Mediterranean Marinas - Part 1

Despite Brexit it is possible to keep your boat permanently in the southernmost part of Europe in the Mediterranean These are some of the nicest places...
I have published a book about Mediterranean Marinas and it is available to download at www.gentlesailing.com
My other books are also available to download from: www.gentlesailing.com

[@peterhebert7192]

Thank you for doing this, because this is what I am focused on. Hopefully one day we meet for coffee and conversation.

[@SailingGently]

You will enjoy having your boat in the Med Peter,I am sure and when you get bored with it you could head for the Caribbean. Delighted to have a coffee and shoot the breeze..

[@ljdasilva3139]

The perfect end to a perfect day - my offer on the Hans Christian 12m has been accepted, dinner with a lovely lady and now a single malt while watching Sailing Gently and listening to Michaels dulcet tones and astonishing wealth of knowledge ... it's a cruel world.

[@SailingGently]

LJ the Hans Christian sounds wonderful - dinner with a delightful lady is superb and whisky makes me feel you have a pretty good lifestyle - thank you for watching my video

[@malk6277]

Thank you again for all the information you share. If you ever come through the Madeira region, come have a cuppa with us!

[@SailingGently]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Cptnbond]

Hi, I always enjoy your episodes, and each time, time just flies. Thank you, Michael, for sharing. Cheers.

[@SailingGently]

I was not sure about this one - but I am so pleased to hear your reaction - thank you

[@johanmarais9950]

Thanks Michael - looking forward to the rest of the series

[@SailingGently]

Johan thank you.... Will start on the next episode shortly

[@sailingtoatlantisandliveab2455]

Yes, Great, that was wonderful, Greetings from frozen in Barcelona!

[@SailingGently]

Thank you for watching - from warm Marbella but wearing a jacket except at noon!

[@RudiRednoseChannel]

Thanks Michael for your information on the med harbours: great! Cheers, Rudi

[@SailingGently]

Rudi I am so pleased it was helpful

[@andreasmith2007]

We love your videos! thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom!

[@SailingGently]

Andrea thank you so much. I am really pleased you enjoy them

[@simonblackwell4273]

thank you for your wisdom

[@SailingGently]

Thank you for watching Simon, Glad it was userful

[@lanwan]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your rundown of Croatia marinas

[@SailingGently]

Ian hi, Glad you liked the video - thank you for watching...

[@steglobal869]

Great to see to back in the playlist Michael !

[@SailingGently]

More to come now I am back in the sun - thank you for watching

[@BrotherHoodofTheDogxix]

I never thought of Morocco as a possible destination. But know I do. Thanks.

[@SailingGently]

I really enjoyed many years of visiting the country in various boats Billy... You will love it I think

[@Stuwy2]

Brilliant as usual. Thank you.

[@SailingGently]

Thanks again Stuwy

[@keytools197]

My house goes on the market in spring to fund a boat purchase. And my Mrs says its your fault Michael ha ha. Love your videos great content.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you like them... Hope your lady likes sailing!

[@ozprimo]

Fuelling my dreams of a Mediterranean escape. Thank you Michael for your excellent content as always!

[@SailingGently]

My pleasure! I hope your dreams become a reality - but I too enjoy dreaming of ...

[@samsungview2618]

How interesting! I can imagine staying at these marinas ... meeting other captains, bars, music, palm trees and sunshine

[@SailingGently]

Well it really is fun and a lovely lifestyle - The Med is full of interesting places

[@rickiglander3183]

Thank you so much Michael, it's always an interesting and informative viewing platform here with you. Keep up the good work.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Ricki. I am really pleased you find them useful

[@steveclancy6474]

hear hear!

[@SailingGently]

@@steveclancy6474 Thank you Steve

[@sergiomitrotti]

1

[@kevgermany]

Thanks Michael. Excellent information.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you liked it Kev - thank you

[@mrstratau6513]

Interesting & entertaining, as always.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you think so Mr Stratau - thank you

[@PaleBlueDotCitizen]

Thank you for this incredibly informative video

[@SailingGently]

I am so pleased you found it helpful - thank you for watching

[@jcfgh]

Thank you Michael. We love your videos.

