My name is Elena Musaelyan. I was first introduced to sailing in 2021 on the Pirogov Reservoir, embarking on a two-day trip on a small yacht, Platu 25. Falling in love with the sails and the wind, I realized that life would never be the same.
Since then, I’ve sailed in the North Atlantic, Norwegian, Adriatic, Mediterranean, Black, and Baltic seas. As a skipper, I spent several months exploring the Turkish coastline from Knidos to Finike.
Total nautical miles covered to date: about 2,500 miles.
Certificates: IYT Yachtmaster Coastal, ISSA Inshore Skipper, IYT Marine Communication Master VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC), First Aid Training
You can learn more on the website sailingdream.tilda.ws/canarias
Hello, fellow travelers!
I’m heading to explore the Canary Islands in November—not just hopping from one sight to another, but experiencing it all from the water, sailing along the coasts on a sailboat. And I invite those who would like to join me on this adventure!)
WHY VISIT THE CANARY ISLANDS?
Because it’s one of the most unique places on Earth. Here, you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean, stroll through ancient relic forests, climb to the crater of an extinct volcano, see golden sandy dunes, explore 15th-century architecture, and even spot whales!
The format of the trip is simple: we’ll spend a week living on a sailing yacht, equipped for the comfortable stay of a small crew (up to 6 people plus the captain, that’s me!). The yacht has three cabins, a cozy salon with a kitchen, and two bathrooms with hot water and showers.
ITINERARY
We’ll depart from the Santa Cruz marina and sail along the shores of Tenerife, docking in a new spot each day. I’ve mapped out all the main attractions of Tenerife and the nearby islands, Gran Canaria and La Gomera—volcanoes, ancient relic forests, sandy dunes, Martian landscapes of solidified lava, pyramids, and 15th-century architectural monuments. I’ve crafted the routes to cover all the most interesting spots on the islands while integrating sailing in the ocean, where dolphins and possibly even whales will accompany us!
Swimming will also be an option: the average air temperature is +23°C, and the water is +20°C. Of course, the weather can always make its adjustments to our perfect plan, but that only adds to the excitement of the adventure!
DATES
November 2-9 and November 16-23 (Tenerife + Gran Canaria route),
November 9-16 (Tenerife + La Gomera).
WHY IN NOVEMBER?
The Canary Islands can be visited any time of year—it’s always spring here, with a mild and stable climate free from sharp temperature changes. November, in particular, is considered one of the most pleasant months: it’s sunny, with an average air temperature of 23°C and water warming up to 20°C.
COST
This experience does require an investment: however, I wouldn’t categorize it as a standard yacht tour, and it’s hard to call it commercial since I’m using personal funds for the yacht rental and all associated costs for the captain, which are quite significant. I’d like to share these expenses. To me, this feels more like an exploratory journey through the Canary Islands and the Atlantic Ocean with like-minded people, whom I hope to find. Teams are already forming, and I’m currently communicating with many interested parties, but there’s still room to join for any of the dates.
In my view, the cost is quite reasonable: €800 per person if you book two spots in a double cabin, or €890 for a solo traveler (you’ll share the cabin with a crew member of the same gender). This doesn’t include food: we prepare simple meals together, splitting the costs for groceries, or dine at local restaurants, which is quite a personal choice.)
For those traveling alone, this is also a wonderful way to meet interesting and vibrant people. I can’t quite explain it, but my experience shows that incredible individuals always come together on a yacht crew.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE ONBOARD?
We are traveling on a comfortable cruise yacht, the Beneteau Oceanis 41, equipped with three cabins, two bathrooms with showers and hot water, and a cozy salon with a kitchen. For an entire week, the yacht becomes our home, accommodating up to 6 people plus the captain. We sleep, cook, and navigate under sail or use the engine when there is no wind. The cabins have small lockers for clothes and closed compartments for bags (hard suitcases are not recommended). All marinas where we will dock for the night have convenient showers. As for meals, we discuss a tentative menu in advance with the crew, and before the journey starts, we purchase groceries based on a list. Typically, we prepare simple breakfasts and lunches onboard, while dinners are enjoyed at local restaurants near the marinas.
If my idea resonates with you and you’re eager to join, you can reserve a spot on the yacht now for half the cost, with the remainder due closer to the travel date. There are only a few spots available, and they could disappear at any moment!
For those who have never been on a yacht, there may be many questions. I would be happy to answer and share more; feel free to message me via Facebook. I respond quickest on Telegram at Elena_Vedya. You can also check out my page, where I’ve gathered all the detailed information about this journey.
