Guernsey To Canary Island
We leave home after almost 2 years of prep! Over the next couple months we’ll sail the north coast of France, Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands.
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Goodbye Guernsey
13 July 2023 - 09:54
13 July 2023 - 10:51
We Can See Jersey!!
13 July 2023 - 13:16
Safely Tucked Away
Work Day
We’re making the most of the bad weather to get some work done… and read a couple books!
Exploring Jersey
There is still some strong winds funnelling through the channel so we decided to spend a few more days exploring Jersey.
Beach Day!
After a very wet couple days we decided to treat ourself to a day on Jersey’s west coast which consisted of mini-golf, swims, and some beach chilling.
18 July 2023 - 05:33
Off to France!
Dolphins!
As we left the harbour mouth we were greeted by a huge pod of bottle nose dolphins.
Bonjour!
18 July 2023 - 18:21
Treguier
Pastry Delivery!
We checked into Brittany last night (a very easy process!) and the friendly marina staff offered a pasty delivery service to where we are anchored!
Roscoff Bound
Due to not being allowed to stop off at any other port after checking out of treguier our plans have changed slightly and we’re off to Roscoff! Light winds and a little bit of sun!
Livs First Bread!
More Rain!
It hasn’t felt much like summer the last few days! We’ve decided to stay in Roscoff one more day in hope for some sun tomorrow! Time for some shopping and work.
Leaving Roscoff!
Dolphins!
We were joined for a few hours by a huge pod of dolphins!
Beating Into Force 6!
More Wind…!
Next Stop!
Calm Waters After A Tough Sail
Sailing Again!
Summer Sailing They Said..
Picked Up Some Speed!
Entering The Brest Channel
The Anchor Is Set!
We’ve arrived in Camaret-ser-mer after a relatively smooth sail! Tea is on and the wine is open!
Summer Sailing
We’re heading around the corner for the night to shelter from some northerly in the wind. What to do when the 45knot winds come on Wednesday is still up for debate!
Braced For The Storm
This morning we moved in close to the shore to shelter from a bit of blow coming tomorrow.
Day Trip To Brest
Leaving Brest
After a quick stop in Brest we’re heading to an anchorage towards the entrance of the channel ready for an early start tomorrow.
Leaving Brest
Another River!
Exploring Ashore
After a rainy day the sun shone briefly so we took the dinghy ashore and enjoyed a walk along the river.
Morning Coffee
Shop Run
Isle Glenna
We had a lovely down wind sale to the islands. Anchoring took a few attempts due to a varied bottom but it held eventually! A little windy now but it’s due to die down ready for some beach days!
Seal Pup!
This morning was one of those experiences that won’t be forgotten! We spent almost an hour freediving with an extremely playful seal pub. By the time we left it had become very uncomfortable around us. We’d both be bobbing in the water about 1ft apart, diving down, and occasionally the odd nibble on our fins!
Summer Has Arrived
More Rain But Good Wind!
It’s a little damp and cold but we’re cruising now at just over 6 knots. The sea is relatively calm and we’re making good time. Just need a little sun!
Our Next Stop Through The Most
New Anchorage
Our wet weather gear definitely got a good test today! Just over 5 hours and we’ve made it to our new anchorage.
Time To Re-Stock
With a Biscay window in sight we’re heading to the luxury of a marina to re-stock and get some jobs done.
Heading South
Due to the orca situation we’ve made a last minute decision to stay closer to the coast rather than to cross Biscay directly. Next stop, San Sebastián!
Sailing Into The Night
Morning!
Multiple-day sails with just two of us is something we’ve been avoiding as you don’t tend to get too much sleep with our watch system in place…. Add on the fact that we’re trying to stay within 20 meters of depth in order to avoid rudder snacking orcas makes things a whole lot more complicated, with crab pots, boat traffic, and land to avoid! The morning coffees are just that much better though!
Sailing Again!
Spinnaker Is Up!
We don’t often do sail changes due to having such a large head sail. However with a long sail ahead and light winds we thought time to test it out!
Another Morning At Sea
The wind has been pretty all over the place but it was a very calm night with little to no boat traffic. We’ve got some good wind now leaving us on a close haul as we head further south.
The Wind Is Finally Back!
We’ve Arrived In Spain!
Heading West
Arriving At Our Anchorage
Another Early Start
And We Continue…
Last night we took shelter in a little cove to try and get a little sleep. The swell however was larger than forecast which made for a very unsettled anchorage! We were keen to get up early and keep heading West. Only two hours today where we’ll then treat ourselves to a marine! (Anchorages are somewhat
limited on this coast!
