Madeira to Canaries - Atlantic squalls and rainbows

We set off from Quinta Do Lorde with the sun shining and 15-20 knots, showers closed in over Madeira and as we looked back on the marina a rainbow appeared

Rainbow of east of Madeira

Rainbow over Funchal

Our initial course was to take us close to the Desertas islands (part of the Madeira archipelago) which look nice from a distance but not so nice as we approached, the depth dropped off and the waves became steeper and steeper, the wind was gusting well over 20 knots and we were getting bashed around.

Wow the swell was big

By mid afternoon we were getting hit by Atlantic squalls with over 30 knots of wind, 3 reefs in the sails and heavy rain, it was not the smoothest of crossings.

Here comes the rain

Hiding from the rain

This continued for most of the afternoon and we took shelter as much as we could but by nightfall we were both shattered. The next day brought steadier winds with 15-20 north easterlies, the sea was calming and we were able to set the sails and take a bit of time to relax.  During the night into the morning as we got closer to the Canaries we saw the only 2 boats of the journey.  Mark had been on watch most of the night and finally collapsed into bed on the final few hours approach – the photo below was taken by Amanda trying not to leave the cockpit whilst Mark slept.

Lanzarote in the distance

300 miles and glad to anchor off Graciosa, a small island north of Lanzarote.

Graciosa and our safe anchorage