19 - Autumn blue water sailing Madeira to Canary Islands

Voyage description

This voyage takes us from the semi tropical island of Madeira to the rugged island of Tenerife, stopping to swim in the clear blue waters of La Gomera, the magical, hidden gem of the Canaries. 

We set sail on this iconic ocean voyage from Madeira’s luxuriant green shores with its primitive laurel forest, unique water channels, waterfalls and breath-taking vistas and the ever-blooming city of Funchal.  

Just a day’s sail to the south of Madeira’s Ilhas Desertas lie the Ilhas Selvagens marine park, which, in 2021 celebrated 50 years of protection by extending the zone to becomeEurope’s largest at 2.677 km2.  If the weather and sea state allow, we may have the opportunity to use our zodiacs go ashore to spot for the mystical Shearwater, known to nest on the rocky shores of this moon-scaped island.

With 285 nautical miles of open ocean ahead there is an open invitation to get fully involved in all aspects of sailing, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft.  When you are not involved in the sailing there’s plenty of time to fish, read, play board games or share sailing stories by the bar.

During this open ocean voyage you may find it impossible not to be captivated by the beauty and power of the ocean.  As we venture further into the Atlantic Ocean it may seem equally impossible that man could have had any negative impact on such a remote stretch of water.  It is at this point that, thanks to the support of our partners atWaste Free Oceans,we invite our guests to participate in our citizen science project to help assess the purity of the waters in which we sail.  At intervals during the voyage, we will trawl a small net to capture what is floating in the ocean, be it plankton, fish or small pieces of ocean litter and microplastics. Many find it shocking to find evidence of mans impact on the environment hundreds of miles offshore, but seeing this has a powerful effect, inspiring us to take action.  Your contribution will help raise awareness and inspire change. 

On the penultimate day we anchor off the beautiful island of La Gomera.  Its palm-filled valleys, deep ravines, black sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and magical forests have helped La Gomera become known as the Canary Island’s hidden treasure island.

We disembark on our final day in Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

NOTE: When planning flights please bear in mind that we are granted no flexibility for the embarkation and disembarkation times from the customs authorities.