Biscay
Welcome to the Biscay Section
The Biscay Section is a growing community of cruising sailors who sail or plan to sail in the area of Biscay. They help each other by exchanging information and sharing our experiences.
The Biscay Area
The Biscay section covers the waters from Ushant to Gibraltar; an area that includes some of the most stunning cruising grounds in Europe and is easily accessible to UK-based boat owners. The varied and splendid scenery of the Atlantic coasts of France, Spain and Portugal are a delight – there are rivers and islands to explore as well as the renowned Rias, and the opportunity to moor in the centre of historic cities. The cuisines of this area are among the best in Europe.
Where We Meet
Each year we host two seminars in the non-cruising season which are normally held at CA House, Limehouse, London, during which members can share their experiences; they are valuable sources of information for those who are preparing to cruise in our region. We may have to modify these arrangements to enable electronic attendance. In 2021, while it was not possible for members to cruise in Biscay Waters, we held a series of informal Zoom meetings where information was exchanged regarding restrictions in France and Iberia.
Being part of our Section
There are two Boat-Watch schemes linked to the Section both for ports on the River Vilaine. We also keep in touch during the sailing season using BiscayNet to share recent information, help each other in times of need, or to make social arrangements.
Members of the section receive e-newsletters and section pages on the members' website are updated when new information is added, or new cruising reports have been posted. We also provide background information to cruising in the area. While away cruising, many of the section's members use the BiscayNet forum to ask questions and exchange information. The experiences of Biscay Section members provide a wealth of information for the benefit of others.
Forthcoming Events
Beginning in Biscay
Date: 30/11/2024
The Biscay coast of France is an excellent cruising ground, with quiet anchorages to explore, lovely islands, beautiful beaches, and the opportunity to moor your boat close to the centre of historic...
Read moreInterested in Finding out More?
Please contact the Section Secretary at biscay@theca.org.uk or
CA staff at office@theca.org.uk or +44 (0) 207 537 2828.
Cruising Sections
Baltic
Covers the Baltic Sea, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Faroes. Holds a popular introductory seminar every spring.
Biscay
Covers Western France, Spain and Portugal as well as crossing Biscay. Holds a popular introductory seminar every spring.
Blue Water
For those sailing outside of European waters. Holds a popular Blue Water seminar in the summer.
Celtic
Covers waters from Land’s End to Cape Wrath. Meets at various west coast venues to share knowledge on all aspects of cruising the region.
Channel
For those cruising the south coast of the UK, Channel Islands, and France from the Belgian border to NW Brittany. Holds an annual seminar and summer rally/cruise-in-company.
European Inland Waterways
Covers over 30,000 km of navigable rivers and canals passing through over 20 countries. Annual seminar and lunch each autumn at CA House.
Mediterranean
Covers the Mediterranean from Spain and Morocco in the west to the Levant in the east, and includes the Black Sea. Meets at CA House in the winter, and afloat in the summer.
Motorboat
The Motorboat Section aims to bring together motorboaters where ever they are and whatever type of motorboating they enjoy.
North Sea
Covers the UK, Belgian and Dutch coasts. Meets at East Coast venues to share knowledge on all aspects of cruising the region.
Local / UK Sections
Antipodean
For members who live in Australia and New Zealand and who sail in the Northern Hemisphere.
CA London
CA London events are held at our Limehouse HQ.
Essex
Meetings held at Blackwater Sailing Club and mid-week lunches arranged.
Kent
Kent Section's 'Winter Warmers', talks by a variety of speakers, will be held via Zoom for the forseeable future.
Solent
Summer rallies with weekend meets. Winter talks with ‘club’ suppers usually at a Hamble yacht club or marina.
South West
For members living in or cruising the areas from Portland Bill to the Isles of Scilly and along the north coast of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to Bristol.
Suffolk
Joint meetings are arranged with the Royal Harwich Yacht Club at Woolverstone.
Thames Valley
Winter talks are held in partnership with the Gerrards Cross Sailing Association (GXSA) at Colston Hall at The Memorial Centre in Gerrards Cross.
Wessex
Talks are held at Lilliput Sailing Club, Poole.