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Sailing Across The Bay of Biscay From Spain To France: Part 4, We're Here! | DrakeParagon Sailing

August 24, 2025 · 28 min · 3K views · Bay of Biscay

What this video covers

A couple sailing the 40-ft cutter *Paragon* completes a passage across the Bay of Biscay from Spain to France, timing their arrival at the Gulf of Morbihan to coincide with sunrise.3:30 To avoid navigating the entrance in darkness, the crew slows the vessel to two knots using a reefed jib during the final 20 nautical miles.3:21 Upon reaching the Gulf, they encounter heavy boat traffic and strong tidal currents, requiring constant visual watch and radar monitoring to supplement AIS data.13:49 The crew navigates a congested channel marked by lateral buoys before anchoring off the island of Île Longue in 14 feet of water with a 4:1 scope.21:33 The transit concludes with the crew raising the French courtesy flag and securing the vessel after months of inactivity.26:09 The experience highlights the necessity of daylight for entering unfamiliar, high-traffic coastal waters and the utility of timing arrivals to match favorable tidal currents.

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Boats in this video

Westsail 42Their boat

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