RAN Sailingvideo

Sailing Across The Bay Of Biscay In The Worst Month Of The Year - Ep. 273 RAN Sailing

October 22, 2021 · 22 min · 127K views · Bay of Biscay

What this video covers

A crew prepares for a Bay of Biscay crossing from Camaret, France, to Galicia, Spain, in October, a month noted for unstable weather and potential orca interactions.1:02 To mitigate the risk of orca-related rudder damage, the crew reviews official recommendations: stop the boat, lower sails, deactivate electronics, and remain hands-off the steering wheel.2:33 They also consider using a submerged metal pipe to create deterrent noise.3:30 The passage requires timing the departure from Camaret to coincide with favorable tidal currents at the Pointe du Ras, where flows can reach 6 knots.11:13 The crew coordinates with a small fleet of four other Scandinavian and French vessels, maintaining contact via VHF radio.4:40 During the transit, the crew manages seasickness with Stugeron pills while navigating 17–20 knot winds and 15–30 degree heeling.19:54 The passage involves a mix of motoring and close-hauled sailing, with the crew monitoring their position relative to the rest of the fleet as they head toward Muros, Spain.17:03

Watch on YouTube

More from RAN Sailing

There's No Manual For This! Building Our Own 52ft Sailboat - Ep. 506 Ran SailingOct 2026Carbon Pillars & No Dorade Boxes! - Building Our 52ft Sailboat - Ep. 505 Ran SailingOct 2026Will the Sanding EVER End? Building Our Dreamboat - Ep. 503 Ran SailingSep 2026Something's Not Right Here! Building Our 52ft Sailboat - Ep. 502Sep 2026

From RAN Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue