Our Sailing Adventure in Spain: From Tarifa to Lanzarote and back.
This post is about our memories in the Atlantic Ocean as we sail from Tarifa to Lanzarote with non-stop sailing, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments. This trip was all about day and night duties on board, embracing the ocean’s beauty and challenges during week away from land.
Setting Sail from Tarifa to Lanzarote
The adventure began the moment we set foot on Quetzal, Dufour & Sparks 48, in San Miguel, Tarifa.
We had to leave quite immediately in order to catch a window of wind.
So we planned the route and left right after buying the necessary food for the week ahead.
The crew was experienced and willing to let us sail how we hoped for.
It was me, Stefan and Tristan aiming to complete their 1000 NM.
Which he did because this trip was indeed all about sailing – nothing less.
We spent almost the entire time on the move, only touching land for one night.
Our route took us from Tarifa to Lanzarote, passing by Gran Canaria, and then back.
Life on Board: Comfort & Cuisine
The crew made the journey quite special.
Bernhard, our skipper, was not just an expert sailor but also an incredible cook 👨🏻🍳
He somehow managed to bake fresh bread and pizzas 🍕 while we rode the swells of the Atlantic.
Mornings were a delight with hearty porridge, fresh fruits, assorted nuts, and ginger.
We would switch roles and alternate in the kitchen and in all other roles.
I even managed to returned home with a treasured goulash recipe from Bernhard that I plan to keep forever.
Surfing the Atlantic Waves
Sailing in the Atlantic for the first time was thrilling, especially when we caught the waves just right.
It is true that the ocean wave takes you in a different way and at some point it felt like surfing the open ocean.
The night shifts were intense, but they also gifted us some of the most magical sights—endless stars and glowing plankton lighting up the water. 🌌
We didn’t see any orcas or whales, but that didn’t take away from the adventure.
I did have a small setback when seasickness 😵 hit me after drinking tea during my night shift. A dose of medication knocked me out 😂 and I had a bit of a blackout.
But in the grand scheme of things, it was just a tiny blip in an otherwise exhilarating trip.
One last day of fun and relax
On the final day, Stefan and Tristan were eager to go kitesurfing.
So that is what we did (they did).
We took a Taxi and drove to in one of the top spots in Tenerife, Playa El Médano.
They rented their gear and they were set for a whole afternoon, jumping over and improving their tricks.
I took some time to just internalize the week and the time at sea before going back to our usual life and work.
They had a blast, while I chose a more relaxed approach—reading, walking, and simply soaking in the experience.
Willing to discover more Atlantic areas
This journey was pure sailing, a first adventure on the vast Atlantic, and an experience we won’t soon forget.
Would we do it again?
Absolutely!
Brittany happened to be our next stop in August 2024.
