Sailing to Gibraltar

Nothing symbolizes permanence like the “Rock” of Gibraltar; however the history of this tiny nation has been anything but stable. The Phoenicians visited in 950BC but didn’t stay and neither did Romans who were known to be in the area in 400AD. It wasn’t until the Arabs arrived in 711AD that any claim was made to the strategically important area dominating the intersection of two continents and the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Over the centuries ownership of this tiny country (measuring only six kilometers) passed from Moorish rule to Spanish domination and finally to the Crown of Great Britain which claimed it "forever." Today’s Gibraltar is a montage of Spanish and English culture with a unique “Spanglish” language and bilingual population.  

Diversions 

The “Rock” itself dominates every view and no visit to Gibraltar is complete without a cable car ride up its sheer limestone face. From the top you can see all the way to Africa on a clear day.  Mid-way up the Rock are the Upper Galleries, tunnels excavated in the 1780s to provide strategic defense. With stalactites and stalagmites of magnificent proportion, St. Michael’s Cave is a marvel of nature and has such wonderful acoustics that it is used for occasional concerts.  

The most famous residents of Gibraltar are the Rock apes. Not really apes at all, they are a species of tailless monkeys. Despite their playfulness and friendly appearance, they are wild animals and should be approached with caution. They are known to be fond of sunglasses and caps and many unsuspecting tourists have lost belongings to their thievery. By all means, photograph them but do not try to touch them—they will slap your hand or even bite it.  

Coming down the mountainside, the great square tower is all that remains of the Moorish Castle. The Arabs built the castle and city walls when they controlled Gibraltar, known then as the northern “Pillar of Hercules.”

Gibraltar’s history as a military fortress makes it different from other ports of call on the Costa del Sol. Evidence of batteries and fortifications and monuments to military heroes are everywhere to be seen. The most impressive is the Napier of Magdala Battery where a 100-ton gun can be viewed.

Ships tours include stops at major points of interest and drive by others.  Gibraltar’s roads are narrow and winding and renting a car is not advised.  Excursion tours are conducted on small van-like buses and just outside the cruise terminal there are taxis available to hire for tours. Tour information and walking tour maps are available from the Gibraltar Tourist Board at their booth in the cruise terminal. 

Shopping

The only completely duty-free port in Europe, shops along Gibraltar’s bustling Main Street offer bargains on a variety of quality goods. Jewelry, glassware, porcelain, pottery, leather items, perfume, cashmere, silk, wines, and spirits are all good buys.  Lladro figurines sell for half the United States price and 20% less than other parts of Europe. The official currency is the Gibraltar pound, but Spanish pesetas and American dollars are readily and cheerfully accepted. Inside the cruise terminal is an exhibition area where local artisans sell a variety of crafts and paintings. 

Beaches

Closest to the cruise ship terminal is Camp Bay. On the eastern side of the Rock are three beaches, Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, and Eastern Beach. The most popular is Sandy Bay.

Yachting

The Rock is a pivotal point for yachtsmen either arriving or departing from Europe, the Americas or Africa. It serves two seas, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and also the adjacent popular coastline of the Algarve and the Costa Del Sol.

 

Nautical Information Position   Lat 36°08'N, Long 05°21'W. Admiralty chart 1448. Europa Point (36°06.7'N, 05°20.6'W) Lighthouse - White round tower, Red band, height 49m, Range W21 M, R17 M, Iso W 10s, Oc R 10s, Vis 197°-042° (205°), 067°-125° (58°), 042°-067° (25°). Same structure heights 44m, Range 17M, FR vis 042°-067° (25°), Horn 20s. Light on radio masts 2.3M North, FR. Gibraltar Aero Lights (36°08.7'N, 05°20.5'W): Height 405m, Range 30M, MO(GB)R 10s (--·/-···). Port Captain, Port Office, North Mole - Tel: (+350) 77254 Port Operations Room and Enquiries - Tel: (+350) 78134/77004   Charts - Admiralty These are available from the Gibraltar Chart Agency Ltd, 4 Bayside Road, Tel & Fax: (+350) 76293. Open Mon to Fri 0900 - 1245 and 1400 to 1800 hours.   Tide Tables Gibraltar is a standard Port: tables are printed in 'Yacht Scene'. From 1977, 'Yacht Scene' will also contain the Lisbon Tide Tables.   Tide Atlas Gibraltar Strait flows are printed in 'Yacht Scene'.   Marinas There are on the western side of the Rock from North to South three, namely 'Marina Bay', 'Sheppards' and 'Queensway Quay'. Yachts are required to use one or other of the marinas and they are not generally allowed to berth in the Port or to anchor anywhere else except with permission of the Port Authority located in offices on the North Mole. Marina Bay VHF call on Channel 73. All facilities. Winter rates 1st Nov to 30th April. Stern to moorings against fixed pontoons. 209 berths. No yacht hoist or repairs. Sheppards All facilities. Winter and Summer rates are the same. Stern to mooring using own anchor. Some floating pontoons but mainly fixed quays. 120 berths. Yacht hoist to 40 tonnes. Extensive chandlery. Queensway Quay VHF call on Channel 73. All facilities. Winter and Summer rates vary. Stern to moorings on floating pontoons. 120 berths. No yacht hoist or repairs. Fuel diesel delivered to quayside. Fuel Diesel at a very competitive price is available from Shell and Mobil stations at Waterport Wharf.   Custom's Formalities Yachts berthing at Sheppards or Marina Bay must report to the Immigration Office and the Custom's Reception Berth next to the Shell refuelling station on the starboard side of the approach to the marinas; yachts berthing at Queensway Quay must report to Customs in the marina office. They are advised to declare all items they wish to bring in duty free. Failure to do so may be penalised.   Yacht Registration There is a good explanatory leaflet available, together with the standard scale of charges. If contemplating registering a boat, it is advisable to contact the very helpful officials at the Registry to check that the ships name is acceptable before proceeding too far with the other formalities. Surveys and issue of the appropriate tonnage certificate and carving note are easily arranged and for the individual in a hurry, the whole process may be completed within two or three days. Gibraltar registered boats fly the Red Ensign defaced and are issued with a 'Blue Book'. Gibraltar Ship & Yacht Registry 812 Europort, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 73343, Fax: (+350) 77044, E-Mail: shipreg@gibnet.gi   Spares and Goods Yachts in transit may purchase or import items duty free.