Gibraltar to Canary Islands timing

[Jodiec]

Hi we are planning on crossing the Atlantic end of November probably from Canary Islands via Cape Verde. We haven’t done any ocean crossings so getting an experienced crew member on for it but he can’t join us till October 22nd. Is this too late to leave Gibraltar in term of weather or is it safer to leave earlier but with less experience on board? Have read that this part of passage can be the most difficult and not to leave it too late but nothing on when the weather tends to change and when ‘too late’ actually is.

[boatman61]

Well I have done the run from Gib to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in early November with no problems.
It was on a Lagoon 380 and took just under 6 days running before N'lies averaging F5-6 with just the asymetric or genoa, myself + one.
Just keep well off the Moroccan coast.

[Jenneau Owner]

Not sure what boat you have but it should be a downwind sail all the way, with a current behind you as well. Personaly I would go with just a Genoa on a very broad raeach, with a gibe half to two thirds of the way. (Depending on your Canaries destination)

Lanzarote is a good first port of call with an excellent marina a few miles south of the very well lit airport.

Read up on and be VERY AWARE of the wind acceleration zones between the islands. If you see white water ahead reef immediately. The wind can go from 5 to 40 knots in seconds!

[steamgoat]

I did Gib to Canaries singlehanded,and,with a open calendar ,the second half of Oct was my choice. Only problem was fishing boats.