A Costa da Morte - The Coast of Death

Looking for adventure? Bit of a weekend warrior? Why not hook up with us and crew an ocean going yacht around one of the worlds great seascapes - the infamous Cape Finisterre on A Costa da Morte (The Coast of Death) in Northern Spain.
 

• The Boat is a 6 month old Hanse 411. Built in Germany the Hanse 411 is a solid craft that combines stability and reliability with speed - she is also a bit of a looker with her clean and elegant lines. She comes with 9 berths, a bathroom with shower, an open plan lounge/galley and, most important of all, a world renowned reputation for seaworthiness.

• Los Capitanes - your skipper will be either Esteban or Ana. Between them they have 35 years experience of cruising this wild Atlantic coastline. In Spain if you want to go to sea in your own boat you must have a "driving licence" - without one you are likely to find yourself with a hefty fine from La Guardia Civil. Both Captains are authorised by the Spanish government to teach and examine students in qualifications from "Patron de Navegacion Basica" up to "Capitan de Yate". Apart from their government accreditation it is reassuring to know, when caught in bad weather, that both Captains have been here many times before - you may experience the ride of your life but you will do so under the guiding hands of expert sailors.

• Sailing in Galicia, North-Western Spain (click for map) - the story goes that when the Creator made the Earth he rested a hand on Galicia leaving an imprint in the coastline of several major Rias (fjord-like inlets) and a 1000 minor tributaries. As a result Galicia offers an endless range of opportunities for messing about in boats - if you get tired of cruising the beautiful Rias and their tiny fishing ports and long for a piece of adventure there is always the open sea calling to you at the mouth of the Ria. Change course and set sail for A Costa da Morte...

• A Costa da Morte - The Coast of Death is the rugged and spectacular coastline on the north-western tip of Spain. It earned its name the hard way through its relentless appetite for wrecking ships both large and small that dare to take its passage. Often covered in mist and nearly always accompanied by strong winds A Costa da Morte is a bit of a brute - a beautiful, wild and spirited brute but a brute all the same. On a fine summers day with no wind you may wonder what all the fuss is about. Find yourself in a force 9 gale off Cape Finisterre and you will quickly understand why Roman mariners named this place "The Ends of the Earth" after the mountainous seas they encountered. Our Captains know this coast like only the locals can - allow us to introduce you to one of the worlds great wild spaces and experience a maritime adventure you will never forget.
   
• For a 360º view from Cabo Vilan on a fine summers day click here - remember to put your cursor in the picture and it will swing round for a complete panoramic view.

• Prices start from 450 euros per day (315 UK pounds) for the hire of the yacht and skipper. The yacht will sleep 9 though we suggest that you will be more comfortable with no more than 6 persons - hire our yacht for 6 people and the cost works out at 75 euros per day per person, a small price to pay for a grand adventure. If A Costa da Morte sounds a little intimidating we can also organise less demanding trips around some of the most beautiful rias (fjord-like inlets) in Spain - contact us with your requirements and let us organise something appropriate for your group. If you want to traverse the Cape of Finisterre we can do it, if you prefer a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Ria de Arousa with lunch in a fishing port and a bottle of the local Albariño wine we can do that too. Hire of the yacht and skipper is either by the day or by arrangement for longer periods.

• How to get here - cheap flights are available to Santiago de Compostela from the UK via www.ryanair.com or via www.iberia.es

• One day cruise in the Ria of Betanzos

• 2 day cruise Ria de Betanzos -  A Costa da Morte

• 2 day cruise Ria de Betanzos - Cabo Ortegal - click for details

• 3 day cruise Ria de Betanzos - A Costa da Morte, Cape Finisterre, Ria de Arousa

• 6 day cruise Ria de Betanzos,  A Costa da Morte, Cape Finisterre, Ria de Arousa, Baiona

• One day of specialised yacht surfing off of Cape Finisterre (only for the brave...)