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Welcome to our Summer Newsletter
Another busy winter was enjoyed by all at Canary Sail. We made our first trip to Madeira back in October, which was a great, relaxing cruise – and Funchal is a delight! We were blessed by such clear skies, it actually prompted us to include Celestial Navigation into the longer cruises as an added interest for those inclined. More of this below….
In January, Canary Sail took ownership of “Zuleika”, the Bavaria 39 Cruiser which sits proudly in the sail training fleet and is a popular option to our 36 and 37 Bavarias Cora, Alexandra and Veronica.
The first Madeira/Morocco cruise took place in February/March with highlights being Funchal and Agadir in Morocco. The boats, (Zuleika and Tehya Tala) covered 1200NM during the two weeks. See our report below….
We are also delighted to announce that Clive Moreham, founder of Canary Sail became an RYA Examiner recently. Many congratulations Clive – this status is the result of many years of dedicated hard work and is well deserved.
Finally, a big “Thank You” to all of you for your support and your kind comments regarding the service we offer – we will always endeavour to offer the best sail training and hospitality possible.
Happy sailing! Hope to see you soon!
Jim & the Team
RYA Training
In addition to all of the standard RYA courses from Competent Crew to Yacht Master, Canary Sail are pleased to offer:
- Day Skipper 2 Week “Special Offer”- learn your theory prior to joining us for 2 weeks sailing on a yacht offering successful students CC and DS Practical Certificates....more
- Competent Crew “Plus” – Not yet ready for Day Skipper? Learn how to become an even better crew member and pick up some navigation too!.....more
- Day Skipper “Plus” – More skills and advanced boat handling techniques to practise plus plenty of passage planning!......more
- MCA/RYA Prep and Exams – Your experienced YMI will put you through your paces and prepare you for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore exam…..more
Summer Sail Cruises
- 2 Week Madeira, Morocco and Canaries Cruise – Some 1200NM on this cruise via Funchal, Agadir and returning via the Eastern Canary Islands……more
- 1 Week Madeira (Funchal) Cruise – 2 days sailing to and 2 nights spent in beautiful Funchal. Return to La Gomera for 2 days to complete some 560NM of sailing fun…..more
Summer Holiday Specials
- Luxury Yacht/Apartment Holiday – Sailing on our Jeanneau Sun Oddysey 45DS and stay in a “Pueblo Don Thomas” luxury apartment, Santiago la Gomera for this exclusive 2 week dream holiday……more
- Exclusive Yacht/Apartment Holiday – Take on one of our Bavaria yachts for a sailing course or to explore the Gomera coastline followed by an apartment week overlooking San Sebastian Town and harbour from your terrace……more
- Yacht Charter/Apartment Holiday – As above other than you are skipper of the yacht!......more
- Family Sailing/Apartment Holidays – Go sailing while the remainder of the family stay in an apartment here in San Sebastian only 5 mins walk from the marina – available as 1 or 2 weeks holiday……more
Our YMO Instructor Training Week
Recently Clive, Jim, Gareth and Jason all sat for 6 days in the classroom taking their Yacht Master Ocean Theory exams. It was the first step of Canary Sail´s progression to achieving RYA status to teach YMO. Our initial intention is to offer 2/3 day courses covering the basics of sextant use and calculating a position using the Sun or a series of planets. These short courses can be combined with any of our longer distance cruises where Sextant, Sight Reduction Tables, Nautical Almanac and plotting materials are on board in addition to “The Ever-Changing Sky” book for reference. Such introductory courses are available now with the full RYA YMO 6 day course available once we have RYA recognition.
Please do not underestimate this course! When you can no longer add and subtract on the day before you are to sit your exam (that happened to Jim!) the head starts to spin.
By the way – we all passed! Thank you Peter Dawson of Tiller Sail School – for your patience!!!
Report: Madeira, Morocco and Canaries Cruise
Some 1200NM were covered on this trip which saw Zuleika – Bavaria 39 “Cruiser” and Tehya Tala – Jeanneau Sun Odyssey DS45 setting off from San Sebastian to Funchal and Agadir before returning via the Eastern Canaries to La Gomera. Reported highlights were “amazing sunsets” (see top photo), Funchal Food Market and the Agadir “Souk” – 3.5sqkm of market containing no less than 6,500 stalls and bargaining opportunities!
Two nights were spent in each port with the choice of various stops on the return leg. The intention was to visit the totally unspoilt island of “Graciosa” north of Lanzarote. Weather permitting it is planned for the forthcoming repeat trip this July/August. There is current availability for a couple on the Jeanneau and the Bavaria has double and single cabins for individuals or a group of up to 5 crew (plus Skipper).
Trivia - Coiling your lines
one of the 1st “tricks we teach Competent Crew is how to coil the warps – the lines used to attach your yacht to the pontoon or wall. You are shown how to add a “twist” into each coil as it is passed from one hand to the other. This avoids those awkward “figures of eight” loops we all experience trying to tidy the lawn-mower cable!
However DO NOT coil your halyards and sheets (the on-board lines controlling the yacht) in this manner! You will create twist in the line which will transfer all the way through to the source. This is particularly undesirable for the main sheet which will twist and turn the blocks in the pulley system. Rather coil the halyards and sheets without twists using a figure of eight method and hang the resultant coil freely.
Always coil the on-board lines from the source – never from the open end as this also creates unwanted twist.
Client's Corner - Shaun
Over many years of activity breaks and training for scuba diving spear fishing windsurfing and free diving I have experienced many training organisations and I can say with hand on heart that Canary Sail offer the best all round package I have ever experienced. Attention to detail right from the first enquiry until I left La Gomera was fabulous. I arrived on Friday to be met by Darrin from the ferry, was introduced to my skipper and then on for a welcome drink with the team. The boat was very clean and well maintained, provisioned with an ample welcome pack and kitty for all meals on board. There were no hidden extras like marina fees. The sailing around la Gomera and Tenerife is fabulous and you are pretty much guaranteed good weather year round. And finally the instructors are lovely. Big thanks to the whole team. Back soon—watch out.
Thank you Shaun – keeping an eye out for you…..
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.
Last Minute Club
From time to time we offer last minute spaces at discounted rates. Please let us know if you would like to be included on this list here
La Gomera: 0034 922 141 967 Skype : canarysail
Send us an Email or visit www.canarysail.com
