Winter sailing break - Canaries or Gibraltar or ... ?

[Angele]

I'm thinking about booking a 7-day sailing break for while my boat is laid up for winter here in the UK. Say late Feb. Somewhere warmish, but not requiring an expensive flight - so I think that rules out the Caribbean.

My initial thoughts were the Canaries or Gibraltar, but I haven't sailed in either and nor have I been to them in the Northern Hemisphere winter. A quick Google suggests that the weather is relatively pleasant in both at that time of year, naturally warmer the further south you are. I was slightly surprised that the average wind strength in both at that time of year is relatively light (typically sub-10 knots), although I'm obviously aware that there is always a big risk that the actual conditions in a given week can depart materially from the average.

I'm not wishing to do any RYA courses. My preference would instead be something advertised as a cruise/milebuilder, so I don't have to spend large amounts of time whilst 4 other people learn about pontoon bashing and MOB drills.

So, should I do Gib or the Canaries? Or is there somewhere else I have overlooked that is good at that time of year?

 

[ionbard]

I did a week with velvet adventure sailing. They're a good pair and lovely boat. Matches your ideas.

 

[Angele]

I did a week with velvet adventure sailing. They're a good pair and lovely boat. Matches your ideas.

So have I. Not again, thanks.

 

[Hacker]

If Lanzarote would fit then try Sea-Master training or PM Capnsensible on here. I've been with them when they were in Gib and highly recommended. They do mile building.

 

[Angele]

If Lanzarote would fit then try Sea-Master training or PM Capnsensible on here. I've been with them when they were in Gib and highly recommended. They do mile building.

Good suggestions, thanks. Do I infer that you have sailed both in Gib and Lanzarote? What time of year was that? How do they compare?

 

[Hacker]

No I sailed with them in Gib in July (very hot). Haven't been to Lanzarote yet but similar to you thinking of a winter jaunt. Would definitely go with them again. Only briefly met Chris but Mandy was lovely and really helpful.

 

[Monique]

Lanzarote is a treat. You will enjoy. GL

 

[Angele]

No I sailed with them in Gib in July (very hot). Haven't been to Lanzarote yet but similar to you thinking of a winter jaunt. Would definitely go with them again. Only briefly met Chris but Mandy was lovely and really helpful.

Lanzarote is a treat. You will enjoy. GL

Sounds promising.

Anyone got firsthand experience of what it is like in February?

 

[Andibs]

Have a look at Endeavour Sailing in Lanzarote. Great outfit and they do mile builders and a nice Round the Island trip.

Andy

 

[duncan99210]

I sailed from Gib to Lanzarote in early December. The Gib weather was cold, wet and very windy. By the time we were a day or so away from Lanzarote, the temperature was tee shirt and shorts, sunny and a steady north easterly breeze. Based on that, I'd head for the Canaries rather than Gib.

 

[capnsensible]

Thank you Hacker for the nice words!

After 15 or so seasons sailing through the winters in the Straits Of Gibraltar..... we moved to Lanzarote!

Can get some good winter weather at 36 North, but its always gonna be windy.

Have to say, you can get better weather at 29N but its still winter. Ashore in shelter its mild. At sea it will be brisk and feel a bit chilly. However, exploring Atlantic Islands all of a different character does it for me!

 

[Heckler]

Good suggestions, thanks. Do I infer that you have sailed both in Gib and Lanzarote? What time of year was that? How do they compare?

Having just done a winter in Gib it can get decidedly cool occassionally. It also rains! Capnsensible has done both, top man.
Stu

 

[Angele]

Thank you all for your tips/suggestions. Especially good to hear from CapnS, and what sounds like an honest appraisal of a Lanzarote winter. I'm used to sailing in the Solent in November and late March, so I'm certain "a bit chilly" is all relative.

Definitely encouraged by what I am hearing.

And no one has suggested any other location to those suggested in my OP (given I'm ruling out the Caribbean on cost grounds). So sounds like I can focus my search.