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Seven varied and beautiful islands (plus a couple of
smaller ones), all ranged across the prevailing northerly trade winds. |
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Wind from the northerly quadrant almost all year.
Usually excellent visibility. |
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Day time air temperatures between 15 and 32 degrees C,
water temperatures around 20 degrees C all year. |
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Wind acceleration zones round some islands create
exhilarating conditions. |
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Maximum tidal range about 2.5m. Few tidal currents,
vague south setting current ranges between 0.5 and a maximum of 2 knots. |
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Less than a days sail between almost all neighbouring
islands, 26 Marinas and nearly 70 documented anchorages. Dramatic and
steeply shelving coastlines leave few off-lying dangers. |
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Relatively little shipping, un-crowded waters surround
all islands. No shipping lanes. |
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All yachts supplied with charts, pilots and guides
written in English, route planning assistance available too, if you want
it (its your holiday after all!). |
Overview
The Canary Islands have been a key destination for
Atlantic sailors since the beginnings of recorded maritime history. Sited
some 60 miles off the coast of Morocco the islands have a warm and congenial
climate all year round. Temperatures are remarkably constant, ranging from
about 12 - 14 degrees Celsius at night in winter time, to 26-32 degrees
daytime during the summer.
Weather-wise all the islands are under the
influence of the Azores high which produces the trade winds used to cross
the Atlantic today as well as in the days of Columbus. In the Canaries these
winds are typically from the Northerly quadrant and are more or less
constant all year round. Their speed varies but is generally about Force 3
to 5. Where the wind gets funnelled between (and over) the islands however,
this wind can be accelerated quite sharply. This acceleration is easily
visible on the sea surface, and as it is a local wind it makes relatively
little difference to the sea conditions. Acceleration zones are normally
exhilarating places to sail, provided sail is adjusted appropriately prior
to entering the zones. All the almanacs and guides show the zones clearly.
Tidal range is rarely a problem, at springs it may
reach 3m but with no rivers the tidal flow is not problematic. There is a
Canaries current created by the steady winds from the north, this current is
rarely noticeable but is rumoured to gallop up to two knots in some
particular places, at some times.
Generally in comparison to British waters you will
find forgiving conditions, little maritime traffic, no tidal races, swell
rather than waves, if the weather does shift the changes occur gradually
over days not hours, and of course the temperature of both the sea and the
air is a lot warmer!
Suggested Itineraries
I could go on for ever but...
One week.
Santa Cruz (Tenerife), to San Sebastian La Gomera, to Los Gigantes
(Tenerife), to Antequera (Tenerife) to Santa Cruz (Tenerife).
One week, or a leisurely two weeks.
Santa Cruz (Tenerife) to Puerto Mogan (Gran Canaria), to San Sebastian La
Gomera, to Los Gigantes (Tenerife), to Santa Cruz (Tenerife).
Or...
Santa Cruz (Tenerife) to Santa Cruz de La Palma (La Palma), Puerto de la
Estaca (El Hierro), to Playa Santiago (La Gomera) to San Sebastian La
Gomera, to Los Gigantes (Tenerife), to Santa Cruz (Tenerife).
Two weeks or a leisurely three months!
Santa Cruz (Tenerife) to Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
to Puerto Calero (Lanzarote), to Papagayo (Lanzarote), to Corralejo
(Fuerteventura), to Jandia (Fuerteventura), to Puerto Mogan (Gran Canaria),
to San Cristobal (La Gomera) to Los Gigantes (Tenerife), to Santa
Cruz (Tenerife).
We can help with the planning of any passages or holidays, taking into
account, crew, experience, sailing ambitions, hobbies, holiday aspirations
or simply beer and entertainment preferences.
