• Wave icon Trip Type: Offshore
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: Europe & the Baltic
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Adventure Rating:
High

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Experience Required:
Low to some

14 Days from £2,499

Dates, Prices & Travel

Sail to the Canaries using celestial navigation

Embark on an unforgettable offshore sailing adventure from Spain’s rugged Atlantic coastline to the sun-soaked Canary Islands, navigating the open ocean using only celestial techniques. Over the first two days, you’ll learn the art of celestial navigation on a shore based theory course (no prior celestial training needed). Then, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Sail 1,000 nautical miles southwest, now guided solely by the sun, moon, stars, and planets. This isn’t just an offshore passage; it’s a true celestial navigation experience aboard a powerful 60′ yacht sailing out in the Atlantic Ocean.

This is an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage for those who sign on as a watch leader. This course and the training on the passage can also be used as your RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shore-based theory course. 

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the offshore sailing experts?

Rubicon 3 are renowned as the offshore sailing experts, renowned in the sailing world for our extensive experience, comprehensive training, dedication to discovery, and fantastic sailing adventures. Our expert team, highly experienced sailors in ocean passage making, the Arctic, North Sea, and Norwegian Sea, offer hands-on instruction in all aspects of offshore sailing, catering to those new to offshore sailing and more seasoned sailors.

Our selection of unique bucket lists and less-traveled routes sets us apart, ensuring offshore sailing that’s both exhilarating and full of discovery. Our ethos is an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, ensuring every voyage respects the sailors and the sea. Additionally, we are as focused on individual skill-building as a sailing school so that everyone is fully involved in every aspect of the passage. This holistic approach built Rubicon 3’s reputation as the go-to experts for anyone seeking the highest level of offshore sailing.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see this trip’s dates. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Sailing Area

sailing spain to canaries area map
Sailing spain to canaries route map
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

Initial Course In Celestial Navigation

Join your fellow crew in Spain for two immersive days of celestial navigation training. No prior experience is necessary as we guide you through the fundamentals from the ground up. You’ll master the use of the sextant and learn how to navigate using the Sun and stars to determine your position. These study days are intensive but captivating, offering a deep dive into the art of celestial navigation and preparing you for real-world application out on the open ocean.

navigating at sea with sextant

Training and preparation in the Spanish Rias

Before we venture into the open Atlantic, we’ll spend our first couple of days in the serene and stunning Rías Baixas. These fjord-like inlets are a sailor’s paradise, offering ideal training grounds and the chance to fine-tune skills. Here, you’ll take part in rigging checks, provisioning, and safety briefings, while enjoying the breathtaking coastal villages, local seafood, and quiet anchorages. Whether honing navigation techniques or practicing sail trim in more sheltered waters, these days will build the confidence needed for the offshore leg.

crew flaking mainsail

Islas Cíes

Located just off the coast of Vigo, the Cíes Islands are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park and are often referred to as the “Galician Caribbean.” The islands offer us a beautiful anchorage, pristine beaches like Playa de Rodas (often ranked among the best in the world), and crystal-clear waters perfect for a swim.

Isle de cies

Baiona

A historic coastal town just south of Vigo, Baiona is an enchanting spot with a mix of old-world charm and seaside appeal – and a favourite overnight stop of ours. It was here that one of Columbus’s ships, the Pinta, first arrived with news of the New World. Baiona has a beautiful marina and we can explore the old town with its narrow, cobbled streets.

Baiona

Ría de Aldán

A bit further from Vigo, the Ría de Aldán is another hidden gem with secluded anchorages, small fishing villages, and pristine beaches and is ideal for anchoring overnight. The surrounding landscape is stunning, with rolling hills and lush greenery.

Heading out to sea

It’s always dramatic as we finally head out into the Atlantic and see land disappear behind us. Life at sea quickly settles into a routine governed by the elements and the necessities of sailing. Each day is structured around watches, navigation checks, sail adjustments, and some boat maintenance. You’ll have day watches and night watches, when you will see star scapes unlike any you have ever seen before. When you’re not on watch, you can rest, read, gaze out over the endless horizons and spectacular sunrises and sunsets and immerse yourself in the experience of being out in the Atlantic Ocean.

under sail

Helming and Navigation

Helming the yacht is a shared responsibility, with crew members rotating to keep the vessel on course. While GPS is onboard, it will remain safely hidden away, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in celestial navigation. With each passing day, you’ll gain confidence and precision in using the sextant to navigate by the stars, sun, and planets. During the dawn watch, you’ll use twilight stars and planets to establish a fix, while daytime watches focus on the Sun for navigation. By sunset, you’ll return to the stars and planets for a final fix before darkness sets in. As we sail through the night using dead reckoning, your celestial abilities will continue to sharpen, ready to be tested again at dawn. With each watch, your skills will improve as you navigate ever more accurately across the open ocean.

