— INTRODUCTION

Coast radio station funnels down a valley and mini waterspouts have (CCR) (24 hours) DSC – MF MMSl 002241026, been reported. The acceleration zones off both the VHF MMSI 002241025 southwest and northwest coasts can also be 928 456644, Fax 928 332372 particularly bad, and there may be strong down- MF 26°45'N 15°36'W, remotely controlled from Las draughts off the high land between Puerto Rico and Palmas Transmits 1689, 2182kHz SSB, receives 2114, 2182, Punta Sardina. Be sure to reef on first sighting white 3290kHz SSB horses, and always reef when approaching an Weather bulletins 1689kHz SSB at 0803, 1233, 1903 acceleration zone in darkness, even though wind (gale warnings, synopsis and forecast in Spanish for strength often decreases at night. North Atlantic) Navigational warnings 1689kHz SSB at 0803, 1903 (in Spanish for Canary lslands, following weather Harbours and anchorages bulletins) VHF 27°58'N 15°33'W, remotely controlled from Tenerife Ch 16, 26, 84 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Weather bulletins Ch 26 at 0833, 1333, 2033 (gale 28°07' . 6N 15°25'•5W warnings, synopsis and forecast in Spanish for coastal waters) Tides Navigational warnings Ch 26 at 0833, 2033 (in Spanish Standard port for the is Casablanca, with for Canary Islands) Puerto de las Palmas secondary port. MLWS is about 0 4m 1. Reserved for Autolink above datum and time difference on Casablanca: –0100. It Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is among those ports for which tidal data is available via Las Palmas (MRCC) (24 hours) DSC – VHF MMSl EasyTide – see page 9. 002240995 Mean spring range 2.1m 928 467757/467955, Fax 928 467760 Mean neap range 1.0m (This station does not accept public correspondence other than distress and safety traffic) Plans MF 28°09N 15°25W Admiralty 1856 (1:75,000 and 1:12,500) Transmits/receives 2182kHz SSB Spanish 508, 511 (1:50,000), 6100 (1:12,500) VHF 28°09N 15°25W US 51344 (1:30,000 and 1:10,000) Ch 10, 16 lmray-lolaire E2 (1:22,100) Navigational warnings Ch 10 on receipt and as the situation requires (in Spanish and English) Lights

NAVTEX 2798 La Isleta 28°10•5N 15°25-1W ldentification letter 'l'. The Canaries fall within FL(3+1)20s248m21M Round white tower with yellow NAVAREA 11. All transmissions are in Spanish and band and building 10m Note Shows fixed between flashes within 6M English on the standard Navtex frequency of 518kHz. . Las Palmas transmits navigational warnings for the 27992 Roque del Palo 28°09 9N 15°24W coastal waters of the Canaries at 0120, 0520, 0920, Q(3)10s18m8M East cardinal post with • topmark, on 1320, 1720, 2110 and weather bulletins for the same concrete base 6m area at 0920, 1320, 1720. 2799-4 Dique Reina Sofia, head 28°07•5N 15°24•3W Fl.G.5520m1OM (Reserve light 5M) White framework tower 8m Note In February 2004 work began on an extension to the Dique Reina Sofia (the main breakwater), and the above Approach and navigation li ght was temporarily replaced by a green pillar buoy There are no particular hazards except when with • topmark, FI.G.5s5M, at 28°07'•2N 15°24' . 4W. This approaching from the east at night, when part of the work is likely to take some time to complete and in the meantime it would be wise to give the area a wide white sector of light .'" lies across the berth, particularly in darkness land. When approaching from this direction the light 2799-5 Dique Reina Sofia, outer elbow should bear no less than 120°. It is advisable to keep 28°07 . 8N 15°24•3W Q(3)5s12m8M 3M off, in soundings of more than 20m, to clear the 150°-vis-360° East cardinal post 1m shallows round the point. Further up the east coast, Note At least three other lights exist along the 2-1M length of the Dique Reina Sofia in the vicinity of Punta Melenara and Punta de 2799-6 Dique Reina Sofia, inner elbow . Gando, shoals lie up to 0 5M offshore. 28°081N 15°24•5W Q(2)G.6s7m4M Winds blow from northeast for most of the year, 335 . 5°-vis-181 . 5° Round green tower 4m with a protected area in the south created by the 2801 . 2 Dique de Leon y Castillo, head high mountains. In this windshadow, between Punta 28°07-7N 15°25•1W Fl(3)G.12s19m7M 291°-vis-182° Octagonal grey stone tower with de Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogan, there is often white bands 9m a more westerly belt of thermal wind up to 4M from 2800-2 Dique de Leon y Castillo, spur the shore, surrounded by light southerly breezes. 28°08N 15°247W Fl.R.4s6m5M However it is not possible to predict changes of wind Round red tower 5m Note In late 2003 two special buoys, both with x topmarks, direction which may reverse during the course of a indicated work in progress nearby day. 2807-36 Marina north mole, head Beware of the accelerated winds along much of the 28°07 . 7N 15°25.4W coastline — see Sailing and navigation, page 155. FL(2+1)R.15s9m3M Particularly dangerous is the area around Punta Red column with green band 6m 2807-37 Marina east mole, head Arinaga in the southeast, where the wind also 28°07-7N 15°25•5W Fl.R.3s7m3M Red post 5m

