juanluis
Full Member
Posts: 25
Jeanneau Model: SO 409 Performance
Home Port: Valencia
Country: Spain
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Post by juanluis on May 19, 2016 10:32:20 GMT
I am planning to spend next winter sailing on a SO409 in the Canary Islands starting from Spain (Mediterranean coast). I would appreciate comments on sailing conditions there, recommended marinas, prices, etc.
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Post by tedp on Jun 1, 2016 8:21:21 GMT
I recently spent a walking holiday ashore on La Palma, the most western island. I looked at the conditions and facilities just in case I might rent a boat in the area. On the west (lee) side there is a pleasant marina in the harbour of Tazacorte, which looked excellent to my eyes. It is on the sheltered side of the island and protected by an outer mole and an inner breakwater. There usually is a low swell from the west, but I saw yachts anchored offshore without problem.
On the east side of La Palma is the marina at Santa Cruz. This is also behind a long mole and there is an inner breakwater, but still I noticed the yachts in there were rolling a little due to the swell coming in. The east side is exposed to the NE Trade wind, which blew a merry force 5 all the time.
Years ago I visited Gran Canaria, where I went to Puerto de Mogán. Again, here is a marina on the sheltered SW side of the island. This looked nice enough to me, but I cannot comment on quality. Note that on the sheltered side of Tenerife there are numerous marinas, but I never went there.
I think it should be possible to sail on a reach between Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Gomera and La Palma and back. It will be bumpy but you'll have a constant wind.
Note that around the north and south extremities of La Palma (and presumably the other islands) the surface wind may increase, since the islands are very tall. I climbed one of the volcanoes on the southern tip of La Palma, and high up on the top it blew a full gale. I could see the sea full of whitecaps.
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juanluis
Full Member
Posts: 25
Jeanneau Model: SO 409 Performance
Home Port: Valencia
Country: Spain
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Post by juanluis on Jun 1, 2016 9:22:24 GMT
Thanks for your comments. People I've asked in Valencia agree with you, it seems is very important when sailing between islands to be prepared for strong gusts of wind and waves.
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