ocean sunset

Trimming Sails and Keeping Watch

We need to keep moving as quickly and efficiently as we can, so trimming sails to suit the wind conditions is a constant task that requires attention and teamwork. Efficiency and speed depend on correctly setting the sails, a skill you will be honing with your ever-increasing experience and knowledge. Keeping watch always involves more than just watching for other vessels; it’s about monitoring weather changes and sea conditions and keeping us going fast and well.

 

celestial navigation

Cooking and Meals

Meals are always central events of the day, providing not just welcome food but a chance for all the crew to come together, chat and share experiences. Cooking at sea, in a confined and moving space, challenges crews to be creative with limited ingredients. It’s fun and becomes ever more fun to see what can be made with the remaining food.

Sunny sailing crew

Relaxing and Leisure

Despite the demands of sailing, there is plenty of time for relaxation and introspection. The vastness of the ocean offers a unique backdrop for reading, contemplation, or simply enjoying the solitude and beauty of the ocean. Watching dolphins play in the bow wave or marveling at the unobstructed view of the stars at night are experiences that stay with sailors long after the crossing is over.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote

If weather and timings allow, after 700 miles and around 5 days of sailing, we hope to make a stop in Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands’ most captivating destinations. Known for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes and lively culture, Lanzarote offers a perfect contrast to the last few days at sea. Although a brief respite, it provides an ideal and fun opportunity to stretch your legs, sample local cuisine, and take in the striking beauty of this volcanic gem before we continue our voyage to Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria

Final Passage to Gran Canaria

As we embark on the final 300-mile, two-day leg to Gran Canaria, there’s a palpable shift in the crew’s energy. Now skilled in celestial navigation, confident, and fully immersed in the rhythm of the ocean, each crew member moves seamlessly from task to task—whether it’s helming, sail trimming, or taking a celestial fix. The shared sense of achievement and camaraderie is undeniable, often mingled with a bittersweet feeling—sadness that the journey is drawing to a close, yet excitement for the landfall ahead. As the warm trade winds propel us toward the sun-drenched shores of Gran Canaria, we feel the anticipation of reaching our destination. At the same time, we savor these final moments at sea, knowing they are the culmination of a voyage—and newfound celestial skills—that we will always cherish.

 

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

November 2, 2025
Vigo, Spain

End Date & Location

November 15, 2025
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Price

£2,499

Deposit

£1,499

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: November 2, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Vigo, Spain

Start Port: Vigo

Start Marina: Marina TBC

End Date: November 15, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

End Port: Las Palmas

End Marina: Las Palmas Marina

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Vigo (IATA code: VGO)
Fly Out of: Las Palmas (IATA code: LPA)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Vigo, Spain
  • The nearest airport is Vigo, but you can also fly into Santiago de Compostela (IATA code: SCQ), Porto (IATA code: OPO), or A Coruna (IATA code: LCG)
  • The celestial navigation theory course starts at 9:00 AM on the start day, so you will need to be Vigo by November 01 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Vigo
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria by 09:00 am on November 15 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of offshore passages, we can’t 100% guarantee it. If you are concerned, we recommend booking flexible onward travel back from Gran Canaria or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total: £1,499

Start Date & Location

October 25, 2026
Spain

End Date & Location

November 7, 2026
Gran Canaria

Price

£2,499

Deposit

£999

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: October 25, 2026

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Spain

Start Port: Vigo

Start Marina: Real Club Nautico Vigo

End Date: November 7, 2026

End Time: 09:00

End Country: Gran Canaria

End Port: Las Palmas

End Marina: Las Palmas

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Vigo Aiport (IATA Code: VGO)
Fly Out of: Las Palmas (IATA Code: LPA)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Vigo, Spain
  • The nearest airport is Vigo, but you can also fly into Santiago de Compostela (IATA code: SCQ), Porto (IATA code: OPO), or A Coruna (IATA code: LCG)
  • The celestial navigation theory course starts at 9:00 AM on the 25th October 2026, so you will need to be Vigo by 24th October 2026.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Vigo
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria by 09:00 am on November 07 2026.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of offshore passages, we can’t 100% guarantee it. If you are concerned, we recommend booking flexible onward travel back from Gran Canaria or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total: £999

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