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2807-35 Marina north mole, elbow 28°07'•8N 15°25'•5W FL(3)10s4m3M 160°-vis-320° East cardinal post with topmark 4m 2807-34 Marina east mole, elbow 28°07' . 7N 15°25' . 5W 000°-vis-240° Fl(2)R.8s6m3M Red column 5m buoy Red pillar buoy 28°07'8N 15°25'.4W FI.R.4s2M Red pillar buoy Note To be left to port only if entering the Puerto lnterior. If entering the anchorage it will be left to starboard 2802 Muelle del Arsenal, southeast corner 28°08' . 1 N 15°25'-5W F.R.5m1M Black metal framework tower 3m Note Many other lights exist in both the Puerto Exterior and the Puerto lnterior.

Harbour communications Port Authority TEL 928 300404, Fax 928 300422, email [email protected], VHF Ch 10, 12, 16 (24 hours) Marina TEL 928 300464, tel\Fax 928 300423, email [email protected], VHF Ch 09, 16 (0900-1400 and 1600-1900 Monday to Saturday, plus Sunday mornings October–January only) General For many years Puerto de las Palmas – previously known as Puerto de la Luz – had a reputation as a dirty, oily port, subject to almost continuous wash from passing commercial craft and best avoided by yachts. However over the past decade or so this has changed – possibly being chosen as the departure port for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has opened official eyes to the benefits of visiting yachts – and its appeal has increased markedly. Work first started in 1882 to turn a poorly Places of interest in the town include the Casa de protected bay into the largest – and busiest – Colon (Columbus house and museum) at Calle commercial port in the Canaries, and appears to Colon 1, tel 928 312386, the have seldom stopped since. In particular, completion (Canarian history) at Calle Doctor Chill 25, tel 928 of work on the Dique Reina Sofia has enabled the 315600, and the new Museo Elder (science and port's bunkering facilities, formerly blamed for the technology) on Parque Santa Catalina, tel 928 frequent occurrences of black oily scum, to be 011282. The city has an official website in Spanish moved eastward from the Dique de Leon y Castillo and English at www.promocionlaspalmas.com, but and the oil nuisance now appears to be largely a it was not fully operational as of January 2004. thing of the past. The problem of wash created by Excellent views down over the city and harbour high speed ferries and hydrofoils passing close to the can be had from the bluff behind the aptly named marina, apparently with scant regard for speed Ciudad Jardin (garden city) area, though parts of the limits, has largely been overcome with the hillside appear to be somewhat rough and are construction of a new arm to the marina's north perhaps best not visited alone. mole. The entrance is now considerably narrower than previously and angled to face southeast. Approach and entrance Despite having nearly 1250 berths the marina is La Isleta is a peninsula 3km across, the northern half often full, particularly in the run up to the start of a high conical mound (230m) with steep cliffs, the the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers in late November. southern half falling away to Puerto de La Palmas While space for participating yachts is pre-booked and the low neck joining it to the mainland. The city by the organisers, those not associated with the and its suburbs appear from seaward as one event are unlikely to find berths available for four to continuous line of buildings, rising up to the south six weeks before the start. Space in the anchorage is on the slopes of Cordillera de San Francisco. also likely to be at a premium. From the north: keeping 1M off La Isleta, in order A number of plans have been put forward, either to clear Roque del Palo as well as the various wrecks for a second marina or to further expand the existing and hulks which lie outside the Dique Reina Sofia one, but as of late 2003 no decisions had been made. (outer breakwater), make for a point well off the A sign reading 'New Marina for Las Palmas' was breakwater end2799-4 before turning northwest for the displayed south of the current marina, but it appears head of the marina north mole2807-37 . that this should not be taken too literally. If and As of May 2004 work was in progress to extend when plans are approved, details will be included in the Dique Reina Sofia (see Light'', above) and the ongoing supplement to this book carried on the until this is complete the area should be given publishers' website www.imray.com. generous clearance, particularly in darkness.