[@SailingGently]

James that is so kind - really pleased you like them

[@RichardLewissails]

I live these videos

[@SailingGently]

Tyhank you Richard. So pleased you like them

[@abdulkkhan5095]

This man is an great and incredibly informative sailor that is very helpful for sailing exploring.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Abdul, pleased you found the video useful

[@gordonbennet1094]

Fantastic. I was in Gib in 1967 in my Cross 42 ft Tri, moored in the Destroyer Pens near the end of the airport runway. Did u ever moor yr boat there ? Very cheap. The most fantastic sight was coming into Gib at night - the rock ablaze with myriad lights, and the oil refineries of Algeciras all ablaze.

[@SailingGently]

I was there in the 80s Gordon and it was much as you described and a great place. Today it's been 'modernised' and nothing of the old Gib is left. All glitzy bars restaurants and marina mainly taken over by this hotel cruise liner. Still a bit of smuggling but no offshore race boats... shame really

[@jancoetzee6691]

Thanks very insightful

[@SailingGently]

Glad you found it helpful Jan.

[@paulhearn2857]

Wonderful 👍🏻

[@SailingGently]

Many thanks Paul - glad it was useful

[@patrickhorgan8389]

Thank you Michael, Informative, educational and enjoyably entertaining. Complete with sunshine 🌞. Perfect.

[@SailingGently]

Yes it is nice sitting in the sun Patrick rather than having the CH blasting away! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@UUBrahman]

Well done.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you and thank you for watching

[@orlovsskibet]

I am so pleased to see you back, I always enjoy your videos

[@SailingGently]

Thank you so much! Glad you liked it

[@russab2001]

What a fantastic video. Thank you so much - Cant wait for Part 2. Please keep it up - much appreciated.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it Russ... Am indeed working on Part 2 and hopefully several after that

[@conyermud1]

Wonderful as ever. Thanks Michael.

[@SailingGently]

Many thanks for watching it - I'm glad you found it interesting

[@nobody46820]

Nicely done! More like this please.

[@SailingGently]

Thanks! Will do!

[@paulnorthmore8311]

Always very helpful content. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge

[@SailingGently]

Glad it was helpful Paul. Thank you for watching

[@nickolasmallcott4399]

Excellent video from a fellow world traveller!

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for visiting my site Nickolas and I'm glad it brings back memories of your own travels

[@factanonverba6169]

As always, good information, thank you.

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was interesting

[@Constablegrowler]

Thanks Michael. Great video and good advice.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you liked it Robert - thank you for watching

[@hughburgess4168]

A really nice listen and watch Michael. Loads of good information on a subject I am looking into. Thank you so much, Hugh

[@SailingGently]

Glad it was helpful Hugh... It is nice down here!

[@normanboyes4983]

Always such a pleasure to listen to you - no matter the subject matter.👍😀⛵️

[@SailingGently]

That is so kind - thank you Norman

[@richieroche6628]

Thank you a great informative video….we live in Spain….and the dream is to sail the med and e

[@SailingGently]

You can do it! Lovely waters to cruise in and play boats

[@marcbernard9500]

Yet another brilliant video Always very informative Thanks

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it Marc. Thank you for the feedback

[@holmesfamilyfuneraldirecto2572]

I'm glad you're back Michael, it's so cold here in the Solent, this informative video reminds us there's hope for sunnier days!

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it David. It was the cold of the channel that drove me down here... Will be back in March/April

[@rorywoodward-hay]

Fantastic video

[@SailingGently]

Glad you liked it Rory

[@magswilliams1216]

Lovely stuff, thanks a lot .

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Mags - glad you enjoyed it

[@ericbuckner8182]

Fantastic info . Well done sir. Keep them up . I just found you channel.

[@SailingGently]

Thanks and welcome to the channel... Really pleased you found the video useful.

[@peteroestroem9959]

Thanks for a great video. Again.

[@SailingGently]

My pleasure Peter. Glad you enjoyed it...

[@ffarag]

Many thanks SIR, Your vital experiences and views, are immense help to us all, grateful to you agin sir

[@SailingGently]

So nice of you... really pleased you find them interesting

[@philipfisher5168]

Winter of either '84 or '85....I believe it was '84. Antibes marina, south of France. Our boat, the whole marina, the surrounding palm trees, indeed the whole town, under at least twelve inches of snow. That was unexpected 😄

[@SailingGently]

Yes Phillip you are right! It can and every few years it does snow in the South of France... That coast is actually a long way north compared to the Costa del Sol or Gibraltar

[@anttilehtinen9460]

Thank you. An interesting video once again.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it Antti - thank you for watching

[@ChrisThorpe4508]

Absolutely fascinating - I was riveted by your every word. Post-Bexit this subject must surely interest many in the UK.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris. I think it's good post Brexit news in a way for sailing folks but maybe not liveaboards

[@jonnykjrland725]

Tusen takk , veldig bra informasjon🇳🇴🇳🇴

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Jonny - glad it was useful

[@peterrobinson5576]

Most informative, thanks.

