Tall Ships - Atlantic Isles
Blue Water Sailing
The Atlantic islands of Madeira, the Azores and Canaries sit on the latitude where the butter melts and Trans Atlantic sailors turn westwards with the trade winds. Staging posts for square rig sailors and yachtsmen through the centuries, these mountainous island landfalls with lush vegetation are a welcome reward after our ocean passages between Gibraltar, Madeira and the Canaries. There is more to becoming a blue water sailor than swapping your oilskins for shorts, but a winter suntan certainly helps. Ocean sailors adapt happily to a watch routine and the constant motion of the ship day and night, experiencing all the seas moods from glassy calms to white capped swells launching flying fish from crest to crest.
Tall Ships in the Canaries
From November to March the European tall ships gather in the Canaries archipelago like migrating seabirds, recognising the best winter sailing in the sun with affordable airfares. Poised on the edge of the tropics, the scenery inland ranges from volcanic peaks to primeval forest and the rich marine life offers a feeding frenzy for passing whales and dolphins. There are acceleration zones where the wind blasts between the mountains for exciting sailing and calmer spots where the ship can drift safely between islands whilst you swim in the 'deep blue' sea. Our seven day island hopping voyages (Tenerife, La Palma, El Heirro and La Gomera) on a 200ft brig are ideal for those new to sailing, or sailors wanting to try square rig in the sun. No Canaries tall ship experience is complete without an overnight sail and the sight of the sun rising over the snow covered summit of Mt Teide. Helming the ship under the brightest stars you have ever seen is worth getting up for.
Quote:
“Can’t see my feet swaying on the foot rope or the deck 90ft below, but I can hear my heart pounding and the surreal snort of whales all around... or are they sea monsters ?”
Canaries voyage diary entry. Dave H. Midnight, South of El Heirro.
Voyage Dates - Click Here
