Home / For international owners / Cruising
Chartering in the Canaries: what does the base want for the Atlantic?
Short answer
A Canaries charter is not a Mediterranean cruise: the trade wind,
acceleration zones between the islands and Atlantic swell make passages longer and harder.
Bases normally want a sea certificate and often proof of offshore experience,
and some insist on a skipper.
Chartering in the Canaries means sailing in the open Atlantic. The islands sit in the north east trade wind for much of the year, and between the islands and off the headlands it speeds up sharply in what sailors call acceleration zones. On top of that comes Atlantic swell, rolling in even when there is little wind locally. So what does the base want for the Atlantic? It follows from that: not only which certificate you hold, but whether the skipper has already done longer passages in open water.
Spanish rules apply, but the base makes its own judgement. In most cases it wants a sea certificate that suits the size of the boat and the area, often the ICC, an RYA Day Skipper or Yachtmaster or an equivalent, and an operator's licence for the VHF. Many Canaries bases also ask for a sailing CV, and where experience is thin some offer a skipper or require one. Get in writing what applies to the boat you are booking, and send the crew details early so the base can prepare the crew list.
Plan less distance than the chart suggests. Passages between the islands are usually full day sails in open water, sheltered anchorages and harbours are fewer than in the Mediterranean, and berths are often tight in season. Reef before the acceleration zone, not in it, and keep a bolt hole in mind. Ask the base which islands and crossings it allows for the boat. If you damage someone else's boat or property with the charter yacht you are personally liable, so your own skipper liability insurance belongs in the preparations here too.
Worth remembering
Mediterranean
short hops, many harbours, often little swell
Canaries
trade wind, acceleration zones, swell and long crossings
In the Canaries offshore experience counts as much as the certificate.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
Is my certificate enough for a Canaries charter?
The base decides for the specific boat. Many accept the ICC and RYA sea certificates but want offshore experience on top for the Canaries. Get the answer in writing before you book.
What is an acceleration zone?
Between the islands and off the headlands the mountains funnel the trade wind, so it blows noticeably harder than a few miles away. Reef beforehand and plan the crossing with a margin.
Can I add a skipper to a Canaries charter?
Many bases offer one and some require one where experience is thin. Agree the fee, food and berth for the skipper before you book.
Related
Not sure whether you qualify?
Whether it is “Chartering in the Canaries: what does the base want for the Atlantic?” or another question: send us your residence and the flag your boat flies. You will get a straight answer in one email; including a no, if that is the answer.
Was this useful?
