Las Palmas - Gran Canaria
Show on Map
Our destination is reached for the start of the 'Atlantic Rally for Cruisers' race to the Caribbean starting 25th November. So far the winds have been very light but that could change with 14 days to go. On board preparations for the two weeks at sea are now the priority with lots of social activity organised. We are very sorry that 'Loki' is not here as we looked forward to seeing some familiar faces.
2045 nautical miles behind us and as Ian likes to remind me, 2800nm to go to get across the Atlantic. For the past week we have taken our time down the east coast of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura the second largest of the Canary Islands. Some of the beaches are black sand and then golden beaches which seem out of place. The sand comes from the Sahara Desert, blown across in the Sirocco winds. With all year round temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees, huge developments of resorts now line these beaches. Thankfully there are height restrictions and it doesn't look like the Gold Coast. We have enjoyed anchoring and swimming in crystal clear seas under endless blue sky days, but does it ever rain?
We are very sorry to leave the island of Lanzarote in particular Puerto Calero. Clean, modern and very good restaurants, even the bollards are polished brass. The Island of Fuerteventura is very baron with a population of only 50000 but we do find Puerto Gran Tarajal very useful, along side a high wall for sail repairs at the right height of the tide.
Meeting Keith and Caryl Turner fr
om Wellington NZ, we are fascinated by their story of cruising for the past three years. Buying a yacht in the USA and sailing across the Atlantic to the Med with not a lot of experience but now a wealth of knowledge and finally sailing home to New Zealand. Great to see people living their dream!
Our sail across to Gran Canaria is windless and fishless so not very exciting. Las Palmas looks amazing from the water at night as we arrive, ships waiting to get into this very busy port, cruise ships looking like a block of flats and oil rigs lit up like Xmas trees. Our marina and home for 2 weeks is full to capacity with 245 yachts entered for the race. Officially it is a rally but when does a rally become a race? The race director said this morning that the start was to be enjoyed, hang back and take some photos; you have 20 days to go. I looked at Ian's face and that completely went over his head and as for the photos, I would be so lucky. From maxi yachts, catamarans, down to small cruising yachts, old and new, it is looking like one big boat show.
As our crew arrive we are looking forward to an exciting build up to the race for us, comprising of four New Zealander's and three Australians, Nick and Michelle Smail, Kevin Horne, Andrew Cochrane, David Lennie and of course Ian and myself. 
Before they turn my home into a race yacht, I took these photos for my Mum and decided to share them with you. Welcome to the saloon, galley and our forward cabin (one of three).