[@SailingGently]

Glad it was helpful Peter

[@edwin3928ohd]

Awesome guide!

[@SailingGently]

Glad you think so David - I am glad it's useful

[@svcrucible8303]

thanks for the video, i appreciate your insights where to go and stay and why. also, sometimes more importantly, your take on where NOT to stay, and why.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you found it interesting - good luck with the refit - lovely boat and wonderful place to sail her in - thank you for watching

[@martinijthompson9601]

Hi Michael, thank you for a brilliant video and incredibly informative. It was really nice to get an update on the southern Spain marinas. We were last there 10 years ago in our Oceanis 423, and when we stayed in Smir it was deserted almost and very expensive. Really fancy a short stay in the Tangiers new marina, that was not a good option when we were there last. Overwintered one year in Duquesa with the boat and then Gruissan the following year. Agree with your comments but the staff were excellent and same group then as Estepona, but always a little more expensive. Looking forward to your next video, hoping to be back 2022

[@SailingGently]

Martinij thank you for the post - good to hear you don't think I have things too wrong... I adore Tangier and the marina is very new but not cheap of course but all the restaurants around are excellent and good value... Beneteaus are such good boats particularly for the Med... Bet yours is lovely and a pleasure to sail - if, if Martinique remains as iffy politically as it is at the moment I may well re-locate Golden Haze to the Med - or at least La Rochelle - So cold sailing in the English Channel...

[@karlmabe1649]

Thanks Michael excellent information as always

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for watching Karl. Pleased you found it useful

[@karlmabe1649]

@@SailingGently Thanks Michael we are a boating family with myself owning Moody 33s Father Seadog 30 motor sailor and brother a Norwegian Grimsby trawler

[@SailingGently]

@@karlmabe1649 That is wonderful - It was my mother who taught me to sail so I suspect love of boats is in the genes

[@GonzoJamie]

Solid information. Looking forward to your next video as you review the marinas further along.

[@SailingGently]

Jamie I am so glad you found it interesting - Yes I intend doing several more - ending in Turkey..

[@GonzoJamie]

@@SailingGently just perfect. I’m planning to buy a sail boat and berthing between cabopino and estepona on a permanent basis. I’m leaning more towards Estepona but I’ll hear your next video for wise advice 🙏

[@SailingGently]

Well I was working on Capo Pinto yesterday for the next video and really I would go for Estapona - it has good security and brilliant facilities and people to fix the things that get broken...

[@GonzoJamie]

@@SailingGently I'm open to some of the Marbella ports too - Marina Marbella, La Bajadilla etc. So - open minded to see your next video

[@hetty43]

Really interesting video. Very informative and helpful. I don’t have a boat but as I have said before I travelled a lot by road. I know most of these places you describe as a non professional sailor and from a land perspective. Your information and descriptions are spot on and really accurate. I liked what you said about Morocco. I have done numerous day trips over to Morocco from Spain and travelled between Tangier’s Tetouan and Ceuta. French is useful and a few Arab words. Goes a long way. Love your description of Gibraltar and the neighbouring marina in la Linea. You are spot on about everything. I love Gibraltar and that La Linea area. Always so much going on. Algeciras spot on too. A bit scary but fascinating city. Great market for fresh food. Regina Cristina hotel has a lot of history. I heard that Churchill stayed there too. I’ve only been there for tea to experience the charm of the place. Never stayed overnight but the one person I recommended it to said it was awful. You got it right about Sotogrande. Best left to the millionaires and polo players. Puerto Duquesa. ?? Interesting to hear your description. Within a walk of Duquesa is the beautiful unspoilt and unknown Spanish resort of Sabinillas. An area very close to my heart. Many happy stays there and well positioned to explore the area. Yes Estepona beautiful. I enjoy your explanations. Very enjoyable and interesting to listen to. You know your subject well and well researched. I enjoy your videos and looking forward to more. Looks like your tucked up in Spain. Fair play to you.

