A typical week from Marina San Miguel

Saturday to Saturday, Tenerife and La Gomera: the channel crossing comes early in the week, and the return runs down the west coast of Tenerife, sheltered from the trade wind.

Day 1, San Miguel to Puerto Colón (10 NM). A short leg west round Punta de la Rasca, to try the boat and the reefing before the crossing; berth booked ahead.

Day 2, to San Sebastián de La Gomera (20 NM). Across the channel with the trade wind on the beam: when it blows 20 knots outside, the middle can see 30, so reef in the marina. Marina La Gomera is booked online, and anchoring inside the harbour is not allowed.

Day 3, to Valle Gran Rey (15 NM). Along the south coast of La Gomera, in the island's lee, to the small harbour of Vueltas: book through Puertos Canarios, or anchor off the beach in settled weather.

Day 4, back to San Sebastián (15 NM). East again along the same sheltered coast, keeping the afternoon for a taxi up to the laurel forest of the Garajonay national park.

Day 5, to Los Gigantes (17 NM). Back across to Tenerife, to the marina at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs; the entrance needs care in a swell.

Day 6, to Masca and back (6 NM). A short day under the cliffs: Masca bay is one of the few anchorages on this coast, swimming allowed, landing on the beach not. Second night at Los Gigantes.

Day 7, to San Miguel (20 NM). Down the west and south coasts, past Puerto Colón and round Punta de la Rasca, back by Friday afternoon.

Two weeks add La Palma, 45 to 50 NM north-west of La Gomera, or El Hierro, about 35 NM south-west. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, 7 NM apart, are a different week from a different base.