I navigate in the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde

Introduction

Navigating in the Azores, Canary Islands or Cape Verde means sailing in three Atlantic Ocean archipelagos that play an important role in offshore sailing, transatlantic crossings and voyages between Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. These destinations are frequently included in long-distance cruising routes linking mainland Europe, Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, the Caribbean and North America.

Although geographically relatively close on an Atlantic scale, the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde have distinct nautical characteristics. Weather conditions, wind patterns, currents, swell, underwater relief and available shelter can vary considerably from one archipelago to another.

Navigation in this region therefore requires appropriate nautical documentation: a general or ocean chart for passage planning, coastal charts for navigation between islands, approach charts for preparing port entries and detailed harbour plans showing channels, quays, anchorages, hazards and navigational aids.

Navigating in the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean

Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, the Azores are an important waypoint for sailing between Europe and North America. The archipelago includes São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo.

Navigation in the Azores is characterized by an oceanic environment, rapidly changing weather and conditions that can evolve quickly. Atlantic swell, low-pressure systems and the local effects of the islands' terrain must be considered when preparing an offshore passage or inter-island navigation.

Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, is one of the main gateways to the archipelago. Horta, on Faial, is another iconic stopover for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Other ports and shelters include Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória, Vila da Praia, Velas, Madalena and Lajes das Flores.

Azores nautical charts are used in particular to prepare:

• a passage from mainland Portugal or Madeira;

• navigation between the different islands;

• approaches to Ponta Delgada or Horta;

• identification of coastal and underwater hazards;

• preparation of a port call or anchorage;

• a transatlantic passage to the Caribbean or North America.

For offshore navigation, a small-scale chart provides an overall view of the route. When approaching the islands, larger-scale charts become necessary to provide the level of detail required for coastal and harbour navigation.

Navigating in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are one of the major hubs for recreational sailing in the Atlantic. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are incorporated into numerous routes linking Europe with Cape Verde, the Caribbean and the Americas.

The archipelago is particularly well known for its trade-wind conditions. However, the terrain can create significant local variations in wind between the open sea, exposed coasts and areas sheltered by the islands.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera are among the important ports in the region. Their port facilities and provisioning possibilities help explain why the Canary Islands are such a frequent stopover before an Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean.

Nautical charts of the Canary Islands are useful for studying harbour approaches, coastal navigation areas and passages between the islands. They also help prepare transatlantic routes by incorporating the various stages and distances between the archipelagos.

Charts from the Admiralty, SHOM, Imray and specialist recreational chart publishers provide coverage for different navigation requirements in this region. Digital charting from manufacturers such as Navionics and C-MAP can also complement paper documentation when compatible with the navigation equipment installed on board.

Navigating in Cape Verde

Located farther south, off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is a strategic stopover for Atlantic crossings. The archipelago includes Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal, Boa Vista, Fogo, Maio, Brava and Santa Luzia.

Mindelo, on São Vicente, is particularly well known as a port of call for sailors preparing to cross the Atlantic towards the Caribbean. Praia, on Santiago, is also an important port in the archipelago.

Navigation in Cape Verde differs from conditions encountered in the Azores. The climate is drier and the trade winds have a significant influence. Wind acceleration around the islands, swell and the characteristics of harbour and anchorage approaches should be studied before entering a port or reaching an anchorage.

A nautical chart of Cape Verde makes it possible to identify islands, shoals, isolated dangers, depths, navigational aids and harbour approaches. For a passage to the Caribbean, general Atlantic charts provide the broader oceanographic and geographical context.

The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute contributes to the production of hydrographic data and charts covering Cape Verde, while the Admiralty, SHOM and other publishers also provide charts covering routes and approaches in this region.

Preparing an Atlantic crossing

The Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde are often considered stages within the same transatlantic sailing network. The choice of route nevertheless depends on the season, the boat, the crew, autonomy, weather conditions and final destination.

A typical route may connect Europe with the Canary Islands before continuing to Cape Verde and then the Caribbean. Another route may pass through Madeira and the Azores before continuing towards northern Europe or North America.

In every case, it is useful to distinguish between several levels of charting:

• an ocean chart for overall passage planning;

• a general chart for positioning the archipelagos and major routes;

• a coastal chart for navigation around the islands;

• an approach chart for reaching a port;

• a harbour plan for manoeuvring and precise identification of port facilities.

This organization of nautical documentation makes it possible to move progressively from a broad overview of the route to a detailed representation of the area where navigation is actually taking place.

Major nautical chart publishers

Several publishers and hydrographic services provide coverage of the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde.

The Admiralty, published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, provides charts covering the eastern Atlantic, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Some references are intended for offshore routes, while others provide more detailed coverage of approaches and ports.

SHOM, the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, also provides charts covering the Atlantic and the areas between Europe and West Africa. Some ocean charts can be used to cover routes towards Cape Verde.

Imray is particularly well established in recreational sailing documentation and coastal navigation. Its charts and atlases are designed to meet the practical needs of sailors navigating in these regions.

NV Charts also provides charting suitable for recreational sailing in various Atlantic areas.

