Canaries Circuit. Second lap.

[capnsensible]

Almost two years ago, I was fortunate to do a circuit of the Canarian Archipelago on a friends yacht, a Jeeneau 35. We visited all but La Graciosa in a fab just under ten day romp.

Have been wanting to go again but for the obvious bat bug reasons, have had to delay until tomorrow. However that's looking good, despite that back of the mind feeling, see suspicious sailors thread!

So all being well, we are set to slip and proceed around 0930 tomorrow morning. First leg is a 210 ish mile reach in fairly brisk winds to Santa Cruz, La Palma. Berth booked. Boat just about ready. Hanse 445. Could be a quick trip.

We all fancy a bit of sightseeing on Saturday so plan to book a taxi tour up to the big crater. Which if it splits apart, will change life as we know it. ? I promise not to touch, just in case.

Anyway, hope this eases some of DB' s confusion from yesterday too! ??

 

[capnsensible]

I found this picture of the boat on a bit weird website. Must have been a previous owner. It's also now a bit lighter blue.

SailingNetworks : Disco biscuit

 

[davethedog]

See you when you get this side mate

 

[capnsensible]

For sure. Probably around Wednesday. We might get a bumpy ride back across the wind acceleration zone from Tenerife but won't spoil thirst. ??

 

[RupertW]

For sure. Probably around Wednesday. We might get a bumpy ride back across the wind acceleration zone from Tenerife but won't spoil thirst. ??

Well after cancelling our trips out in November, April and June we hope to be in your neck of the woods soon. 30th July in Tenerife so will miss your visit there. Depending on how afloat and we’ll the boat is after 11 months unvisited afloat we will do a bit of a Canarian cruise if we are let in.

 

[capnsensible]

Well after cancelling our trips out in November, April and June we hope to be in your neck of the woods soon. 30th July in Tenerife so will miss your visit there. Depending on how afloat and we’ll the boat is after 11 months unvisited afloat we will do a bit of a Canarian cruise if we are let in.

Might be a bit dusty!

I wouldn't say it's all under control here but life is certainly improving. Lots of hotels now open, generally a bit over 20% occupancy, but that's increasing. Most bars and restaurants open with indoor and outdoor seating.

Chandlers, no problem.....??


Hope you make it and enjoy some well earned r and r. ?

 

[capnsensible]

Well, hour in, wind as predicted, nearly 8 knots sog.

And the autopilot which is a nearly new b and g, calibrated two days ago by installer.......has packed up. Knew Neptune was up to something!

Bit of steering practice then!

 

[capnsensible]

We recently had our land ho moment. Well for a murky La Palma.saw a bit of Gran Can Los more of Tenerife in passing through the night.

Lots of overcast, very black during night, poor viz. Bit like English Channel in November but somewhat warmer.hard work steering but prize in sight.

Will be looking for an electronics pedro. Whilst we re reeve the second reef that snapped and fit the hydro vane rudder.

Island tour tomorrow afternoon.

 

[capnsensible]

Interesting place to arrive in a breeze. Nice chat on vhf with harbourmaster keeping us informed of a ferry movement. Then marina staff open lock gate. 3 vert greens. Solves the swell problem that was bad when they first opened.

Strong winds in marina. Reception first. Had to wait an hour for office to open at 5. No prob, tidied up and debrief a bit. Great staff, gave usa straightforward berth and took lines, nice help in breeze.

Years since I've been this side....beer o'clock looms!

 

[capnsensible]

Lovely pit stop.marina staff very good.

Sorted broken reef line plus a few other small defects through the morning then after a hearty brunch we took a taxi tour.

It was great to introduce the crew to this.they loved it. From banana plantations to pine forests 2000m up, winding roads up to the telescopes. Got invited in to the scientists institute for coffee. Then to the rim of the crater...mind boggling.

On way to Gomera now. Re calibrated autopilot. All good and steaming to get there for footy.

 

[capnsensible]

Dangerously early in San Sebastian.

Easy 55 miles. Three ferries and a shedloada dolphins.

One of my favourites in the western islands. Utterly charming. For those that know the place the marina office has moved to east end of marina. Showers still in old position.

Good covid discipline seen so far.

 

[RupertW]

Dangerously early in San Sebastian.

Easy 55 miles. Three ferries and a shedloada dolphins.

One of my favourites in the western islands. Utterly charming. For those that know the place the marina office has moved to east end of marina. Showers still in old position.

Good covid discipline seen so far.

We spent a week there last year - lovely island, particularly the interior. Plus a decent Chinese.

 

[capnsensible]

Apart from the hangovers, ready to go!

Actually had a good evening apart from the obvious. If you are ever here, head for the Blue Marlin bar, its the transat rowers shrine. Tops.
33 euros mooring fee in marina.
Shift to diesel dock in a bit then off to anchor Southside. El Hierro tomorrow.

 

[capnsensible]

Pleasant afternoon and overnight off the beach at Santiago.
Nice thing about anchoring for me is that it's so easy to get going. Up at 0650, under way by 0700.
Short one today too, about 45 miles to Restinga on El Hierro. Calm now but will get brisk acceleration zone around lunchtime.

 

[Kelpie]

Nice thing about anchoring for me is that it's so easy to get going. Up at 0650, under way by 0700.

Totally agree. One of the many reasons we always anchor where possible.
Hope to make it down to the Canaries ourselves before too long- maybe this year.

 

[capnsensible]

Bit of a ride in the acceleration zone but the miles whizzed by.
Having been here before we just went straight on harbour wall. No answer vhf or phone. Security guy arrived all happy, we stay put overnight.
Sleepy town. Got bars though.....

 

[webcraft]

Interesting place to arrive in a breeze. Nice chat on vhf with harbourmaster keeping us informed of a ferry movement. Then marina staff open lock gate. 3 vert greens. Solves the swell problem that was bad when they first opened.

Strong winds in marina. Reception first. Had to wait an hour for office to open at 5. No prob, tidied up and debrief a bit. Great staff, gave usa straightforward berth and took lines, nice help in breeze.

Years since I've been this side....beer o'clock looms!

Do they keep the lock gate closed and does it stop all the swell? We spent a few days there in 2007 and the swell was atrocious.

- W

 

[capnsensible]

Hiya. Yeah the lock gate is only opened briefly for access. Wasnt too bad inside even with strong winds. Certainly not calm though......

Currently on harbour wall in El Hierro. That's a bit bumpy. Yesterdsy evening s patera with around 40 illegals arrived from africa and docked behind us.
A well rehearsed team dealt with that. Took them off to some kinda reception place inland then disinfected whole dock area.

Leaving this PM for an overnighter yo San Miguel on Tenerife. Small risk there with covid. But we are all double jabbed.

 

[davethedog]

You still planning to come to Mogan? We may be here or we may head to Anfi for a few days (weather dependant of course).

 

[Clancy Moped]

If Spain moves to Amber tomorrow that shouldn't affect you should it?