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Canary Islands ASA 103+104
Sailing School
ASA 103 & 104 Ultimate 12-Day Package Starting at $4290 per sailor
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located on the western coast of Africa is a storied sailing destination rooted in the earliest of European exploration. This 12-Day flotilla expedition sailing aboard a pair of Jeanneau 54 monohulls, aims to explore the maritime traditions as we sail throughout the archipelago. A sail-focused adventure that includes a number of long passages, we will explore the lava fields and golden beaches. Sailing the Atlantic can bring turbulent, yet, exciting seas. This expedition includes navigation throughout the islands. This journey blends adventure, exploration, and the pure joy of sailing in one of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
A sailing - focused voyage - Limited to 5 sailors in 4 cabins - SIGN UP TODAY!
UPDATE: 1st monohull vessel is SOLD OUT - Limited cabins still available for the 2nd monohull vessel.
Start & Finish: Santa Cruise, Tenerife
Airport: Tenerife South (TFS)
Boarding: 9:00 AM Day One
Disembarking: 9:00 AM Day Twelve
Tenerife in January basks in warm trade winds and gentle sunshine, offering a soothing escape from colder climates with temperatures in the mid-70s°F. The island’s landscapes range from volcanic Mount Teide and lush forests to golden beaches, while the ocean stays invitingly swimmable.
Weather in January - A Spring Adventure
Itinerary
A 12-day January sailing itinerary through the Canary Islands can follow the prevailing northeast trade winds, generally favoring westbound and inter-island passages with manageable sea states.
Depart from Tenerife on the morning of day 1 from Santa Cruz, heading southeast along the coast. Pass the volcanic shoreline toward Montaña Amarilla and continue to a daytime anchorage off Playa de la Tejita. In the afternoon, proceed a short distance to overnight in Marina San Miguel.
On day 2, sail approximately 15 nautical miles west along Tenerife’s southern coast, keeping the wind abaft the beam. Pause midday off Los Gigantes Cliffs for a brief anchorage beneath the cliffs. Continue to Puerto de Santiago for the evening.
Day 3 is a crossing of roughly 30 nautical miles to La Gomera. With the trades on the quarter, sail southwest and anchor midday in the sheltered bay of Playa de Santiago. Continue north along the coast to overnight in San Sebastián de La Gomera.
Remain in San Sebastián on day 4 to explore inland valleys and Garajonay National Park. The marina provides a stable base for reprovisioning and rest.
On day 5, depart La Gomera for a 35-nautical-mile passage west to La Palma. Make a midday stop off Punta de Fuencaliente before rounding the southern tip. Continue to overnight in Puerto de Tazacorte.
Day 6 remains in port at Tazacorte, allowing time to explore volcanic landscapes and the western slopes of the island.
On day 7, sail north along La Palma’s coast for approximately 25 nautical miles, anchoring midday off Puerto de Puntagorda. Continue to Santa Cruz de La Palma Marina for the evening.
Day 8 is a longer but still manageable 55-nautical-mile passage east-northeast to El Hierro, often with steady following seas. Anchor midday off La Restinga before continuing to overnight in the same harbor.
On day 9, depart El Hierro early for a 60-nautical-mile sail northeast toward La Gomera. Stop midday in a quiet anchorage at Valle Gran Rey. Continue to overnight again in San Sebastián.
Day 10 is a short return passage of 25 nautical miles back toward Tenerife. Anchor midday off Playa de Abama, then continue to Puerto Colón for the evening.
On day 11, make a relaxed coastal sail north along Tenerife’s west coast, stopping midday off Garachico. In the afternoon, round the northwest corner and continue east along the northern coast to return to Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marina by evening, completing the itinerary.
The itinerary will be determined by the weather and wind and may change daily. The voyage is interactive and the route will be planned together.
Crew
Jon Bickford
Captain
A native to Maine and unabashed thalassophile, Jon has worked on the water for over 12 years and has sailed over 15,000 miles. On land he has walked the width and breadth of two nations and has lived in cities from New York to Honolulu to Bangkok. While solo journeys have incredible value, for him, it is the communal expeditions in outdoor settings that have defined Jon’s time in the wilderness as they provide the rare combination of camaraderie and growth that only can be known through group adventure. He holds a USCG masters license, and has participated in international competitions on traditional 18th century wooden Bantry Bay Gigs, canoed Alaska's Inside Passage rain forest, and operated a marine research vessel for Cornell University. When not on the move, he enjoys living in small island communities off the New England coast.