These paper charts can be complemented by digital charting from Navionics or C-MAP, depending on the software, chartplotter or navigation system installed on board.

Which nautical chart should you choose for the Azores, Canary Islands or Cape Verde?

The choice of nautical chart primarily depends on the type of navigation being planned.

For a passage covering several hundred nautical miles, a small-scale ocean chart is suitable for route planning. It provides an overview of distances, archipelagos, major maritime areas and the overall progress of the vessel.

For navigation around an island, a larger-scale coastal chart provides more information about depths, hazards, landmarks and navigational aids.

When approaching a port such as Horta, Ponta Delgada, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas or Mindelo, an approach chart or harbour plan provides a higher level of detail.

It is therefore generally preferable not to consider a single chart sufficient for an entire voyage. A transatlantic passage and a harbour entrance do not require the same type of cartographic information.

Paper charts and digital charting

Paper charts continue to play an important role in the preparation and execution of offshore navigation. They provide a representation independent of electronic systems and facilitate route planning, distance calculations and position plotting.

Digital charting offers considerable flexibility. Depending on the navigation system installed on board, it can display the vessel's position, enable route planning, provide access to different chart scales and facilitate the rapid consultation of available cartographic information.

For a passage involving the Azores, Canary Islands or Cape Verde, combining paper documentation with digital charting compatible with the vessel's navigation equipment is a useful approach.

Documentation adapted to ocean navigation

The nautical chart is only one component of the documentation required for navigation in the Atlantic. Depending on the route, it may be supplemented by sailing directions, harbour guides, navigation atlases, lists of lights, weather information and publications relating to the areas concerned.

Information about ports can be particularly important. When arriving in Horta, Mindelo or Las Palmas, sailors need appropriate information concerning approaches, access, available facilities and any local restrictions.

Nautical documentation should also be considered in relation to the date of navigation. Charts, Notices to Mariners, port information and regulatory data can change. Checking the current status of the documents being used is therefore an integral part of preparing an offshore passage.

Major ports to know

Ports and stopovers frequently associated with this region include:

• Ponta Delgada and Horta in the Azores;

• Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória on Terceira;

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos in Tenerife;

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Pasito Blanco in Gran Canaria;

• Arrecife in Lanzarote;

• Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura;

• Santa Cruz de La Palma;

• San Sebastián de La Gomera;

• Mindelo in São Vicente;

• Praia in Santiago.

Conclusion

Navigating in the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde requires cartographic preparation adapted to offshore navigation, inter-island sailing and harbour approaches. These three archipelagos are major stages in the Atlantic, but their wind, swell, terrain and navigation conditions have distinct characteristics.

Whether preparing an Atlantic crossing, approaching Ponta Delgada or Horta, sailing between the Canary Islands, stopping in Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife, or preparing a passage from Mindelo towards the Caribbean, it is important to have charts suited to each stage of the voyage.

Charts produced by SHOM, the Admiralty, Imray, NV Charts and the relevant national hydrographic services cover a wide range of requirements, from planning an ocean passage to making a detailed approach to a port.

FAQ – Navigating in the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde

Which nautical chart should I use for sailing in the Azores?

For the Azores, the appropriate chart depends on the route. A general or ocean chart is suitable for an Atlantic crossing, while a larger-scale chart is preferable for coastal navigation and approaches to ports such as Horta or Ponta Delgada.

Which nautical chart should I use for sailing in the Canary Islands?

For the Canary Islands, charts are available covering the entire archipelago as well as more detailed documents for individual islands and major ports. The Admiralty, SHOM, Imray and various recreational chart publishers provide coverage suitable for this region.

Which chart should I use for an Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean?

An ocean chart covering the tropical Atlantic can be used to plan the overall route. It should be supplemented with the charts required for departure and arrival port approaches and for any planned stopovers.

Why stop in Cape Verde before crossing the Atlantic?

Cape Verde is an important geographical stage between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean. Mindelo is particularly well known as a stopover for sailors preparing to cross the Atlantic towards the Caribbean.

What are the main nautical stopovers in the Azores?

Ponta Delgada, Horta, Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória, Velas, Madalena and Lajes are among the ports and stopovers to consider depending on the route and navigation conditions.

What are the main ports in the Canary Islands for sailors?

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera are among the important ports for navigation in the archipelago.

What are the main ports in Cape Verde?

Mindelo, on São Vicente, and Praia, on Santiago, are two particularly important ports for navigation in the archipelago and for Atlantic crossings.

What is the difference between an ocean chart and a coastal chart?

An ocean chart covers a much larger area and is mainly used for passage planning. A coastal chart covers a more limited area with greater detail concerning depths, hazards, landmarks and navigational aids.

Should I use both paper and digital charts?

The two formats can complement each other. Digital charting facilitates electronic navigation and route monitoring, while paper charts provide independent documentation useful for planning and navigational safety.

Which publishers cover the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde?

Depending on the area and type of chart required, coverage includes publications from SHOM, the Admiralty, Imray, NV Charts and the relevant national hydrographic services.