Fuerteventura sailing

Although Fuerteventura has the ideal conditions for it, sailing is less popular than for example kitesurfing and windsurfing. The reason for that could be the fact that, although there are several harbours on Fuerteventura, there are only a few sheltered bays where you can drop anchor and dropping anchor at an idyllic spot is what most of the people that are travelling with large yachts are looking for.A marina is planned however just before you get to Corrralejo.

On the island there are several Escualas Nauticas, sailing schools, where the local children and adults can learn how to sail and surf. In the afternoon and early evening you can see, in for example Puerto de Rosario, the pupils in their 420 and 470 dingys sailing in and at close range of the harbour.

The usual type of boat that you will see most here is not the 420 or the 470, but the catamaran, which you can rent in several places on Fuerteventura. If you want to rent a sailing boat you should remember to take your sailing certificate with you. The last to mention are the yachts. You can frequently see them sail by a few hundred metres from the east coast of Fuerteventura. They are usually part of a group of yachts of the same type that sail together from one island to the other. Because the winds are often strong and the crew maybe not that experienced, they often only sail on the foresail, and you can´t blame them really, because it´s not very comfortable when your floating home lies under an angle of 45 degrees when you try to cook or get other things done below deck.

On the Canaries they have their own traditional boats, the Vela Latinas, which are also used in regattas. They were originally designed as fishing boats with latin rigging a fixed keel and a crew of up to five people. If you want to see these boats you can go to the harbours of Puerto del Rosario and Corralejo.

As mentioned earlier you can rent out the small catamarans, but if you like to treat yourself to some time on a really big and expensive boat, then you can book a trip on one of the catamarans which provide 4 to 5 hour trip. These trips are usually fully catered, with food and drinks are included in the price. If you are lucky you may encounter dolphins, turtles or flying fish on yourr journey.

For a slightly different take on sailing, have a look at our Los Achipencos page. If you are here when this event is on its well worth a visit.

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Catamarans on the beach

Yacht at the entrance of the harbour

Catamaran