Crossing the Bay of Biscay is one of the most talked-about passages in European waters. Known for its heavy swells, sudden ocean depressions, and unpredictable weather, it is a true rite of passage for cruisers heading south. For us, leaving Camaret-sur-Mer in Brittany and pointing our bow toward Gijón on the northern coast of Spain was the biggest milestone of our journey so far.
To make the ocean crossing smoother and safer, we had extra hands on deck: Erik’s parents flew down to France to join us as crew for the passage! Having four onboard made night watches and meal prep so much easier, giving everyone time to rest and enjoy the open water.
Smooth Sailing & A Gentle Biscay
If you ask ten sailors about Biscay, eight will tell you horror stories about massive waves and howling winds. We prepared for the worst, but Biscay showed us its gentlest face.
For the first 38 hours, we had exceptionally calm and peaceful weather. The boat glided smoothly over a long, gentle ocean swell, and we spent the days scanning the horizon for dolphins, sharing meals, and enjoying the rhythm of offshore life. It wasn't until the final 12 hours of the passage that the wind picked up and gave us a bit of proper ocean sailing into the Spanish coast.
All in all, the entire crossing took us exactly 50 hours. It was a smooth passage across one of the world's most notorious stretches of water.
Night Watch Tip for September Cruisers: If you are making this crossing in late September, be prepared for very cold nights out on the open sea! Even if daytime weather feels pleasant, night watches on the Atlantic quickly get freezing. Layering up with several layers, wool socks, and hot drinks in a thermos is an absolute necessity.
A Major Milestone for Nora!
Taking a dog on a multi-day ocean passage comes with one unique challenge: getting them to use the "deck toilet." Before this crossing, Nora had been very stubborn about waiting until we reached land.
Because we were out on open water for over two full days, she had no choice but to figure it out and she absolutely nailed it! During the crossing, Nora successfully did both number 1 and number 2 on deck.
Welcome to Spain! Arriving in Gijón October 1st
On October 1st 2025, after 50 hours at sea, the dramatic green mountains of Northern Spain (Costa Verde) appeared through the morning haze. Clearing the breakwater of Gijón and stepping onto Spanish soil felt big.
Leaving the colder, grey waters of Northern Europe behind and arriving in sunny Asturias was a dream come true. We celebrated our successful Biscay crossing with cold Spanish beers, tapas, and a well-deserved night of uninterrupted sleep.
🎥 Watch Our Biscay Crossing on YouTube!
Want to see how our 50-hour crossing from France to Spain went, how Erik's parents (Aka Bushpont) handled crew duty, and how Nora adapted to life on the open ocean?
Check out our YouTube video from the passage: Watch our Bay of Biscay Vlog on YouTube
Plan Your Route in Northern Europe!
Planning your own voyage south? Check out our North Sea and English Channel Sailing Guide for a practical companion packed with real-world harbour insights, marina tips, and personal notes to help you plan your stops all the way down to Camaret-sur-Mer!
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