Exploring The Mountains
We are now safely tied up in a marina for a few days so we’re making the most of our time and doing some exploring! Today we cycled into the mountains and found a stunning river and some caves!
Street Food Festival
It’s been pretty rainy the last few days, however we managed to sneak out in between the down pours to check out the street food festival. There were tons of stands, live music, and beer!
On The Move
It’s been so lovely to relax for the last week and a half, but time to move ok. Another few days of making headway west.
Another Marina!
Another mix of motoring, sailing and motor sailing today! The north coast of Spain is somewhat tricky to sail with very changeable winds and few options for shelter. We will be at this port for two nights sheltering from some thunderstorms coming through tomorrow.
Leaving Aviles
It was an early start today as we want to arrive in Ribadeo before the wind picks up later today. With force 7 winds predicted it could get a little lively on this coast!
Back At Anchor
After a long sail we have arrived! The wind was less than forecast but the seas were still large. It felt good to tuck in behind the headland into the calmer waters.
Off To Pantin
The sunrises are getting later which means our early starts are also not so early! Off to Pantin for the European Waveski championships.
Leaving Our Slice Of Heaven!
It’s not often you find somewhere with a flat calm anchorage and fun surf all in one. On top of that the town was lovely, safe, and easy access to water and food! This placed will be missed!
Sun And Wind!
Today has been a very relaxed sail! Good wind, no swell, and sun! The wind has now died a little but we’re in no rush and it’s flat calm so we’re enjoying some calm sailing, reading, and sun bathing!
Good Morning!
Heeling Hard!
Back At Anchor
After a good day sailing we’re stopping off for the night before doing another few hours sailing tomorrow.
Motoring Again…
Sailing The Spanish coast has been a mixture of string
Winds, no winds, and big seas! Another day of motoring ahead onwards south.
Light Winds And Sun
Motoring To Start…
Calm At Last!
After a day of beating into 20 knots of wind it felt good to drop anchor up a Ria in a flat calm anchorage. We’re definitely ready for a calm nights sleep!
A Lot Of Tacking Today!
Moving Anchorage
Today’s Plan…
Work Time
We’re saying goodbye to paradise (for now) to go up the ria and start making ore perpetrations for our sail to Madeira.
New Crew
As we make our way south we’re joined by our two new crew, Ben and Charlotte. A few days exploring before trying to get down the Portuguese coast.
Canary Islands Or Morocco?
36 Hours In
We’ve now been sailing for 36 hours. We’re hoping to pass Lisbon in the early hours of the morning to escape the worst of some winds coming in. There’s been lots of wind, not much wind, sun, down pours and dolphins!
A Rough 12 Hours
The last 12 hours were definitely not the most fun! Force 7 winds and a big swell made for very tricky sailing. After a very wet 12 hours the sea and wind both slowly started to ease. Hopefully an easier few days ahead!
The Morning After
From heavy seas, wind, and rain to a gentle breeze, clear skies, and almost calm seas! What a difference 12 hours can make at sea.
Life At Sea
A few photos from our crossing from Porto to the Canary Islands. We had 0 knots of wind to 45 knots of wind. Rain and sun. Calm seas and rough seas.
Sail Change!
We’ve had a really nice few days of wind but it is now starting to stop so it’s time for some spinnaker action!
Land!
After 8 days, 870NM, some lovely sailing and some not so lovely sailing, we’ve made it to the Canary Islands!
Life On Mars!
After 8 days at sea exploring this barren little volcanic islands was incredible. Surf, freediving, and relaxing!
Hot Hot Hot!
One week ago today we were off Lisbon in a storm. Today we’re sailing in flat calm waters in the sun!
Clear Seas And Dolphins
Nothing beats a swim mid-sail on a hot day, especially when joined by dolphins!
Lobos Bound
Sailing Again
We left the comforts of the marina this morning to continue our journey south.
Anchored!
Heading To Gran Canaria
Heading South
We’re heading to the South of Gran Canaria. We managed to get a few jobs done in Las Palmas (as well as create a few more!!) and we’re getting closer to setting off to Cape Verde.
Lazy Sailing
Today is a day of very little wind and a lot of sun!
Mountains And Sunset
We’ve hired a car for a couple days to stock up with food and get some jobs done. We also treated ourself to a day in the mountains for a stunning sunset at the highest point in Gran Canaria.