Sailing and Navigating the Canary Islands
Entry and Regulations
On arriving at a marina from abroad clearance must be obtained from the immigration and port authorities. Once this has been done movement between the islands should be free without too much further paperwork, though marina authorities will insist on seeing the vessels papers and insurance documents. Outward clearance is worth getting though not compulsory as it will help at the next port of arrival.
Stores
Fresh, frozen and canned food can be found on all the islands and all major ports and marinas. The smaller harbours though have good road communication to major towns and can always provide the basic needs for replenishing galley stores.
Fuel can be obtained from all marinas though sometimes this has to be found on a fishing harbour wall or carried by jerry can. At this time fuel prices are favourable compared to Northern Europe because of the islands generous tax laws. Bottle Gas is available in the form of butane, but yachtsmen must have a cylinder to exchange. New cylinders are hard to obtain without a licence. (Propane is available but more difficult to come by).
Chandeliers are few on the smaller islands but the major islands offer good supplies and repairs facilities. Because of the islands remoteness most spares have to be shipped in and, if not held in stock, could take time to source and arrive. During the time leading up to the start of the ARC though, most major engine, navigation and electronic suppliers take up temporary base in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
Anchoring and berthing
The nature of the bottom varies but is generally sand and/or rock or stones. If your intentions are to anchor a lot then it is necessary to carry a variety of heavy ground tackle and a lot of chain and line. The use of a trip line would be prudent. Additionally a long line should be carried to run ashore to walls or rocks (the rocks are sharp and some sort of anti chafing device will be required).
Protection in the harbours is good with defences designed to deal with the northerly trade winds. But winds from other direction do occasionally occur and some harbours could become exposed. Also surge from the Atlantic can work its way into harbours so good fenders or even a kedge to haul off may be needed. If leaving a yacht in any mooring for any length of time then care must be taken against chafing. Tidal ranges are small compared to northern Europe but harbour walls can still be high and so getting ashore may be easier by dinghy.
Shelter from heavy weather
There is a legal obligation for harbour authorities throughout the Canaries to provide shelter for a boat at risk from heavy weather regardless of how full the harbour may be. However there is no formal definition of just what is "heavy weather" and so this is left to the discretion of the harbour or marina authorities.
Laying up
Marinas where a yacht can be laid up either afloat or ashore has increased greatly over recent years. But the biggest problem is still space. It is advisable to call ahead to check on available space and possibly to book in advance.
Harbours that could be considered for long term layup would be....
Lanzarote Fuerteventura Gran Canaria Tenerife Puerto Calero Puerto del Castillo Puerto de las Palmas Santa Cruz Marina Rubicon Gran Tarajal Pasito Blanco Puerto Radazul Caleta del Sebo Morro Jable Puerto de Mogan Los Cristianos
Other harbours and marinas to consider are Arguineguin& Puerto de las Nieves, Gran Canaria; Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura; Puerto Colon & Puerto de losGigantes, Tenerife; Puerto de Santiago, La Gomera; Puerto de Tazacorte &Santa Cruz, La Palma; or Puerto de la Restinga, La Hierro.
Before committing your vessel to a particular marina it would be wise to enquire as to the level of facilities, security and cost.
Yacht charter is also popular and more marinas and companies chartering yachts are relalising the benefits of the all round summer climate of the Canary Islands
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