[@SailingGently]

Foster, you clearly know the area so well and in many ways much better than I do.. I didn't know about Sabinillas but will have a drive out there nor did I know that Churchill stayed at Regina Christina but I am delighted to hear that your friend found the present hotel awful.. I don't like bad mouthing places so it's good to get back up to relieve my conscience! Thank you for the post and I am delighted you enjoyed the video - yes southern Spain is a good place to spend winter

[@fairwind801]

I did indeed enjoy it :) Thank you :))

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it! So pleased - more to come

[@tonywatson8101]

Your comments re Duquesa made me LOL....so spot on!. I recently moved to the area and sometimes cycle through the port on my way to Sabinillas, Casares etc. So many Brits! (+1, culpa mía!). And yes, they do look rather bored sitting there in the bars and cafes. Enjoyed the video. Haven't explored Estepona yet but keener now to do so.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Tony - i was a bit loath to post that bit about the Brits most of whom seem to settle well in Spain - myself included... enjoy Estepona!

[@aqeelahmad8808]

Very impressive interesting video

[@SailingGently]

Glad you think so Aqeel... Thank you for watching

[@brennigjones]

Lovely to watch this. Looking forward to seeing if you go to any of the East Andalusia marinas, such as Roquetas

[@SailingGently]

Brennig hello, Yes I intend going as far a Denia I think. Thank you for watching

[@brennigjones]

@@SailingGently excellent, thank you so much for your videos! 👍

[@290Alenka]

Production might lack the glitz of some sailing channels but the information you impart is top notch. Your Description of Sote Grande and Duquesa was spot on. As indeed was that of Gib, albeit that you didn't mention the problem of low cloud that can hang over the rock in winter dropping the temp a good few degrees lower than that of surrounding Spain. We're looking for a new winter home for our yacht and look forward to your next instalment.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you so much for the kind words - we kept Paw Paw in Gib and loved the Rock... 2nd only to La Rochelle but a lot warmer and much more fun in winter!

[@darren5472]

Another informative video. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see a video which described your sailing career and experiences as a whole. One whistle stop tour if you like. Its amazing how much you have seen and done. Very envious (maybe not the pirate experience though!) Thanks again 😀

[@SailingGently]

Great suggestion Darren - I am a bit of a gypsy i suppose - and that has good sides and not so good sides....

[@darren5472]

@@SailingGently I have a yacht in Ocean Marina Southampton. If you are ever in the area it would be great to meet you. 😀

[@SailingGently]

@@darren5472 Thank you Darren. Next year if I manage to get Golden Haze onto a ship for the Caribbean then I plan to use Ocean as the jumping off point for loading

[@MK-gr9qz]

Thanks, 👌🏻

[@SailingGently]

Any time!

[@tomriley5790]

Lovely vidoe! Thanks!

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Tom

[@tomriley5790]

@@SailingGently one thing that occurred to me - I was lucky enough to live in Malaga for a period about 20 years ago. I believe they've since built a Marina there do you have any experience of it?

[@SailingGently]

@@tomriley5790 Tom hello, I plan to cover Malaga in a future video but although there is a small marina area in Malaga really it is not developed to any great extent and the port really is for big ships rather than small yachts

[@tomriley5790]

@@SailingGently Thanks!

[@SlowCarToChina]

Magic

[@SailingGently]

It is a beautiful cruising area

[@grahamsharp5130]

Good to see you in the sunshine Michael. Where were you?

[@SailingGently]

I'm in my apartment in Marbella Graham - The sun is shining and I can see the sea...

[@chrisgraythereal]

Good to see you again! I see you decided against shipping your boat across the Atlantic? Maybe you could talk us through that? Anyway, nice to see you're looking well even if the rest of us are enduring winter. Possibility of snow here in Ireland this week!

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Chris for watching - the Atlantic decision was made for me by both shipping companies cancelling their voyages picking up boats in Southampton - will try again end of next year unless I really enjoy channel sailing next summer! It is nice to be in the sun and the aches and pains have vanished since I got here - it's not so much the cold as the damp - good luck with the snow!

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Very interesting. I do like Moroccan food - a lot - and I like the idea of getting it delivered straight to the boat. Are you going to cover all of the Med?

