Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter!

What a Summer! Our busiest summer season ever, thanks to all of you who have supported us.

We have plenty of news for this edition. New Instructors due to join us for the winter season, a new boat soon to be delivered, the appointment of a Chief Instructor to Canary Sail in October and a new, exciting bird watching and nature reserve cruise in the making to whet the appetite of all ye sailing, snorkeling and nature lovers.

First a little about our Summer. Many congratulations to our recent Yacht Master Graduates Nicky, Andreas and not least our very own master of “meet and greet” and boat maintenance – Darrin. All of you who have sailed with us will have been met at the ferry terminal by the smiling, chatting and energetic Darrin Lee. Well now Darrin has the YM ticket to add to his skills. Rumour has it that it was an excellent pass- well done that man!

We also welcomed a special guest from Sailing Today Magazine. Guy Foan chose Canary Sail to complete his Day Skipper Practical and subsequently wrote his sum-up article in the September edition. Thank you Guy – hope to see you here again soon.

Tehya Tala, our Sun Odyssey 45DS was away cruising again in July/August to Madeira, Morocco and Canaries with a truly international crew of English, Russian, Swiss and Welsh on board and Gareth as Skipper. All reported the trip a great success and we will offer this 2 week cruise again on Tehya Tala together with our new boat “Magi”. We will be looking to do this trip again for the two weeks from Friday 11th – Friday 25th May 2012. Please contact us for further information.

“Magi” is a beautiful 2008 Bavaria 40 and the newest addition to our fleet. “Magi” is available for sail training, mileage building, charter and Blue Water Cruising. She is roomy, very comfortable and has the benefit of twin wheels, in-mast-furling and auto helm to make life out on the water just that little easier.

We are delighted and excited to announce Jane Sudlow is returning to Canary Sail – only this time as Chief Instructor! Jane worked with us back in 2009/10 whilst on job leave. Now she has taken the plunge, bought herself a sail boat here in San Sebastian and is moving to this permanent post heading up the Canary Sail team of Instructors. Those of you who have sailed with Jane will join me in offering our congratulations on this well deserved appointment!

Finally, we believe that to have satisfied customers is just not good enough – our goal is for you to become “Raving Fans”. So, once again a special thanks to you, our customers – for your continued support, your return visits to us here on La Gomera and your positive feedback and comments which continue to encourage us in our efforts to offer the best sailing experience ever to you all. Thank you!

We hope to welcome you back or to La Gomera soon!

Jim & the Team

Specialist Sailing & Holiday Ideas

Salvage Islands
sail up to Madeira and anchoring off the Salvage Islands for a few days on route back to Gomera. This visit promises guided tours of the wildlife ashore plus snorkelling in the bays. This will require 10 days to allow enough time to discover and visit each of the two islands for which special permits are required. Please contact us for more details.

Christmas/New Year
once again interest is strong for these popular weeks. For more information, please click here

Madeira/Morocco Cruise
For more information, please click here

New Yacht - Magi

We have recently taken delivery of our new yacht. “Magi” is a beautiful 2008 Bavaria 40 and the newest addition to our fleet. She will be available for sail training, mileage building, charter and Blue Water Cruising. She is roomy, very comfortable and has the benefit of twin wheels, in-mast-furling and auto helm to make life out on the water just that little easier.

Click here for more information on Magi, and all of our Yachts...

YM Exam Dates

We will be running RYA /MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Coastal preparation weeks and final examinations.

Please check out our latest information at: http://www.canarysail.com/training.jsp?id=5

Trivia - Origins of “Port” and “Starboard” – The Vikings

Before rudders were fitted through the centreline of hulls, Viking ships had their Rudder Oar fitted to the right side of the boat - simply for right-handed helmsmen to steer. Hence the steering side became “Starbord” from Viking origins.

Now, to avoid damage to this Rudder Oar, the boat would be docked and cargo loaded/offloaded on the other side through a door. This side became known as “ladebord” and then “Larbord” which was often confused with “Starboard”. To avoid inevitable chaos, the change required fell to the French who opted for “Porte” (door) hence “Portside”.

Voila mis amis !

New Chief Instructor - Jane Sudlow

After initially looking to work for a year with us for a sabbatical working holiday, we managed to persuade Jane to stay for just a few months longer. Her previous employers battled it out with us and unfortunately they won for a mere 12 months!

We are thrilled to be welcoming the wonderful Jane back into the fold on a permanent basis. Having bought her beautiful yacht “Lady M” which sits awaiting her arrival in October, Jane is a much loved and experienced Instructor. Jane will be heading up Canary Sails team of Instructors and looking after keeping our high standards of RYA training here in the Canaries.

Meet the rest of the team...

Last Minute Club

From time to time we have last minute spaces that we can offer to you at short notice, if you would like to be included on this list please email: alex@canarysail.com subject line: Last minute Club.

We hope we see you all soon!

Client's Corner

Just a couple of quotes from our recent guests, thank you all!

Author: Rob C
If you want a true family experience in a caring familial environment, come sailing with Canary Sail. La Gomera offers an excellent environment to experience sailing. Once tried always hooked. Thank you for everything. PS Darrin is just 1st Class! Caring, sharing, friendly Knowledgeable.

Author: Roy F
For absolute novices who have never sailed before like myself, son and daughter Canary Sail catered for each step of our learning curve in a professional, friendly, relaxed way that allowed us to totally enjoy the experience and have fun but also to qualify! We will most definitely return for our next course

Author: Jules
WARNING!!! SAILING WITH THIS COMPANY IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE. Thanks everyone, see you very soon!! xx

Gift Vouchers

Canary Sail Gift Vouchers now available – Why not give a sailing course or cruise for special occasions, birthdays, graduation or to show appreciation for someone special who would love to go sailing.

Vouchers can be redeemed as part or full payment for Canary Sail’s sailing/theory courses, bare boat charter or sail & apartment holiday combination. Not redeemable for cash. Min value Euro 100. Valid 2 years from purchase.