Covid-induced-uncertainty is clouding our clients winter cruising plans. So we are investigating quality options nearer to home.
Most years, the Canary islands are merely a stopover on the way to the Caribbean. I have personally visited Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Lanzarote. On each of my visits I have been surprised, intrigued, excited and curious to find out more about this large, and especially varied, archipelago.
To say that winters are mild here is an understatement. Apart from the odd cloudy January day, temperatures rarely drop below 16*C. Officially recorded highs are as warm as 23*C in November. Most importantly water temperatures don’t drop below 18*C!
The real draw of these Atlantic Islands in the winter are not just it’s diversity in vegetation and topography but it’s great sailing conditions. The North Easterly Tradewinds provide a consistent force 3 to 4 breeze. The areas where the wind funnels between the islands are referred to as acceleration zones. An increase of 10 to 15 knots makes for exhilarating Atlantic sailing. It makes the passages between the different destinations fast and interesting.
There are many quality marinas receiving blue water yachts all year round.
Santa Cruz Tenerife
Santa Cruz Tenerife is another large port in a big city with similar qualities to Las Palmas. If I would go again I would definitely go and climb the Teide. This volcano rises up to 3718m above sea level. Its surroundings are the Canary Island’s largest National Park.
Since I have been there they have build the spectacular looking auditorium near the port.
Mount Teide National Park
Lanzarote
Lanzarote offers a unique, barren volcanic landscape. In some places you feel like you are walking on the moon.
Lanzarote’s unique vinyards, collecting dew for the grapes and protecting them from the wind.
Five great Canarian anchorages
(source: Yachting Monthly)
Volcanic badlands and crystal clear anchorages at the spectacular Montana Amarilla on Graciosa, an islet just north of Lanzarote
Playas de Papagayo, Lanzarote
A series of perfect sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. Protected from the prevailing northeasterly winds. Around the point to the south, you find some of the Canaries’ famous black sand beaches, many small and uncrowded.
Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
Take your pick of a number of bays on this well-named coast, sheltered from the winds but open to an ocean swell at times.
Playa Francesca, Isla de la Graciosa
Crystal-clear waters and a sandy bottom, but it can get busy here in the summer. Graciosa, just north of Lanzarote, is a marine reserve and boasts some of the most unspoilt beaches in the Canaries. Exposure to the Trade Winds mean great sailing here, too.
Playa de Lobos, Isla de Lobos
The islet of Lobos is a mile north of Fuerteventura. The beach is a sandy expanse making a neat cove, well protected from the north and north-east but subject to local winds. Idyllic nonetheless. Lobos’s famous turquoise lagoons are a short walk away.
Bahia de Antequera, Tenerife
Sailing north from the capital, Santa Cruz, you’ll find high cliffs and a sheltered bay just south of the island’s north-east tip, part of a national park and protected from all but southerly winds.
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