The Trade-Wind Week · Trans-Atlantic Winds, Volcanic Islands · ASA 101-103-104
The Canary Islands sit at 28° north — the latitude of the Sahara, cooled by the Canary Current and swept by the northeast trade winds that carried Columbus west in 1492 and that still run 15-20 knots from the northeast through the winter, sea at 20°C, sun warm enough for shorts on deck in January. This is the trade-wind week: a Learn to Sail Vacation that puts students on the same reliable sailing winds that make this archipelago one of the most-sailed cruising grounds in the Atlantic. The route works between Tenerife and La Gomera, with Mount Teide at 3,715 meters — the highest point in Spain — visible from every anchorage.
The week starts at Marina Amarilla Golf on southern Tenerife, ten minutes from TFS airport, protected under the cliffs of Monte Guaza. Day sails along Tenerife’s south coast teach tacking, jibing, sail trim on reach, and med-moor marina docking at Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes. The defining ASA 104 passage of the week is the twenty-nautical-mile crossing to La Gomera through the Punta de Teno acceleration zone — where the trade wind compresses between the two islands and funnels through at double its deep-water strength, 25-30 knots on a reach — teaching true open-water pilotage, reefing, and the kind of wind-reading seamanship that distinguishes a bareboat charter captain from a weekend sailor. Pods of pilot whales live in these waters year-round and bottlenose dolphins frequently join the boat on this crossing.
Evenings are at San Sebastián de La Gomera (the historic port where Columbus took on his last provisions on 6 September 1492) and Valle Gran Rey on La Gomera’s west coast past the basalt cliffs of Los Órganos, then back to Tenerife at Los Gigantes under thousand-foot cliffs. Dinners are Canarian — papas arrugadas con mojo (the salt-crusted small potatoes with red and green sauces that define the island’s cooking), grilled cherne, local Listán Blanco from the Teide vineyards, a barraquito to finish. The week closes back at Marina Amarilla Golf with the ASA 104 docking exam and a farewell dinner above the marina with Teide’s snowcap glowing in the dusk. Students leave with ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising), and ASA 104 (Bareboat Chartering) certifications earned on the trade winds that have carried sailors across the Atlantic for a thousand years.
This learn-to-sail vacation with Red Sky Sailing Barcelona covers the certifications:
¤ ASA 101 | KEELBOAT SAILING 1
¤ ASA 103 | COASTAL CRUISING
¤ ASA 104 | BAREBOAT CRUISING
Arrive at Marina Amarilla Golf on Tenerife’s southern coast, just ten minutes from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Meet your instructor and fellow sailors, settle aboard, and prepare for the week ahead. Enjoy your first evening in the Canary Islands.
Set sail along Tenerife’s scenic southern coastline toward Los Cristianos. Begin developing your sailing skills while enjoying views of the island’s volcanic landscapes and Atlantic waters. Arrive in Los Cristianos and spend the evening exploring this lively coastal town.
Cross the Atlantic to La Gomera, navigating the powerful winds of the Punta de Teno acceleration zone for one of the week’s most valuable sailing lessons. Arrive in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the historic port where Christopher Columbus made his final provisions before sailing west in 1492. Explore the town and enjoy an evening ashore.
Cruise along La Gomera’s dramatic coastline, passing Los Órganos, spectacular basalt cliffs rising 200 meters above the Atlantic. Continue toward Valle Gran Rey, a picturesque coastal village surrounded by towering cliffs and volcanic landscapes. Spend the evening enjoying the island’s relaxed atmosphere and local Canarian cuisine.
Sail back across the Atlantic to Tenerife, continuing to develop your offshore sailing and navigation skills. Arrive at Los Gigantes, famous for its breathtaking cliffs rising nearly 1,000 feet above the ocean. Enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery before spending the evening ashore.
Enjoy a scenic passage south along Tenerife’s western coastline, sailing past the dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes of Masca Canyon. Continue to Las Galletas, a traditional working fishing village on the island’s southern coast. Spend your final evening away from the home marina enjoying authentic Canarian dishes and local wines.
Sail back to Marina Amarilla Golf for your final day of training. Complete your ASA 104 practical assessment and demonstrate the sailing skills developed throughout the week. Celebrate earning all three ASA certifications at a farewell dinner featuring traditional Canarian cuisine, including papas arrugadas con mojo, fresh grilled fish, and local wines.
Enjoy your final morning aboard before checking out and saying farewell to your instructor and fellow sailors. Depart Marina Amarilla Golf and make your way to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) for your journey home.
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example. However, it is important to note that the actual itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