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From the south: the cathedral marks the south end of Las Palmas proper and the port will lie below La Isleta. Five yellow pillar buoys plus one yellow spherical buoy (the number occasionally varies), will be seen south of the cathedral. These mark a rectangular area extending some 2M offshore in which anchoring and trawling are forbidden, but which yachts are normally permitted to cross. On closer approach identify the two outer breakwaters but make for the head of the marina north mole2807-37 The entrance to the marina was redesigned following storm damage in December 1998, with a new angled arm added to the marina's north mole to create a southeast-facing entrance less than 100m wide. It can be difficult to identify on approach, with the opening not becoming obvious until one is very close. However, once located the entrance is straightforward, and the marina itself secure in virtually all weather conditions. Berthing Arrivals generally secure to the Texaco fuel berth on the marina's east mole until allocated a slot, but as there is no office near the fuel berth the skipper must walk down to the main office at the south end of the marina. Alternatively try making contact by either VHF or telephone (see Harbour communications, above). Problems can occur when yachts arrive outside office hours, and in this situation yachts may berth stern-to the pontoon which parallels the outer wall – should space be available – until allocated a space on one of the pontoons.

A recent and very clear aerial photo of Las Palmas marina, taken from a little west of south. Autoridad Portuaria de Las Palmas

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make life uncomfortable it is seldom untenable. Late autumn gales are relatively common, and while that of November 2001 was unusually severe, precautions (such as laying additional anchors) should be taken if the yacht is to be left unattended. On that occasion many yachts dragged and some were seriously damaged. Despite several days' warning, a surprising number of these appeared to be have no one aboard. The beach inshore of the anchorage is being built up with imported sand, but although claimed to be both clean and safe some might not chose to swim there. The double row of large mooring buoys shown on older BA charts have now been removed. Dinghies can be left in the marina, either on the north mole or (less conveniently) on the outer wall. Formalities The marina office, tel 928 300464/300480, Fax 928 The reshaped entrance to the Las Palmas marina, again seen from the southwest. Graham and Avril Johnson 300466, email [email protected], where customs and other formalities are also handled, is at the south end of the basin beside the road which leads Visiting yachts are generally berthed on one of the (via a tunnel) out of the harbour. Office hours are five pontoons (numbered 14-18) which run 0900-1400 and 1600-1900 Monday to Saturday, southwards from the north mole. Pontoon 13 is plus Sunday mornings October—January only. operated by a yacht brokerage company. Surprisingly little English is spoken. Alternatively there may be space on pontoons 10 or Ships' papers and crew passports are normally 11, just south of the boatyard. All berths are bow or held until departure, though crew members who will stern-to, with a buoy and lazy line provided. be leaving the islands by air will need to recover their Large yachts are usually berthed stern-to against passports and take them to the Policia Nacional the outer wall just south of the fuel berth, though office in the main Edificio Autoridad Portuaria (Port manoeuvring can be a problem as the prevailing Authority Building) near the root of the main wind blows parallel to the quay wall and thus beam- breakwater for stamping. on to a moored yacht. These berths are provided The overnight charge for a bows-to berth (atraque with buoys and lazy lines, the finger pontoons in the de Punta) for a yacht of 13m is a very reasonable southern part of the basin being reserved for local €8.60, with that for an alongside berth (atraque de boats. Beware old lines left attached to some of the costado) just over €20, both with water and buoys, which could foul a propeller. electricity extra. Lying to one's own anchor (fondeo Anchorage medios propios) costs a modest €2.30 per night, which includes the right to leave a dinghy in the Anchoring is permitted north of the marina, where marina and to have a shower key. All the above holding is relatively good over mud, sand and shale. prices include local tax at 5%. Discounts are However the bottom is foul in some areas, making a available for longer stays if paid in advance. tripline advisable. There is an ongoing problem with swell — created both by northeasterly winds refracting around the two outer breakwaters to set up a southeasterly The de Gran Canaria (until recently swell in the anchorage, and by wash from passing known as Puerto de la Luz), seen from hills to the vessels — but while this movement may sometimes southwest. Graham and Avril Johnson

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The Port Authority maintains a website (in Simrad, Sperry - Radio Pesca, tel 928 463308, Spanish, English and French) at www.palmasport.es, email [email protected] on the Muelle which includes a section on the marina. Pesquero (in the port area); Mc Murdo EPIRBs, Facilities Skanti - Radio Maritima Atlantico,

