Atlantic weather, Biscay nerves, Gibraltar light, and the long Mediterranean descent
Brunsbüttel to Kuşadası — The Ocean Path
SECTION 5: THE ATLANTIC/MEDITERRANEAN SEA ROUTE
The Ocean Path - Brunsbüttel to Kuşadası via the Atlantic
Distance: Approximately 6,400 nautical miles
Duration: 6-10 months (weather-dependent)
Season: Best May-October
Character: Open ocean, coastal sailing, Bay of Biscay, Gibraltar, classic Mediterranean cruising, Belgian mussels, Dutch naval glory, Spanish Armada ghosts
"To reach a port we must set sail—Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift."
— Franklin D. Roosevelt
"In June 1667, the Dutch sailed up the River Medway and stole the English flagship. Britain has never been more embarrassed."
— Naval historian
PRELUDE: THE SEA ROUTE
You've chosen the ocean path.
Instead of locking through German canals and sailing the Danube, you'll sail around Europe: North Sea → English Channel → Bay of Biscay → Atlantic Coast → Gibraltar → Mediterranean → Greece → Turkey.
More distance. More time at sea. More weather considerations. More marinas. More sailing.
This is the classic route.
The route Portuguese explorers took to Africa. The route Dutch merchant fleets mastered. The route where the Spanish Armada met its doom.
Keep your mast up. You'll need it.