[@SailingGently]

Paul hi, Yes Moroccan food is delicious - and service with a smile - will certainly do the Med areas habitable in a boat in the winter - and that I've been to.. Looking forward to your next video on your channel -kzbin.info/door/L6b0onHEONPTnUp1gBwBiQ a lot

[@davidclarke7728]

Those Marinas in Tangiers are almost as expensive as the Hamble , way overpriced, been to tangiers ,love it

[@SailingGently]

Yes David you are right but they have the advantage of not being in the EU and a lot further south than the Hamble but I take your point... Yes Tangier is a lovely town

[@francoismychannel9114]

Nice video regarding the Moroccan option Michael, Do you know if the boat insurance charges a premium to leave the boat there yearly? As you mentioned, the marinas seem safe, but being outside Europe, rules may be different? what about health insurance? Looking forward to the next vlog

[@SailingGently]

I don't think there would be extra insurance to berth in Morocco Francois although that could vary from company to company... Health insurance is an issue but presumably travel health insurance would cover the visits... Thank you for watching

[@tapan1937]

Interesting as always. I’ m in a sort of euro envy - cos when I was earning a lot of pennies in the mid seventies/eighties. spent most of my pennies on putting my two sons through a elevated education z

[@SailingGently]

Well done looking after your family first Trevor but now maybe you can sail more often

[@MegaStinkybear]

Do you think you will be around in 25 years or so when I am at retirement age and get to enjoy this life because I know that I sure could use all this great info then thanks for you vids

[@SailingGently]

Probably not, but the marinas and boats and sailors will be around for sure! thank you for watching

[@sellsidedream8766]

When is part 2 getting uploaded ?

[@SailingGently]

in a few days - still working on it!!

[@jasonbanks5522]

Please double check. I'm in Spain now and all Morroccan marinas have told me they are closed to foreign yachts, for political reasons which I don't understand.

[@SailingGently]

You are correct Jason. Two days ago Morocco also banned flights from the UK. It is all covid related and because I thought the world was coming out of this pandemic I included Morocco as it was pre covid. With the news from South Africa I may well have jumped the gun

[@lewisirvine8065]

Could Gibraltar be used to reset the 90day counter? Im wondering as a brit could i relocate to Gib and use it as my base for living and cruiseing the med full time?

[@SailingGently]

Lewis yes - that could work - You would need to get Gib residency and that means either renting or owning a property there I think - and of course you would still only be allowed 90 days in 180 sailing in Spanish and other EU waters

[@rafalszota1240]

Very nice Michael. Any comments about North Mediteranean Spanish Coast? Say Balearics to Costa Brava?

[@SailingGently]

Not yet Rafel but I do intend working my way along as far as Denia probably

[@rafalszota1240]

@@SailingGently If at some point, you happen to work on a sailing guide for North East Spanish Mediterranean coast say somewhere between 42°20'N, 3°20'E and 40°10'N, 0°20'E and you need any inputs, advice, second opinion or whatever don't hesitate dropping me a line. I'll be willing to help.

[@SailingGently]

@@rafalszota1240 Rafal thank you - I must admit my knowledge heading north after Denia is pretty sketchy until you get to the French Frontier then I'm good as far a Marseille!

[@MrMediterrano]

Are there any free and fully wind-protected anchorages in Southern France, Liguria or Balearic where one could leave the boat unattended during the winter?

[@SailingGently]

These 3 are some of the most expensive and heavily boat populated areas in the Med. Big gales in winter... A marina which has cheap winter rates nearby is Almirimar - Spain

[@Fig330]

Schengen area allows short-term visitors to stay 90 days in 180. If you stay for 3 months in the Summer, you will NOT be permitted to return after 1 month. You will need to wait 3 months before returning. Is the Mediterranean still a "good place to keep your boat", after BREXIT?

[@SailingGently]

You are right of course - I have corrected it in Ep 2 and am grateful to you for pointing out my error!!

[@patricktremblay1090]

Amarrer dans les Marina en europe

[@SailingGently]

Bonjour Patrick, Oui c'est correct. Je ferais bien une version française mais mes compétences linguistiques ne sont pas à la hauteur !

[@JaywalkingTheWorld]

Brexit is horrible to us boaters. I live on my boat. I don't have a nice home back in the UK. What am I supposed to do? Just kep sailing between the UK and The Med. #brexitsucks Informative video.

[@SailingGently]

Get to love Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco more when your EU days run out.. You can keep the boat in the EU for 18 month sessions

[@mickeybuck4385]

14:55 🤣

[@SailingGently]

Gla it was useful Micky