Canaries instead of Caribbean, The Covid Contingency plan?
Covid-induced-uncertainty is clouding our clients winter cruising plans. So we are investigating quality options nearer to home. Most years, the Canary islands are merely a stopover on the way to the Caribbean. I have personally visited Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Lanzarote. On each of my visits I have been surprised, intrigued, excited and curious to find out more about this large, and especially varied, archipelago. To say that winters are mild here is an understatement. Apart from the odd cloudy January day, temperatures rarely drop below 16*C. Officially recorded highs are as warm as 23*C in November. Most importantly water temperatures don’t drop below 18*C! The real draw of these Atlantic Islands in the winter are not just it’s diversity in vegetation and topography but it’s great sailing conditions. The North Easterly Tradewinds provide a consistent force 3 to 4 breeze. The areas where the wind funnels between the islands are referred to as acceleration zones. An increase of 10 to 15 knots makes for exhilarating Atlantic sailing. It makes the passages between the different destinations fast and interesting. There are many quality marinas receiving blue water yachts all year round. Places I have personally visited: Las Palmas, […]
