Sailing Adventure from Gibraltar to Canary Islands

We begin our journey near Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean opens into the Atlantic. Before heading out into the ocean, we first have to navigate the Strait of Gibraltar — a narrow and busy passage known for strong currents, changing winds and heavy commercial traffic.
Also, orcas are also occasionally encountered in this area, and some interactions with sailing boats have caused damage in recent years. Our crew knows these waters well and has passed through the Strait many times, so the passage is planned carefully according to the conditions.

This first passage takes us from La Línea, on the Spanish side of Gibraltar, across the Strait to Tangier, Morocco. The crossing is expected to take approximately 8 hours, taking us from Europe to North Africa in a single day.

In Tangier, we plan to spend at least one day in the modern marina located close to the city centre. It is a fascinating change of scenery: after leaving Europe in the morning, we arrive in North Africa, with its markets, architecture, food and completely different atmosphere.

From Tangier we begin the real Atlantic part of the adventure. Once clear of the Strait and the busy coastal fishing areas, we set course into open ocean.

The passage towards Madeira is expected to involve approximately 3–4 days at sea. This is genuine offshore sailing: ocean in every direction, day and night watches, cooking and living aboard while the yacht continues sailing around the clock.

Our planned destination is Funchal on Madeira. Depending on weather and ocean conditions, however, the captain may adjust the route or make an alternative stop along the Moroccan coast if necessary.

After several days offshore, we plan to spend at least a day resting, exploring the island and preparing the yacht for the next ocean stage.

After Madeira, we return to the open Atlantic and begin the second major ocean passage towards the Canary Islands.

By this point, everyone has already experienced several days at sea and settled into the rhythm of offshore sailing. We continue south with another passage of approximately 3–4 days, depending on wind, swell and weather conditions.

Our first destination in the Canary Islands is planned around Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. We plan to stop at Marina Rubicón on Lanzarote, where we can spend at least a day resting after the crossing.

The volcanic landscapes of the eastern Canary Islands are completely different from Madeira and from everything we have seen earlier on the route. Depending on timing, it may be possible to rent a car and explore the island before returning to the yacht.

From Lanzarote, the character of the journey changes once again. The long ocean crossing is behind us, and we continue sailing between the Canary Islands towards Gran Canaria.

Our final destination is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of the Atlantic’s best-known sailing centres. Here our journey ends after travelling from the entrance of the Mediterranean, crossing to Africa, sailing through the open Atlantic and reaching the Canary Islands by sea.

After arrival, there is also an opportunity to explore Gran Canaria and discover its mountains, villages and very different landscapes away from the coast.