Sailing in Galicia. A destination on the rise.

In this article, we invite Ivan, a Sailwiz user since 2020, to describe the benefits, and also the drawbacks, of sailing in the Galician estuaries. A professional sailor and biologist, he knows the waters and estuaries well after years of dedicated recreational boating in Galicia.

Galicia has over 800 miles of coastline with archipelagos, estuaries, and natural inlets that create a nautical paradise for sailing. The Rías Baixas, in particular, offer unique conditions that we like to call "Easy Sailing," suitable for all levels and experience.

The advantages of sailing through the Rías Baixas

• Navigation in protected waters. The estuaries make Galicia a unique place for sailing because they help create a protected area for sailing year-round.
• Mild and moderate conditions. Contrary to the public image of Galicia, the Rías Baixas do not experience harsh weather conditions. Winds typically do not exceed 15 knots. There are no waves within the estuaries, and the swell outside the estuaries has a very long period, generating gentle waves without breaking waves.
• Even when there are storms, within the estuaries we continue to navigate in protected waters without any problem beyond keeping warm.
• Reliable weather forecasts. In Galicia, we can plan our voyages accurately because weather reports are reliable up to 7 days in advance, unlike our beloved Mediterranean Sea, which can cause some serious scares.
• Plenty of ports and beaches with easy anchorages. In the Vigo Estuary alone, we have 16 marinas with wide walkways and all berths with docks and fingers. The vast majority of beaches are safe anchorages because they are fully protected from the wind and sea. So, the options for a peaceful night's sleep are numerous, varied, and affordable.
• Atlantic Islands National Park. One of the most highly rated national parks in all of Spain, it can only be explored by boat. It consists of four large archipelagos of inhabited and uninhabited islands, with dreamy beaches that are never crowded.

Characteristics of the Galician estuaries

Rias are natural formations with unique characteristics that make for an ideal sailing sport that Galicians themselves don't want to divulge, "lest it fill up"

The 5 Rías Baixas have common characteristics:

• More than 10 to 15 miles long and up to 8 miles wide
• Jumps between estuaries of less than 4 miles
• Average depth: 25 meters
• Flat sandy bottoms in the anchoring areas.

Local winds

• Terral and tack. Mornings and evenings. Between 6 and 12 knots. All year round.
• Northern wind. Afternoons, between 12 and 18 knots. Spring and summer.
• Calm. Midday and night. From spring to autumn.
• Surada. Storm, strong winds, and rain. Winter and, occasionally, spring.

Cetaceans

• Bottlenose dolphin: Within the estuaries there are resident pods, it is very easy to see them while sailing.
• Common dolphin: outside the estuaries they abound in herds that can be enormous in summer.

Cons, to keep in mind.

Not everything can be positive! On the negative side we have to mention that

• The sun is not guaranteed every day of the week in summer, although thanks to the microclimate of the Rías Baixas it is not far from it.
• The water temperature rarely exceeds 23o Celsius
• The ambient temperature ranges between 19 and 26o in summer
• Orcas: Sadly known for a few years now. They have a certain affinity for ship rudders. They have never attacked a ship in estuaries, nor have they ever attacked a charter boat.

Year-round boating season

• Winter: Variable conditions. Predominantly southerly wind. Temperatures between 10 and 15°C. Long waves between 2 and 3 meters. Ideal conditions for gradually improving your skills, playing with inshore and offshore sailing.
• Spring: The charter season begins, with national and many international sailors coming to take their first trips of the year, taking advantage of the good low season prices.
• Summer: Mild conditions and good weather, but never overcrowded. You won't see the image of the Balearic coves as if they were parking lots here.
• Autumn: Light wind, falling temperatures and fluorescence in the water (Ardora Sea) to enjoy magical nights.