SAILING IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

Sailing in The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, not far from the northwest coast of Africa. The archipelago consists of seven main islands (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro) and several smaller islets, among which La Graciosa is the only inhabited one. This territory belongs to Spain and is one of its autonomous communities.

The archipelago has two capitals – Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Along with the Azores, Cape Verde, the Savage Islands, and Madeira, the Canary Islands are part of a region known as Macaronesia.

The origin of the name “Canary Islands” is subject to several theories. A common misconception is that the islands were named after canary birds; however, it’s the other way around – the birds were named after the islands.

The term “Canary Islands” is derived from the Latin word for dogs, “Canaria”, alluding to the large number of dogs found on the islands. The “dogs” could also refer to monk seals, known as “sea dogs” in Latin, or even be linked to the Egyptian god Anubis who has a dog’s head.

Initially inhabited by the Guanche tribes, the Canary Islands have witnessed numerous battles for control throughout history. In 1982, the Canary Islands gained autonomy from Spain, and since 1986, they have been a part of the European Union under special terms.

Nature of the Canary Islands

The nature on the Canary Islands is awe-inspiring and diverse, featuring landscapes ranging from frozen volcanic lava, ancient forests, and black sand beaches to cliffs, gorges, and the powerful ocean which is home to a wide array of whales and dolphins.

Climate of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have a distinct climate difference between the southern and northern regions. The southern islands are dry, whereas the northern ones are humid and rich in vegetation.

Overall, the Canary Islands have a moderately hot and dry climate with sunny days and sea temperatures not dropping below 20°C (68°F), earning them the nickname “Islands of Eternal Spring.” The weather remains warm and clear throughout the year with minimal seasonal changes.

Yachting in the Canary Islands: Navigating the Trade Winds

The Canary Islands, located in the consistent trade winds zone, is a renowned yachting destination. The islands experience North-Eastern trade winds throughout most of the year, which may shift to the South-West during a cyclone, making the entry into certain marinas challenging as they are designed for specific wind directions.

Typical wind strengths in the Canary Islands are 4-5 on the Beaufort scale, but they can escalate to 10 when the dry, hot Sirocco wind blows from the Sahara. This is often accompanied by sandstorms, coating yacht decks with a layer of reddish-brown sand. The islands’ waters have distinct wind acceleration zones, especially between the high western islands, where the wind speed can increase 2-3 times, reaching over 40 knots.

The Canary Islands have historically been a critical stopover for sailors. Christopher Columbus stopped at La Gomera on his way to search for India. After the discovery of America, the archipelago became an essential stopover point for voyages from Europe to the New World. From November onwards, the marinas are bustling with yachts as charter companies relocate their fleets here for the winter from the Mediterranean. Yachtsmen preparing for transatlantic crossings to the Caribbean also converge here. It is an ideal midway point for full technical preparation and stocking up on fuel and provisions for extended passages. However, finding a berth in the marinas during this period can be tough, and anchoring options are limited due to the rocky seabed, deep waters, and ocean swells.

While the Canary Islands have fewer marinas compared to Mediterranean destinations, they are generally more affordable, though with a slightly lower level of service and comfort. However, you can rely on finding electricity, water, toilets, and showers.

The Canary Islands are accessible through international airports in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. A Schengen visa is required for entry.

Whether you are an experienced sailor or new to yachting, the Canary Islands, with their favorable winds and rich history, offer an unparalleled sailing experience. Be sure to plan and make reservations well in advance during the peak yachting season.

Sailing Map of the Canary Islands
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Find best yacht marinas in the Canary Islands

Puerto de Taliarte

Wind and weather forecast for the Canary Islands

How long does it take to travel by yacht from Spain to the Canary Islands?

It takes about 42 hours to get from the continent of Spain to the Canary Islands by yacht.

Which city is the capital of the Canary Islands?

There are two capitals of the Canary Islands - Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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