FAQ
Q. What is ASA?
The American Sailing Association is a coalition of sailors, professional sailing instructors, sailing schools and charter companies promoting safe recreation in the United States with an internationally recognized certification education system. The Sailing Collective follows the curriculum of ASA. We recommend becoming familiar with the ASA system prior to booking an ASA course, especially if you have a background with a different sailing institution. Visit online: americansailing.com
Q. What are the advantages of certifications?
Internationally recognized credentials, quality educational materials, professional instructors, and targeted goals for each level of the program.
Q. What certifications will I earn during this course?
ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising & 104 Bareboat Charter Certification
Q. What are the Prerequisites?
Unless you are taking Basic Keelboat 101, there are prerequisite. Please see the top of the page for the requirements for the particular course you are signing up for. If you Please contact us if you would like to request to the Qualifier Exam. Please contract us if you have additional questions.
Q. Should I study the ASA material prior to the start of the course?
YES! You are expected to read through the sailing text books and familier with the information prior to the start of the course. The more knowledge you have the better equipped you will be to implement the knowledge during the course.
Q. What is the deposit?
A 50% deposit is required. You can place your deposit by clicking on the BOOK NOW button at the top of the page.
Q. Will there be meals ashore?
Yes, there will be 3 to 4 meals enjoyed ashore.
Q. How much sailing will there be daily?
Depending on the coursework, there will be 5 to 7 hours of sailing each day. Certain days will cover less water to practice maneuvering and other activities such as anchoring, chart plotting, safety, and docking.
Q. Will there be downtime?
Yes, you bet! PASSAGE OFFSHORE is a course designed to explore the joys of sailing and a big part of that is rewarding yourself with the fruits of your labor. Whether it is a splendid beachside restaurant or rum shack, snorkeling, hiking, exploring a magnificent seaside village, or relaxing with a book aboard, there will be plenty of downtime from the educational curriculum.
Q. Who cooks?
Unlike other Sailing Collective adventures, PASSAGE OFFSHORE teaches you how to provision and cook for a voyage. Together, we will go to the local markets and seek out quality ingredients to be prepared aboard. Recipes will be based on the guidebook provided by the Sailing Collective culinary director. Please be prepared to bring two to three of your favorite recipes to prepare. The instructor will facilitate the provisioning.
Q. How many students?
There will be 3 to 5 students per session with 1 instructor. We keep the student count to a minimum to maximize your time learning and hands-on experience.
Q. Gratuity
Not only is your captain your educational instructor, but he is also providing high levels of hospitality. It is customary in the yachting industry to offer gratuity to your crew. 10% of your ticket price is a standard amount.
NOTICE | This is NOT a luxury week, this is a sailing course. Please be sure to connect with the Sailing Collective travel team to be sure this is the correct experience for you.
Certifications
ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet in length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety and seamanship.
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, multiple-anchor mooring, docking, health & safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation, and dinghy/tender operation.
FAQ
What is the starting airport?
Tenerife South Airport on Tenerife Island (TFS)
When should I arrive and when can I fly out?
Boarding time is 9:00am on Day-One and it's recommended to arrive in Tenerife the day before to ensure you board on time. We can offer recommended accommodations on the island.
What if I don't have much sailing experience?
The main difference between a monohull and catamaran experience is the payout and healing motion when sailing underway. The 'purest' sailors prefer monohulls because it is a more traditional way of sailing, and honestly, more fun. Where catamarans can also sail great, they do not have the healing motion and you cannot sail close to the wind.
What is the focus of this voyage?
This is a monohull-voyage. What that means is we will be sailing daily as a group with a focus on exploration under sail. Many of the other Sailing Collective voyages have an aim at relaxation - designed as a resent from the daily life back at home and an adventure where you can forget your responsibilities. Where you can still achieve all these goals during this Canary Islands voyage, there will likely be more physical efforts, especially with the sailing component. We aim to discover these majestic islands with sails up, healing over, and connecting with the sea and wind.
What can I expect for a Maiden Voyage?
Simply put, adventure. Sailing Collective is no stranger to the maiden voyage, in fact, nearly all our new adventures are maiden voyages with sailors joining the adventures. Together, we will explore coves that as a group, will be new for us all. It's the closet experience you'll get feeling like a true explorer aboard an expedition.
What to expect with the weather?
It is winter in January in Canary Islands and also the peak sailing season. Summer is too hot and not ideal for sailing. Air temperatures during the day will be in the 70s and will drop to the 60s once the sun sets. Think of Florida during the winter, or the Bahamas. You'll want to pack a set of warm and comfortable clothing and it is a good idea to have a spring foul weather gear jacket as well or similar to break the wind.
Boats
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