Cruising Information; Pilotage Notes; Tuna Nets; A=
bit
about us.<=
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Cape St Vincent is well known to all crui=
sing
yachtsmen and it is, of course, the most southwesterly point of mainland
Europe. Some 20 miles to the east =
of the
headland, LAGOS is the first secure harbour after the Cape and it makes a
perfect stopover, either for a short-term visit or a winter lay-up. It is a popular point of arrival and
departure for transatlantic yachtsmen and for anyone visiting the Mediterra=
nean
or Atlantic Islands.
=
Lagos i=
s truly
at “The Cruising Crossroads of the North Atlantic”!
Lagos is one of the most historic towns in
Portugal, having been a base for Henry the Navigator and the Portuguese
“Discoverers” of the 15th Century. The
original walls and forts still encircle the old town, which with its narrow
streets – now mainly pedestrianised – is well worth exploring. There is a lively social scene, caterin=
g for
all tastes and ages. A great joy i=
s that
it is still a very safe town. While
there is still some pick-pocketing - and drugs are to be found – it feels m=
uch
safer here than in the U.K. It is =
common
to see 3 or even 4 generations of locals - all out together and enjoying
themselves as a family. In additi=
on,
there are miles of clean sandy beaches, safe swimming and adventure sports =
for
the young at heart.
Marina de Lagos offers secure berthing on
modern finger pontoons, with water, electricity and Wi-Fi included in the
price. As well as 24/7 security patrols, all the normal marina facilities a=
re
available
The entrance is about 100 mtrs wide, dred=
ged
to 3 mtrs LAT. It is protected by =
two
moles, marked with red and green pillars and lights, Gr. Fl. (2) 6secs. The marina itself is very well protecte=
d, but
entry is not advised in strong southeasterly winds, as a heavy swell builds=
up
at the river mouth.
Apart from the easily spotted rocks and
cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, there is only one minor hazard on the
approach. A small sand bank, about=
300
mtrs south of the west mole, has a charted depth of 1.6 mtrs. Local testing proves that the bank is
building slowly, but the above transit keeps you clear of any danger.
Entry to the marina berths is by passing
through a lifting pedestrian bridge which connects the town with the railway
station. This is opened for yachts=
on
demand, except for eight, 10-minute periods per day, when pedestrians have
right-of-way, just prior to train departures.
Tuna Net=
s
A major off-shore hazard along the Algarve
coast-line is the existence of two sets of Tuna Nets. These are charted - east of Sagres and =
east
of Faro/Olhão - and additional guidance is given in our separate paper on o=
ur
web site www.lagosnavigators.net=
We also keep an eye on Portuguese Notices=
to
Mariners and use the web site to publicise any Safety & Navigation info=
rmation
relevant to the Algarve.
Our FAQs, Information Papers, Maps and Contacts
Based on the questions we have answered o=
ver
the past 6 years, the FAQs on the web site have been collated into 10 major
papers with over 80 specific subjects. Click FAQ and Information Index to see the contents. Many of our FAQs gi=
ve
directions from the major roundabouts and supermarkets, etc., so there is a
link to a simplified Sketch Map of
Locations . There=
is
also a summary list of all those “come-in-handy” =
Contacts and Phone Numbers .
Lagos Navigators - A bit about us
Origins =
Set up by a group of yachtsmen in 2004/=
05, our
aim is to enable local and visiting yachtsmen to meet socially in a convivi=
al
environment and to share views, experiences and information. We want to help visitors to make the mo=
st of
their time in Lagos – whatever their interests.
Activities Over
each 9-month winter season, we try to provide a monthly talk, visit or
discussion. We have Quiz Nights, a Craft Group, Country Walks, Navigators’
Suppers, and a Book Swap. We organise Fun Sailing Events, too,
throughout the winter.
Our Web Site www.lago=
snavigators.net With a lot of hard work and continuing c=
ommitment,
one member has made this into a very professional presence. Please have a look - and see what we =
get up
to!
VHF Net With permission of =
the
Marina management, “The Navigators’ Net” uses VHF Ch. 09, at 0930, on Monda=
ys and
Fridays. It features weather forec=
asts,
social information and items of interest to keep members in the picture.
Fund Rai=
sing We also use our activities to raise fu=
nds
for the Children’s Home in Lagos - the “CASLAS Lar de Jovens; LDJ”. We are delighted that we raised a record
amount in 2010/11 – over €2,500.
Marina de Lagos Support =
=
We’re especially pleased that the Marina de Lagos management team continues to sup=
port
our efforts. They also arrange a series of “NINE EVENTS FOR NINE MONTHS” ov=
er
the winter season – truly a one-off, in our experience.
Independ=
ence
and Responsibility Please note that the autho=
rs are
private individuals and are NOT employees of any of the companies
mentioned. We are solely responsib=
le for
the content and accuracy of the booklet - please tell us of any errors or
omissions.
If you are in the area, call in and say “Hello!” and we’ll do =
our
best to make you welcome.
Barbara & Terry O’Brien.
Yacht “Selene”; Berth G03; Marina de Lagos.
www.lagosnavigato=
rs.net E-mail tmob@sapo.pt Mobile
(00 351) 964 872 962 or 961 270 249