| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 11-11-2023, 19:00Arrecife, Canary Island of Lanzarote | Sat 18-11-2023, 10:00Santa Cruz, Tenerife | Eye of the Wind | 7 Nights | EYE23/40 |
A relaxing voyage with no great distance to cover. Plenty of time to relax, recharge, explore ashore and get in some great sunshine sailing.
Enjoy the maritime world of the Canary Islands as it unfolds in its entire scenic beauty over your weeks sailing adventure.
From Lanzarote, the “Island of the Fire Mountains”, to Tenerife, the “Island of Eternal Spring”.
| Sailing Areas | New Zealand |
| Vessel type / Rig | 2 Masted Brig |
| Guest Berths | 12 |
| Beam | 7.01m (23ft) |
| Draft | 2.7m (8.9ft) |
| Overall Length | 40.23m (132ft) |
| Year Built | 1911 |
If you like your sailing voyages to be proper journey making then the Canaries are ideal. It is easy to get single flights to the two different islands of Lanzarote and Tenerife as they are both popular winter sun destinations. Whilst the tourism ashore is predictable, exploring the Eastern and Western Canaries as tall ship crew is totally different. You could be climbing the rigging in the moonlight, whilst your square rigger slips along the dark shores of the uninhabited parts of the coast. When you grow tired of sunbathing and looking at red skies against a bright blue sky you can stroll the wooden decks, help the crew with a maintenance job, or go looking for a bit of sail handling action. If the ship needs to manoeuvre, the crew will be looking for volunteers to down their books and haul on blocks and tackles.
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary and this voyage is no exception. This is relaxed sailing, making the most of the wind, and with plenty of time ashore in the varying landscapes of the Canary Islands.
Barren, wild, stark landscape and miles of sandy beaches, Lanzarote is famous for windy weather and great beach life. Popular with windsurfers and kite surfers and a great backdrop for an evening anchorage. Normally the skies are blue and cloudless but if the winds blow off the Sahara, then it gets a bit hazy. The dust can create awesome sunsets so bring a camera. The Eye of the Wind rigging makes a perfect frame for landscape photographers.
The crew will welcome you aboard in Arrecife and then a sociable dinner on board for everyone to get to know each other. Names and faces soon become familiar as you are being introduced to the ship and the square rig skills needed to travel through the Canaries powered by the wind.
Your sailing route may sail either side of Fuerteventura – another island famed for good sailing winds. There may be opportunities to anchor or visit port here or on the island of Gran Canaria on the journey. The interior of all these islands is well worth a group taxi expedition or even the bus or hire car. Walk the rim of dormant volcanic craters, breathe in the smell of pine forests, stop for coffee in villages with terraces of fields and houses cut into the rock. There is plenty of ocean too if the captain decides to go for a blast chasing flying fish.
There are a few interesting anchorages around this mountainous volcanic island. The main tourism strip is in the South but the North West has high mountain walking and big sea cliffs. Between the delightful La Gomera and Tenerife is a local population of pilot whales who are present in the surrounding waters all year round.
The NE trade winds just touch the Canaries. They bring a pleasant winter climate that generally means sailing in shorts and t-shirt and light jumpers. If the ship is sailing fast or you sail into some of the wind acceleration zones between the islands, you might need waterproofs for the spray and windchill.
Even in the ocean deep between the islands (3000 metres plus) is warm enough to swim off the ship. It is not uncommon for brigs to hove to (stop with sails up) and launch ships boat and swimming ladder for a blue water dip.
Average water temperatures in winter here are 20 degrees centigrade for air and water.
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Content…
There are cheap flights to Tenerife from all over Europe as it is a major winter sun holiday destination. You can probably find a flight from regional airports too. There are too many discount airline options to mention.
The harbour in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is huge, with two marinas and miles of harbour wall and quaysides for cruise ships and bigger tall ships. Berths for tall ships are small fry for the port authorities as the bigger more profitable ships get priority, so the sailing ships captain will have to go where ever the port authority puts them, and they may not get to stay there for very long.
Please book a flight that gets in at a sensible time for you to get to the ship on time, even if it means getting there the day before and booking into a hotel.
If your vessel is small enough to get into one of the marinas then we can usually be a bit more specific as to where to find the ship beforehand.
The ships exact location in port is often controlled by the port authorities and they will only allocate a docking position a few days before. You will be informed as soon as possible of their exact joining location.
Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.
Take a Photo of your Ship
We recommend you take a photo of your ship with you to show taxi drivers so they can get to to the right ship!
You can usually see the ships masts on the other side of the harbour, but the taxi drivers will know the shortest route to get to that berth. If you are the independent type with a rucksack walking from the bus depot, chose your route with care, or ask a local, or you could end up walking miles without finding the cruise ship / public entry to the dock.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions for a memorable day out. Here’s a description of a day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
Start your day by exploring the vibrant city center. Take a stroll along the wide avenues and admire the beautiful architecture, blending traditional Spanish and modern styles. Begin at Plaza de España, a picturesque square with a large artificial lake that reflects the surrounding buildings. Enjoy the lush gardens and fountains while savoring a leisurely breakfast at one of the nearby cafés.
Next, head towards the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, a stunning architectural masterpiece known for its unique design resembling a giant wave or a sail. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of this concert hall and capture some photos of the magnificent structure against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
From there, make your way to the bustling Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a lively market where locals gather to buy fresh produce, meats, and other goods. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, sample local fruits, and perhaps purchase some traditional Canarian products or souvenirs.
For a touch of culture, visit the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man), located in the heart of the city. This fascinating museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the Canary Islands, featuring exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, and the unique flora and fauna of the archipelago. Explore the collections, including mummies, Guanche artifacts, and interactive displays that provide insight into the islands’ rich heritage.
Afterward, take a short stroll to the Parque García Sanabria, a lush urban park filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and colorful flower beds. Find a shaded spot and relax, or perhaps grab a snack from one of the park’s cafes while enjoying the tranquil ambiance.
To satisfy your appetite, head to the coastal area of Santa Cruz and indulge in a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants. Try some of the freshly caught fish, octopus, or Canarian-style potatoes known as “papas arrugadas.”
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re up for some shopping, browse the numerous boutiques and department stores lining the streets, offering everything from designer brands to unique local crafts.
As the day draws to a close, make your way to the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, a stunning saltwater swimming complex designed by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique. Relax in the sun, swim in the crystalline pools, or unwind in the jacuzzis, all while admiring the striking architecture and surrounding palm trees.
Finally, end your day by savoring a delicious dinner at one of Santa Cruz’s many restaurants, where you can indulge in a variety of international cuisines or savor traditional Canarian dishes. Pair your meal with a local wine or a refreshing tropical cocktail to complement the flavors.
With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural attractions, delightful cuisine, and beautiful coastal setting, a day out in Santa Cruz de Tenerife promises to be a delightful and enriching experience.
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind
Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.
There is no internet on board whilst at sea.
A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.
John, Tortola to Bermuda
Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"
F Coutreau
What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.
Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!
Andrea
Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:
COMPETENT and KIND
And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure
Susan
With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website.
Ocean Sailing and Island Hopping: Northern Spain to the Canaries EYE23/39
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Mon 30-10-2023
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Disembark
Sat 11-11-2023
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Fully Booked
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Embark
Wed 22-11-2023
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Disembark
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€1050
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Embark
Thu 07-12-2023
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Winter Sun Exploring the Canaries by Sail EYE23/40
Embark
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Disembark
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