Canarian Cruising.

capnsensible

capnsensible

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Along with myself, a couple of friends have on occasion, expressed an interest in a trip around the islands, stopping at each one. So this week we are heading off on a nicely fitted out Jenneau 35 with the aim of doing exactly that.

The owner of the boat arrived Monday night and we had a crew brief onboard this afternoon. This coincided nicely with the delivery of the victuals, straight to the boat! Luxury.

Next up, passage plan. We were going to leave tomorrow but the wind is still a bit brisk, so Thursday morning it is. We will tootle across the top of the islands finally rounding La Palma early hours Saturday morning, probably aiming for the west side Marina, Tazacorte. Not been there so looking forward to that one, only been to the capital on the other side.

Then subject to weather, slip Sunday for El Hierro, another first for me. Monday should see us back up in one of my faves, San Sebastián on Gomera. Snag there is its busy time so will ride that as it comes.

After that? Well, forecasting that far ahead? The trades do seem to be settling, so hopefully either Galetta or San Miguel on Tenerife. Puerto Rico on GC, Gran Tarajal on Fuertaventura then back to base.

Ambitious, yes, but hey, I'm not busy! Well not until the 27th, but that's another story.
 
Sounds fabulous - we are flying home from Lanzarote tomorrow after a planned 1 day maintenance and 4 days sailing which turned into 5 days partly maintenance and mostly sightseeing in a hire car. Weather not our friend but very glad to be on board and sorting warps in the marina when things went pear shaped in the marina yesterday.

Spent one morning in Hierro 20 years ago aften an overnight sail from the very hippie Valle Gran Re and my abiding memory is lovely old buildings and a weird harbour wall docking more suitable for ferries. Enjoy San Sebastián - Good memories 20 years and ten years ago sailing there.
 
Hiya, yeah was interesting weather with that sandstorm! We were up in Costa Teguise with some friends at the weekend, it blew. Went to Orzola ( for those who have not visited, it's the northernmost very small harbour on Lanzarote). Watched the uber skilled ferry skippers entering and leaving through big rollers, boy those guys got the gift!

Hope you get out next time!
 
Weather report is very favourable so slipping around elevenish.

Yacht Hebe if anyone wants to look on an AIS site.

If anyone has a tip on how to take a photo on a phone and then put it on here, I would be most grateful.
 
Cheers! With the miracle of modern science I can report we have cleared the lighthouse and beam reahong two reefs good speed bit roly but hoo hah!
 
Planning on doing a day skipper plus course in the Canaries (I have forgotten everything) in Jan/Feb, so keeping an eye on this.
 
Nearly there! Full daylight now running off the last 8 miles down the west side of La Palma
Bacon wedges to come.
Been somewhat brisk. Left with one reef that became three within 20 miles. Overtaken by a smart looking 92 foot yacht heading for Antigua..
Most of the trip under headsail only. Lots of squalls and the rain at speed cleaned off all the Lanzarote dust.
Nice trip so far, bit challenging at times but plan working.
 
If anyone wants to know about Tazacorte marina gimme a shout. Nearly full at this yime of year but staff are great.

Boat fixing! First find cables and swap round plugs to get batteries charged
... nearly dead batteries hand steered for a lot of the trip to eke em out.
Remade connection on back of alternator. Bingo.
Cooling problem. Impellor knackered and changed.
Binnacle secured properly plus storm jib forestay same.
Boats eh?
But also big bacon and egg breakfast. Time for shower and.
..mmm..... lager.
 
That was a most pleasant pit stop. Took the short walk into the village and dined at a lovely beachside restaurant. Black sand canary style.
Slipped at 0530 this morning for El Hierro. Quite brisk now in the channel clear of La Palma. Gomera just visible off to port. Mostly sunny but still some rain squalls around. Hope to be in Restinga by sunset.
 
Standards achieved. Made Restinga after a neat if rather rolly and squally passage of just around 12 hours and 65 nm.
No room on pontoons so alongside a mmm sea wall behind lifeboat.
Cranky village. Love it last place before edge of world! Not for everyone but you make it with your crew.
Another early start in morning for San Sebastian Gomera. Tad shorter at 55nm so late pm if, hope if, there is room.
Winds dropping pm soo fingers crossed!
 
Sounds like Our Correspondent In Canaria is having a hoot! Looking forward to pics...

....and also a verdict on the quayside Fisherman's Bar at Valle Gran Re, should you pass that way. Hey, TripAdvisor will be sending you a free Life Membership! ;)
 
Morning. On our way to my old favourite Gomera and San Sebastian now 45 miles to go. Left again 0530 that fits the distances.
Restinga is truly bonkers. Loved it. A couple of cruising yachts arrived whilst we were ashore it fills up quickly. Not wonderfulnon the quay but worth it.
Early underway snooze has been thoughtfully bought to an end by my shipmates tacking. However ss the first few hours has been close hauled with 3 reefs the washing machine effect in the forends is over!
Sunny now sea still lumpy but forecast to drop through the day.
Hoo hah.
 

What is the deal with the pontoons in La Restinga? When we were there in 2007 we were told it was only for local boats. 3 days on the wall was all we could take, would like to have stayed longer.

- W
 
Not sure. A few visiting boats were all on the wall. Good bit was because we left early the marinero who docked us the previous afternoon told us we could have a freebie.
 
We got lucky. The marina is v busy with lots of boats and excited peeps getting ready for the big adventure. There is a buzz about the place.
Great staff. Ive been lucky to have learnt some Spanish so can have a bit of a chat and smiley. They were under presdure with eight boats all at once turning up all sorts polish dutch.... brits!
Reminded me how wonderful this little place is.
Nightcaps in the Marlin Bar. This is the home of the rowers. Those awesome people who do the Atlantic. Its their temple. The ambitious old paddlers!
Great mind blowing pictures in my head today of seas sky and islands. Just one dolphin they are being lazy.
Tomorrow will bring a lay in til 7. Rapido visit to supermarket for .... bread and milk. Yawn. Shower key deposit retrieved at a normal hour then more homeward bounders.
San Miguel in Tenerife next stop. Wow the view of that today coming from the west with that honkin great mountain and its clouds was awesome.
Nothing broke. Shhhhhsh. Mm.
Know what I mean.....
 
Blue sky few tradewind clouds and a nice beamy reach with full sail. Cracking view of Tiede today. Shorter trip.
Heading for marina San Miguel to have San Miguel.
Onwards and upwards.
 
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