Puerto de las Palmas probably has the best repair 928 467666, at Calle Juan Rejon 129; Simrad - Ecomarin, ' facilities in the entire Canaries, and though not all 928 488310, email [email protected], at La Naval 79. concerns are familiar with the needs of yachts, Others who stock electrical and radio spares, almost anything can be done once the correct person and/or handle repairs, are: Electronic Anesco, is located. ' 928 369444, at Bernardino Correa Vieja 1, In November 2003 a new 'service area' was Prolongacion Primero de Mayo; Etel, " 928 starting to take shape near the marina office. When 463513, at Calle Profesor Lozano 17-2; Lopacan finished it is expected to house a supermarket, Electronica SL, 928 290658, email café/restaurant , second launderette, car and bicycle [email protected], at Calle Alemania rental, and a tourist office. Completion was 66; and Tech Tronic Nautica, tel 928 787744, scheduled for April 2004, but this appeared email [email protected], at Calle Torna Golosa optimistic. 28. Boatyard The marina has its own boatyard, tel 928 t Refridgeration Rodritol, el 928 461384, email 244408, Fax 928 244408, email [email protected], at Calle Pinillos Izquierdo [email protected], in the northwest corner (in the outer port area) handle refrigeration of the marina (hours 0830-1300 and 1430-1800 problems and are agents for Frigoboat, Vetus and weekdays only). Major repairs in wood and GRP Jabsco pumps. can be carried out, but there is insufficient space Sailmaker/repairs Alisios Sailing Centre, for long-term laying up. 928233171, email [email protected], is Travel-lift Capacity 60 tonnes (and up to 6m beam) situated next to the two chandleries described at the boatyard. below. Sails can be repaired or made from Engineers There are numerous engineers in the scratch. commercial harbour and the city, but for specific Velas Linton, - 928 291934, at Alfredo makes try: Evinrude, Johnson - Internautica Gran Calderon 37, makes and repair sails, handles Canaria, tel 928 246590, at Calle Victor Hugo general canvaswork, and is agent for Profurl and 13-15; Mercury, Yanmar - Nautica Falcon, other roller-reefing gears, which they will also ' 928 243712, at Mas de Gaminde 35; Mariner, repair. Quicksilver - Nautimar Canarias, 928 Rigging Alisios Sailing Centre (see above), have 297357, email [email protected], at rigging wire and terminals of all sizes together Calle Pi y Margall 63; Perkins - Henley with the necessary skills to deploy them, plus Maquinaria, "ES' 928 411952, email ropes and some general chandlery. Other [email protected], at Calle Juan de possibilities are Nauti-Sport, " 928 240830, Gutemberg 11; Perkins, Volvo Penta - Potencia email [email protected], at Calle Marina SL, tel 928 463647/471044, email Barcelona 3; Ocean Products Espanola (see [email protected], at Benartemi 15 (also an Liferafts, below); and Tecnicas Nauticas Canarias agent for Jabsco pumps); Yamaha - Fueraborda SL, 928 247247, email [email protected], at SL, ' 928 270674/928 465549, email Calle Leon y Castillo 335 (who also carry out [email protected], at Albareda 56 and Ines GRP repairs). Chemida 69. Liferaft servicing Liferafts can be serviced by Gallarta Inoxidables, tel 928 460603/461648/ Tonogami Canarias SL, ' 928 463747, email 460905, email [email protected], at Calle Sao [email protected], at Calle Dr Juan Paolo 46, handle welding and fabrication in Dominguez Perez 44, and Ocean Products stainless steel and aluminium. Espanola SA, - 928 706724, email Electronic & radio repairs Again there are many [email protected], in La Pardilla. possibilities, but for specific makes try: Apelco, Chandlery After years of having to search the city Autohelm, Garmin, Globalstar, Icom, Siemens, for chandleries, two have now opened in the VTronix - Tesa Nautica SA, tel 928 223707, marina complex, on the road backing onto the email [email protected], at Albareda 53; B&G, city wall. To the south is Náutica Saltire, " 928 Simrad, Raytheon - Colombus Navigation, el 243685, email [email protected], with Tt 928 142978, email [email protected], at a good range of general chandlery and stainless Apartado de Correo 408, 35100 Maspalomas (on steels items plus a larger store near the airport (so the south coast of the island); Furuno, Sailor - if you don't see something, ask). Almost next Nautical, " 928 474020, email door is the larger Rolnautic, tel 928 296811, [email protected], at Esplanada del Pantalan email [email protected], with all the usual hardware de Cory (in the port area); Icom, JRC, Koden, items including those from Plastimo and Vetus. Skanti, Neco, Navitron - Electronica Naval Both chandleries are open 0900-1300 and Bridgecom, 928 224022, email 1600-1930 weekdays, 0930-1300 Saturday, have [email protected], at Albareda 60; JRC, Koden, some staff who speak English, and are willing to

