Explore Sailing Voyages in Spain 🇪🇸

Departure: Port: Marina San Miguel, Tenerife Time off dock: ~09:00 Conditions at departure: Moderate breeze under island shelter, partially cloudy Sail configuration: Full mainsail hoisted immediately after clearing the harbour Passage Conditions: Wind: 18 knots sustained, gusting up to 28 knots Sea state: Rough; waves building up to ~4 m with breaking crests Visibility: Good, partial cloud cover throughout the crossing Point of sail: Broad reach to reach, varying with gusts and sea state Underway Notes: Once clear of Tenerife’s wind shadow and exposed to the channel acceleration zone, conditions intensified quickly. Wind strength increased sharply, prompting an early and decisive reefing strategy. The mainsail was heavily reefed to maintain control, balance, and helm responsiveness in the steep seas. Despite the challenging conditions, the boat performed strongly and remained well under control. Surfing down larger wave faces, Speed over Ground peaked at 9 knots, particularly on the final approach toward La Gomera where the wind angle and swell alignment worked in our favor. Helm required constant attention due to gusts and breaking wave tops, but sail trim and reefing proved effective in keeping loads manageable and motion predictable. Arrival: Port: San Sebastián de La Gomera Approach conditions: Medium winds ~12 knots, reduced sea state under island lee Maneuvering: Engine on, sails down in good time Berthing: Docked alongside without issue Remarks & Lessons Learned: Strong acceleration zones between islands demand early reefing—waiting costs comfort and control. Boat speed can increase dramatically near the lee of La Gomera; stay alert for sudden surges. Tip: When waiting for docking clearance or berth assignment, maintain situational awareness—wind strength and direction can change rapidly near the harbour entrance, affecting low-speed handling. Overall Assessment: A fast, demanding, and well-managed crossing. Heavy weather seamanship applied correctly, resulting in a safe and efficient passage across the Tenerife–La Gomera channel.