Cruise in Canarias

[USM]

Has any of you ever sailed in Canarias? Thinking of chartering bare boat there on September or October. Any suggestions?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

good cruising ground. try to avoid the end of october when the birds of passage are gathering and it all gets very crowded in the marinas. once the ARC leaves (last week of nov) peace returns and the weather is still good.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sunnyseeker]

Its great, we were surprised to find the main towns are very Spanish, old and lovely. The islands have their horrible bits (or should that be Brits?) but there is plenty to explore and no need to go near any of the major tourist haunts. Santa Cruz in Tenerife was a great city with lots of good places to eat out if you get bored of the quiet spots, and Graciosa is a lovely island to explore inland as well as coastal.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sunnyseeker]

I meant Gomera when I said Graciosa, but Graciosa is nice as well

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jerryat]

Definitely agree!! La Gomera is just gorgeous and the people very welcoming and friendly. I reckon it's the best of the group.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[USM]

Looks interesting. I assume there are good charter companies also. Did any of you charter or did you all go with your own (or friend's) boat? I don't know if this is allowed but if anyone has any useful adress...most welcome

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Dominic]

I sail in the Canaries every week and love it here.

Good strong winds, interesting places to visit, good food...lots of reasons.

But then my opinion is biased - I run a sailing school and charter business here.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[USM]

I don't know if I'll manage to crew the boat (planning on other 5 people). In any event is september or october good there? what's weather like?
Feel free to send me info on your boats for charter, tariffs etc

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[AndrewB]

There are a couple of points about the wind worth bearing in mind. Most of the time in late Summer and Autumn there is a steady NE wind across the islands, only occasionally does it blow in other directions. The wind is almost slack on the lee side of the islands, but is 'accelerated' between the islands and is often two forces higher than the prevaliling wind. This means it is very much easier to go from east to west through the islands. While sailing around the islands is relatively easy, you may sometimes find yourself embroiled in a longish rough F6 windward passage between islands, for example between Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[USM]

So I guess that sometimes you might have to reef sails. In any case it looks like interesting sailing grounds. What about swell? Hope to convince crew. If I don't I'll charter in Palma headed to Formentera..

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ArklowSailor]

If you're looking to charter a lovely Endurance 35" ketch check out Frank Castella's website at http://www.canarysailing.com/eng-entrada.htm. He's based in Las Palmas

I cruised with him last year for a few weeks and it was brilliant. He's a really nice guy, easy to deal with, and the prices are quite reasonable. He'll pick you up from the airport and even sort you out with a house for a few days if you need one.

The boat's great too - stable, lots of flat deck space, well equipped.

Frank's Spanish but lived in London for 20 years. He's a real gentleman.

I hope to go back for another go in December!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Jeremy_W]

I sailed to South-Western Tenerife (Playa Las Americas) in October 1990. Playa is a place best avoided: Cramped marina; the "kiss me quick" hat brigade of tourists; drugs - and I don't mean Stugeron - readily available on the streets.....

I must stop or I'll give "Holiday Swap" some ideas.

<hr width=100% size=1>