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order from abroad if necessary. Cafes, restaurants & hotels A very wide choice in the Charts Suisca SL, tel 928 220000, Fax 928 city, though at some distance from the marina. A 227866, email [email protected], café/restaurant is planned for the new service www.suiscasl.com, at Avenida de Los area. Consignatorios 7, are Admiralty chart agents. JL Medical services Pharmacy in the marina complex Gándara y Cia SA,tel 928 466675/465366, Fax and hospital nearby. 928 463368, on the Esplanada Dársena del Communications Castillo, and La Casa del Mapa, tel 928 271600, Fax 928 229820, on Parque Santa Catalina, are Post office Several in the city. both official agents for the Spanish Hydrographic Mailing address Oficina del Puerto, Muelle Office. Imray charts and publications are Deportivo, E-35004 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, available from Rolnautic, see above. Islas Canarias, . Water To all berths, but has on occasion been Telephones On the fuel dock and near the port reported as tasting unpleasant. office, as well as in the city. Phone cards can be Showers Two blocks of well-kept showers, one built purchased at the Texaco mini-market by the into the wall near the harbour office and the other fuel/reception berth. opposite pontoon 10, both with card entry Email The main public library, on the coast road systems. about a kilometre south of the marina, is reported Launderette Built into the wall opposite pontoons 8 to offer free internet access. Otherwise try Zona and 9, with a second facility planned for the new Internet at Calle Joaquin Costa 32 (near Parque service area mentioned previously. There is also a Santa Catalina), open 0930-0000 Monday to launderette on Avenida Leon y Castillo near the Saturday, 1800-0000 Sunday, or Cyberspacio at south end of the marina and service wash Calle Peregrina 7 in the Triana area, open available via the manager of the Texaco fuel dock. 1100-1400 Monday to Saturday, 1730-2300 Electricity 220 volts at all berths, with 380 volts at Sunday. None of these are very near the marina the big boat berths south of the fuel dock. and there are probably others more convenient. Fuel Diesel, petrol and a variety of oils at the Texaco Fax service Incoming faxes can be sent to the marina fuel dock. office, Fax 928 300466. Outgoing faxes can be Bottled gas Camping Gas exchanges at the fuel despatched from the Texaco mini-market dock. Other cylinders will be sent for refilling, (expensive) or from several offices in the city. which usually takes two working days. Car hire Numerous companies in the city and at the Weather forecast Posted daily in the marina office. airport. At least one car hire office is planned for Club náutico The Real Club Náutico de Gran the new service area. Canaria, ` 928 234566, email Taxis Readily available. [email protected], www.rcngc.com (in English as Buses Services to all parts of the island. well as Spanish), has large premises overlooking Ferries A jetfoil runs to Morro Jable on the anchorage north of the marina. Visiting Fuerteventura and to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in yachtsmen who can prove membership of a addition to an interisland car ferry. There is also recognised foreign yacht club may be able to use a foot passenger service around the coast to the club's facilities. Puerto de Mogán. The Club Maritimo Varadero de Gran Air services The airport, which handles interisland Canaria, 928 249919, email and European flights, is 19km south of the [email protected], is based near the boatyard harbour. and controls pontoon 12. Visiting yachtsmen can become temporary members on payment of Taliarte around €20 per week, though their pleasant 27°59' 4N 15°22' 2W waterside restaurant appears to be open to all. Banks Many throughout the city, nearly all with Plans cash dispensers. Admiralty 1 856 (1:75,000) Spanish 508 (1:50,000), 511 (1:50,000) Shops/provisioning The Texaco mini-market behind the fuel dock stocks bread, milk, wine etc, but for Lights serious shopping it is necessary to go into to the 2807 . 5 Punta Melenara 27°59' . 5N 15°22'W city where there are several large supermarkets FL(2)WR.12s32m12M 270°-W-152°-R-270° Round white tower 17m including El Corte Ingles, Cruz Mayor, Supersol Note Four yellow buoys all FI.Y.3M, 600m to the southeast, and Hiperdino. Most will deliver larger orders to mark fish cages the marina free of charge. A supermarket is planned for the new service Harbour communications area mentioned previously, but it is not yet known Port Captain 928 372144 how large this will be. General Produce market Two — one on Calle Nestor de Ia Like many Canarian breakwaters that at Taliarte, Torre in the old part of the city, the other on Calle just south of Punta Melenara, is topped with a high Albareda near the commercial harbour, with a concrete wall giving good protection. A short mole fish market behind. runs out from the shore opposite, and the entrance

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