provide a similar service.
Visit Navily | Visit NoForeignLandSavvy Navvy App
Savvy Navvy provides route planning, weather forecasts, tidal data, and integration with marinas. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to use, offering both online and offline navigation features.
Visit Savvy NavvyOpenCPN
OpenCPN is a highly customizable and open-source chart plotting app. It includes features like AIS integration, radar overlay, and plugins for weather routing and advanced route planning.
Visit OpenCPNAqua Map
Aqua Map specializes in coastal and inland chart navigation. It offers detailed maps, offline access, tidal data, and integrates with AIS for real-time tracking of nearby vessels.
Visit Aqua Map