Itinerary
Sometimes sailing is purely about relaxing and exploring with the focus on wining, dining and a little sailing between destinations.
This trip however focuses more on sailing and adventure and is generally suited to those who have sailed previously and enjoy the sport of sailing. You will expected to be an active participant in all areas of sailing and keeping the vessel in good condition as well as cooking and cleaning. Of course once we finish sailing each day, we will revert to our modus operandi of focusing on wining and dining
Week 1 – Canary Islands and Morocco
We start in Tenerife in the Canary Islands and over 3 weeks will make our way across the Atlantic to Morocco, then hugging the coast as we sail the length of Morocco in Week 1.
There will be a number of overnight sails during this week and therefore Week 1 is only open to persons who are either experienced sailors and/or understand the risks of Offshore sailing. We’ve introduced many non sailors to the joys of offshore sailing but it can be more challenging that sailing in the Med and we like to ensure that everyone has great memories and comes back safe and sound. If you are in doubt, just get in contact for a chat.
Day 0
Meet the Crew and provision the boat. The skipper and 2nd mate will undertake a myriad of safety checks for the boat and brief the crew about protocols including Man Over board and night sailing. Nothing is left to chance and having an RYA instructor means we can delve into aspects of safety and sailing often ignored by other operators
Day 1
Beginning in the south of Tenerife in Las Gallatas, we sail for Gran Canaria. A 65 nautical mile crossing between the 2 main islands in the Canary archipelago. This will allow you to become familiar with the boat handling under sail and enjoy some bluewater sailing out of sight of land.
Day 2
We depart early from Las Palmas and head north aiming to sail to Fuerteventura and arriving in Corralejo before nightfall. This area of the Atlantic is famous for dolphins and other marina life so keep your eyes peeled. The northern part of Fuerteventura rugged terrain and the volcanic island of Los Lobos provides a spectacular sight
Day 3
We set sail to cross between Fuerteventura to the island of Lanzarote. Just 7 nautical miles separates the islands and here you will see why the Canaries are so popular for sailing and wind sports. WAZs or Wind Acceleration Zones means the wind speed can be 2-3 times the general predicted conditions. We will journey up the East Coast passing Accerife and arriving in the northern part of Lanzarote to anchor before nightfall
Day 4&5
Hold on tight my fellow sailors. An Atlantic crossing for those who don’t want to go to America We set sail for 2 days and 2 nights and will arrive in the Morocco port of Essaouira. For those who like their adventures BIG, this will be the highlight of the trip. You will learn all aspects of offshore sailing including night shifts, navigation, and general survival at sea. Your lead skipper will reinforce protocols around sailing keeping safe throughout the journey before setting off.
Upon arriving in the port city of Essaouira we will relax and explore the myriad of streets of amazing markets that its famed for. Enjoy local Moroccan cuisine, hit the markets or just relax and take in the buzz and activity of Morocco.
Day 6&7
We set sail late in the day on Day 6, and will sail through the night and the next day reaching El Jadida before night fall on Day 7.
Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, on the basis of its status as an “outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures” El Jadida is an early example of the realisation of the Renaissance ideals integrated with Portuguese construction.
Day 8
Casablanca is a mythical place that exists in a dream inspired by the 1942 film starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Casablanca is a hotbed of fascinating architecture. Architecture buffs will geek out on the city’s diverse building styles, from Art Deco to radically modern.
Day 9 & 10
Our final overnight sail sees up setting off from Casablanca and sailing north along the Moroccan coast. It’s an active area for fishing vessels and known for sea life. Another night at sea and dawn on the morning of Day 10 will see us arrive at the Straits of Gibraltar and ill cross over the European side passing the windiest city in the world (Tarifa). A ½ day sail along the straits of Gibraltar before proudly arriving in the Rock.
Sailing almost 1000nm across the Atlantic ocean in no mean feat, so landing in Gibraltar and the Med is reason for a celebration.
Week 2 – Southern Andalusia
Week 2 starts in Gibraltar and marks the start of the more relaxing part of the trip. You are welcome to join us here if the Atlantic element of the journey is not to your taste.
We will day sailing along the southern coast of Andalusia and spending the evenings in the various well known Med cities including Marbella, Malaga, Motril, Almeria and artegena. Rich in history and popular with tourists you will see a different side to some of these cities given we are in early season. A more relaxed itinerary means plenty of time to explore cities. We will also be setting a spinnaker whenever possible, so this is a highlight for those who haven’t had the opportunity for sailing under spinnaker in the past.
Week 3 – Murcia & Balearic Islands
Week 3 sees us sailing north along the region of Murcia including Cartegena, Torrevieja, Alicante, Benidorm, Ibiza and finally arriving in Mallorca. There will be NO overnight sail during this week and each night we will be in a marina or at anchor with access to local bars/restaurants and facilities.
The end of the week sees us exploring 2 of our favourite islands with 2 nights in Ibiza and Hopefully a fast and enjoyable sail on the final day back to Palma de Mallorca
