Thanks for excellent help re anchoring; now I have a new question

[sailingcatlady]

One of those of you who kindly gave me advice about anchoring my 42ft catamaran (a heavy old Solaris) mentioned that his experience of the Canaries was that it is generally a windy place, and that there are not many good anchorages. Can any of you please tell me of your own experiences out there? I have only been to Puerto Naos so far (10 years ago) and a very long time ago to Los Cristianos but this time I really want to spend some months out there. Can't afford marinas.

 

[capnsensible]

Hi, I can tell you some of the ones I use in the Eastern Islands. It can indeed get quite windy here as the islamd chain is in the Trade winds belt but as always, places to anchor can be found. On the odd occasion should the wind shift to the south (sometimes in winter if a depression passes near) most of the places should be left immediately.

Graciosa to the north of Lanzarotte has 3 sheltered bays on its south side. Captivating place, no tarmac roads, just sand. Very peaceful but provisioning limited. There are finger berths in a small marina, no water or elecricity hence price for a night on a 37 foot monohull a few weeks ago was just over 6 euros!!

Porto Nao still attracts visiting yachts but is a bit scrffy and lots of fishing boats in and out.

There is a breakwater just off Arrecife town and visitors often moor there. Good access to shops and just about far enough out not to get traffic noise all night. Would be a good spot for a cat, but go in in daylight. Safe enough but keep an eye on the sounder.

Papagayo beaches, south end of Lanza. Poular as a daytime anchorage for local boats so can get busy. Peaceful atnight, nothing much around. Often gets used by boats for a couple of nights tranquilty before cruising on. Long and wet dinghy ride for provisions in Marina Rubicon a couple of miles to the west.

Lobos, a tiny island to the north of Coralejo on Fuertaventura is a lovely spot. Again, day traffic can be a bit of a nuisance but peaceful at night. Can get a bit windy and bouncy but good holding.

Coralejo harbour itself has a nice anchorage just off the town beach. Harbour is in regular use by large ferries but dont cause a problem. Plenty of places to land by dinghy in small marina, the odd night on the visitors pontoon with water and electricity was 9 euros for the same 37 monohull. Loadsa shops, bars and restaurants. Should be secure in all wind directions.

There is a small and cheap pilot for the whole Canaries, the Canary cruising Guide, dont have it to hand, its on another boat but could get you details tomorrow.

Hope this helps.

 

[webcraft]

[ QUOTE ]
Can't afford marinas.

[/ QUOTE ] Probably right in most cases as they tend to do length x breadth (which was great for us - 8.25 x 2.4 - but lousy for cats)

However, Graciosa is so cheap (E2.20 a night for us) that you could probably afford to spend some time there.

The anchorages mentioned are all OK, and I would add Puerto Mogan in the S. of Gran Canaria provided the wind is somewhere in the N

It would be a shame to miss the Western islands though - La Gomera and La Palma in particular. In La Gomera you can anchor off Valle Gran Rey so long as there isn't much swell - OK in Summer, we met a boat that had spent several months at anchor there - but no good in Winter when there is nearly always some swell.

El Hierro - I am told that Mar de la Calma off the S. coast can be a fabulous anchorage , although I am not sure if you are still allowed as it is a marine reserve.

La Palma - the 'marina' is cheap . . . but not much in the way of anchorages round the coast.

 

[GMac]

Cruising from marina to marina, ya whot.
Isn't that like backpacking from Hotel to Hotel?

An anchor is a lot cheaper.

 

[craigsmith]

As pointed out, docks etc can be perfectly affordable options. In some places you could find yourself rafting against other boats, which necessitates good fenders and springs etc.

Anchorages have good holding but are frequently exposed. We spent six weeks in Las Palmas and it was good conditioning for the following trans-Atlantic sail: constant rolling! On a small boat it might be untenable. A stern anchor to hold you into the swell, and familiarity with the technique, may be advisable.

 

[snowleopard]

There is a small but well sheltered anchorage in Las Palmas inside the main harbour just past the marina. All the non-ARC boats go there when they are booted out of the marina to make way for the ARC in late Nov.