The Region
Close to the African shore, almost touching the Sahara, on the fringe of the trade winds and in the middle of a major ocean current - the Canary current - are the Islas Canarias:
Traditional meeting and starting point for ships and people, merchandising and cultural exchange - and at the same time an exciting, diverse, tough but managable blue water sailing area.
Not a small region: If you love a long leg, you can sail from the
small harbour La Graciosa North of Lanzarote to La Restinga on El Hierro,
a trip of 270 nautical miles, and you will pass through all the wind zones
of the archipelago.
The wind acceleration zones are typical of the Canaries.
In these zones the winds are accelerated through jet, cape and thermal effects,
created by the mostly north-eastern trade winds between the islands.
Follow the rule of thumb:
'Reef early and generously, because the wind will increase by another 15 knots.'
For enlargement of the picture, click on it 
But our other speciality is the reverse side of those wind acceleration
zones: the calm, onshore sea breezes in lee of the high islands (up to 3,718
m) which allows fantastic sailing under full sail. Almost all harbours and
marinas are on this side of the island.
And even in winter you only need to wear bathers on board.
A word about winter - you cannot really call the months of October to April 'winter'. This is the peak season for the sailors from the Northern countries, and also the months that are most popular with the tourists visiting the islands.
If you prefer it somewhat more low key, then come in the Canarian summer. The trade winds are reliably strong, well developed sea breezes create a pleasant climate, both on the water and on shore, and there is more space, in the marinas as well as on excursions.
In any case, make sure you set aside enough time for exploration.
Even the main islands offer many undiscovered things and spontaneous insights
into the original Canarian lifestyle, away from mainstream tourism. But probably
only sailing people can explore the small, remote islands and inaccessible
valleys where people still live peacefully and in tune with nature, just as
they did a hundred years ago.
