On several islands, you will find white sandy beaches, black sandy beaches, and volcanic bottoms. The islands of Gran Canaria have a tidal area with tidal ranges of 2-3 m. This is enormous, but the changes in the water level seem insignificant compared to the trade winds.
Sailing In Gran Canaria
With many different islands, the Canary Islands are the perfect place for sailing. Given the trade winds and breezes of Africa and the warm waters of the Canary River, it is no wonder that the Archipelago of the Great Canary Islands has a rich maritime history.
Why Are The Canary Islands So Popular For Sailing?
One of the most important factors in choosing the Canary Islands as a sailing destination is the climate. It is better to visit the islands in other months of the year. The passage through the islands is a nice sailing preview of trade wind sailing, but you have to watch the weather closely.
The Temperatures
In Gran Canaria, you can sail all year round, and the temperature is between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius all year round. In summer, the temperature can reach 30 to 23 degrees, and it depends on the island in winter.
Wind Conditions
The wind conditions are one of the main reasons why sailors go to the Canary Islands. Trade winds dominate the islands most of the year, and weather systems bring the strength of 3-4 NE. When the water temperature can drop to -20 degrees in autumn and spring, it is a good time to travel to Gran Canaria and sail with children.
Gaining Atlantic Experience Under Mild Conditions
It is said that yachts in the Canaries can be chartered by experienced sailors and families sailing from the resort of Fuerteventura, where you will find beautiful beaches and dramatic rocky and volcanic landscapes. Travel to the Canary Islands is an ideal destination to take the RYA Skipper Course if you go there twice a year. By attending the course in Gran Canaria, you will gain a valid Atlantic experience in mild conditions and excellent training for crossing the Atlantic.
The Country
Gran Canaria is a Spanish island off the west coast of North Africa and a hot spot for yachts to prepare for sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. The Spanish Archipelago off the coast of West Africa consists of seven main islands (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro) and a large number of smaller islands. The Canary Islands comprise the seven main islands and six islets.
The archipelago of small islands is one of the seventeen autonomous communities in Spain. The Canary Islands are only one day away from the other seven main islands (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro), and each one has its own unique character and climate differences.
The Stopover Point For The Atlantic Crossing
Most travellers use the Canary Islands as a stopover for Atlantic crossings with cruise companies like Atlantic Rally Cruisers, Arc de las Palmas, Gran Canaria and St. Lucia in the Caribbean. Transatlantic crews say they want more time to explore the islands’ potential before sailing west to the horizon. The Spanish Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa have long been an insider’s tip.
The trip to the Canary Islands marks the beginning of a transatlantic adventure for many European yachts. A 350-500 nautical mile visit to the ports of the eastern Canary Islands such as Puerto Mogan and Gran Canaria, Rubicon, Lanzarote, Morro, Able, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas and Porto Mogan.
Island Hopping
Daytrips and sunset cruises along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria include skipper, food and drink, breathtaking views, swimming, and stops in beautiful coves. Island-wide sailing trips on modern and historic sailboats can be booked online at the best prices.
Travel to the island of Fuerteventura to discover one of the calmest bays in the archipelago. From Tenerife, it is 20 nm to La Gomera (the shortest coastline with 97 km) and then another 37 nm to the town of La Gomera, one km south of La Palma and the Green Islands.
El Hierro lies at the top of the seven main islands in the west and is often seen by sailors as the end of the world. It is the smallest, least developed, and least visited of the islands and also the most robust of its larger neighbors. El Hierro, the most southwesterly and remote island, is more isolated than the other islands, so you will encounter unspoilt nature and experience tranquil cruises. In principle, there are two main seasons.
The Bottom Line
What makes the Canary Islands an interesting tourist destination, a piece of land once inhabited by Europeans off the coast of Africa, is now visited by more than 12 million visitors a year. In addition, there is a visible increase in the number of permanent berths and arrivals of European sailing yachts that spend the winter months on the islands. Especially on Betenerife, the 38sm largest island of the Canary Islands with 336km of coastline, you will find a wide range of services to meet all your needs. Las Palmas is the city and capital of the island of Gran Canaria and the co-capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Together with Lanzarote and El Hierro, the islands were conquered by the Spanish in 1402. They became an ideal starting point for sailing to the New World.
