Busiest Marinas In Europe?

[cyphecks]

Hello all. I'm hoping to find a crewing position on a boat headed to the eastern coast of the USA or the Caribbean. I can leave immediately, but I'm faced with one large problem: I don't know where exactly to go to find these boats. I'm hoping that the method of posting notes on bulletin boards and walking around and talking to people will get me a crew position. I tried this before in Phuket, Thailand when I was hoping to make it to Sri Lanka or India, but I found I had just missed the prime season, and all the boats heading that way were already gone. I'm hoping I don't miss my opportunity again...

Does anyone know of any busy marinas anywhere in western Europe that will have boats that are soon headed westward? I'd guess Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar, but I really don't know where to go. Cities or specific marina names would be great. This site ( http://www.harbourguides.com/ ) looks to have some good info, but doesn't seem comprehensive.

Maybe there are a few marinas somewhere that are common stops for boats doing this trip?

I'd appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who has done this before, or has made the westward crossing.

Thanks!

[Captain Ludd]

Gibraltar is obvious but you may find boats are already crewed by then.

Cannes & Antibes are probably your best bet.

[cyphecks]

A great tip, thanks kindly Captain Ludd. I'll make my way down there and loiter about the docks as soon as I can.

[Captain Ludd]

Check out the crew finder agencies that are there as well.

[SAILORENA]

Originally Posted by cyphecks

Hello all. I'm hoping to find a crewing position on a boat headed to the eastern coast of the USA or the Caribbean. I can leave immediately, but I'm faced with one large problem: I don't know where exactly to go to find these boats. I'm hoping that the method of posting notes on bulletin boards and walking around and talking to people will get me a crew position. I tried this before in Phuket, Thailand when I was hoping to make it to Sri Lanka or India, but I found I had just missed the prime season, and all the boats heading that way were already gone. I'm hoping I don't miss my opportunity again...

Does anyone know of any busy marinas anywhere in western Europe that will have boats that are soon headed westward? I'd guess Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar, but I really don't know where to go. Cities or specific marina names would be great. This site ( http://www.harbourguides.com/ ) looks to have some good info, but doesn't seem comprehensive.

Maybe there are a few marinas somewhere that are common stops for boats doing this trip?

I'd appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who has done this before, or has made the westward crossing.

Thanks!

Torrevieja, Cartagena, Aguadulce, Almeriamar and Gibraltar are the Marinas you find the most boats heading South.

Balearic also, but the living there is many €€€!

In the Autumn it is Canary, but also some ports in Maroko.

And BTW, I'm looking for some serious crew for the crossing too.

Best,

David

s/v LORENA

[cyphecks]

Thanks for the additional advice David. I'll keep those places in mind for the future, but on this trip, I gave up and booked a cruise back to America. Not exactly the sort of travel or experience I had in mind, but at least I can continue my overland/sea travels. Safe sailing!