SAILING FROM Gibraltar to Canary Islands

 

The best time to sail from Gibraltar to the Canary Islands is typically from late October through early December, with November being ideal for most yachts heading westward.

Why November?

  • Stable Northeasterlies (from the Azores High) begin to fill in.

  • Tropical cyclone season (which might affect the Atlantic) is winding down.

  • Moderate sea states and fewer abrupt weather changes than in peak summer or winter.

  • Shorter nights, but still enough daylight for coastal navigation when needed.

  • Post-hurricane lull in insurance premiums for boats heading west.

Route Considerations

  • Most boats first sail southwest along the Moroccan coast, stopping in Rabat, Agadir, or Essaouira, and then head west to Lanzarote or Gran Canaria.

  • Expect Portuguese trades (northerlies) up to Cape St. Vincent, then lighter and more variable winds until you catch the northeast trades near 28°N.

  • Avoid headwinds and uncomfortable swell by picking a weather window after a front clears the Iberian Peninsula.

Watch Out For

  • Wind acceleration zones near the Canaries—especially between the islands.

  • Occasional lows sweeping in from the north in early winter.

  • Busy marina schedules—October and November can be crowded with ARC-bound boats provisioning.

When sailing from Gibraltar to the Canary Islands in November, you’ll encounter a mix of Atlantic swell, local wind waves, and some compression zones—especially as you approach the Canaries. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

🌊 Sea State Overview – November

1. Gibraltar to Cape St. Vincent (Portugal)

  • Sea State: Moderate, with wind waves from NE to NW depending on passing systems.

  • Typical Wave Height: 1–2 meters (3–6 ft), choppy with short intervals (5–7 sec) in the Strait.

  • Factors: Strong currents and funnelling winds through the Strait of Gibraltar can cause steep seas, especially on outgoing tide with westerlies.

2. Cape St. Vincent to Canary Approach (Mid-Leg)

  • Sea State: Smoother, but influenced by Atlantic swell from NW or W.

  • Typical Wave Height: 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 ft) with longer intervals (8–12 sec).

  • Wind: Northeast trades begin to dominate—steady F4–F6 (11–27 knots).

  • Comfort: Following seas most of the way—sailing on a broad reach or downwind.

3. Approaching the Canaries

  • Sea State: Expect acceleration zones between the islands and near prominent capes.

  • Typical Wave Height: Can jump to 2.5–3.5 meters (8–11 ft) locally, especially between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

  • Compression: Wind funnels through gaps between islands—gusts may exceed 30 knots.

  • Swells: Often mixed with residual Atlantic NW swell and local E-NE wind waves, creating cross-seas.

⚠️ Things to Watch

  • Cold fronts from the north Atlantic can cause temporary wind shifts and rougher cross-seas.

  • Maritime swell forecasts (NOAA, Copernicus, Windy) are key—monitor significant wave height and direction daily.

  • Wave reflection near port entries (e.g., Santa Cruz, Las Palmas) can make docking dicey during bigger sets.

🌊 CURRENT OVERVIEW: Gibraltar ➝ Canary Islands (November)

1. Strait of Gibraltar

  • Surface Current: Strong east-to-west outflow of Atlantic water into the Med (0.5–2.5 knots).

  • Subsurface Countercurrent: Deeper layer (100m+) flows west-to-east back into the Med.

  • Tactics: Time your departure with outgoing tide to ride the outflow westward. Avoid entering against it during a flood tide with headwinds—creates short, steep seas.

2. Iberian Atlantic Coast (Cape Trafalgar to Cape St. Vincent)

  • Current: Weak and variable (0.2–0.5 knots), usually flowing southwestward.

  • Influence: Light contribution from the Portugal Current, part of the Canary Current system. May be impacted by coastal wind-driven eddies.

3. Cape St. Vincent to Canary Islands (Open Atlantic)

  • Canary Current: A broad, persistent southwestward drift averaging 0.5–1.0 knots.

    • Part of the North Atlantic Gyre.

    • Most consistent west of 10°W longitude.

  • Benefit: Works with you, giving a modest but steady push toward the islands.

  • Variability: Can strengthen during persistent NE trades and weaken during frontal systems.

🧭 Planning Notes

  • Use eddies: Closer to shore near Morocco, small eddies or reverse flows may appear—especially south of Casablanca.

  • Best Route: Stay offshore (west of 10°W) after passing Cape St. Vincent to get consistent wind and current.

  • No major adverse currents unless you hug the coast near the Gulf of Cadiz or get trapped in a nearshore eddy.

NOVEMBER PILOT CHARTS

🌬️ Typical November Conditions

In November, you can expect:

  • Wind: Predominantly northeast trade winds, averaging 15–25 knots.

  • Swell: Northwest Atlantic swell with periods of 8–12 seconds.

  • Currents: Generally favorable, with the Canary Current aiding your southwestward journey.

However, be prepared for occasional low-pressure systems that can disrupt these patterns. Regularly updating your forecasts is crucial.