ATLANTIC ESCAPADE

The Atlantic islands of the coast of north Africa and Portugal could be the ideal holiday destination for those with adventure in their blood, writes SUE PELLING

- SUE PELLING

The North Atlantic groups of islands off the coast of Africa and Portugal, including the Azores, the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde archipelago, are, by their very nature of location, generally considered challenging in terms of charter holiday destinations. However, for those with a bit of experience who are perhaps looking for an introduction to trade wind sailing, or who want to learn to sail while holidaying, this is a perfect option.

The overarching advantage of most of these Atlantic groups of islands is that they offer year-round sun and are located just four or so hours south of the UK, which means it is possible to enjoy a fantastic holiday in a perfect climate any time of the year. The other huge benefit is that they are the same time zone as the UK, so you don’t waste precious holiday time acclimatising from jet lag. Pick up a flight from the UK and within a few hours you’ll be onboard your charter yacht ready to set sail in this astonishingly beautiful part of the world.

Because these islands act as a gateway for transatlantic crossing to places like the Caribbean, they have also become popular option for transatlantic race starts/stop-offs, with events like World Cruising Club’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers departing from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) to St Lucia every year.

The location and climate are also among the reasons why the Atlantic islands are equally popular with sailing schools, with the Canary Islands, in particular, the chosen base for the likes of Endeavour Sailing and Sail the Canaries. Rubicon 3, which is based in Madeira, also offers sailing tuition holidays aboard one of its 60ft (18.3m) adventure yachts to the Azores.

THE AZORES