New Years's in the Canaries - TWISTER

Close

A New Year Sailing Holiday
Escape the post-Christmas slump, soak up some winter sun and enjoy a New Year sailing holiday in the warm Canary Islands, setting sail aboard the beautiful schooner Twister from Tenerife; feasting, exploring and celebrating.

Away from the bustling tourist centres, Twister and her crew will show you a quieter, wilder side to this extraordinary archipelago. From walking through the ancient rainforests of Garajonay – La Gomera’s National Park – to snorkelling with Manta Rays and phosphorescence – sailing in the Canaries is the best way to explore the islands. The spectacular wildlife is, of course, a highlight, but the sailing opportunities and cuisine is just as delightful. Not forgetting soaking up the New Year festivities on La Gomera, feasting with your fellow passengers and crew, joining in the energetic onshore celebrations under a glittering starlit sky. The chance to discover all this with the magnificent Twister as your base is truly an unmissable opportunity and a memorable way to start the new year.

Sailing Holidays on Twister
If you’re looking to combine comfort and luxury with traditional sailing then Twister is the schooner for you, providing a perfect sailing holiday experience for either a novice sailor or an experienced hand.

Like most of the VentureSail fleet, the aim is to include you in as much or as little as you wish to take part in; hoisting of the sails, helming the ship or simply being on wildlife watch. We believe that in our fast-moving modern world, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be found in stepping back and working as part of a team aboard a ship from a bygone era; navigating the seas, discovering new islands and enjoying the exhilaration.

And you’ll be in good hands throughout your sailing holiday in the Canary Islands, Twister’s crew are exactly who you want to be joining you, whether you’re a solo traveller or a group getting away from it all. Their accommodating nature and vast experience will instantly put you at ease and even if you have no experience, they will instil great confidence in literally – helping you to learn the ropes.

Sailing in the Canary Islands
Due to Mother Nature, there is, of course, no fixed itinerary for your sailing holiday as Twister needs to sail where the wind and weather take her. The Skipper will have a better idea of the weeks rough plan as you board Twister in Tenerife and will give a briefing on your first evening. We aim to have at least one shore day so you could rent a car or a kayak and exploring in your own way however if there is anything you wish to do or see, do talk to the Skipper and crew who will likely have recommendations and will do their utmost to ensure your sailing holiday in the Canaries is as you wish.

New Year’s Eve in the Canary Islands
Set sail for San Sebastian on beautiful La Gomera to join their New Year’s party which seems to start exactly on the Countdown! The main event takes place in the covered square with locals old and young, hand in hand with travellers, joining to dance under the stars; cafes and bars align the streets and are full of life and laughter, the warm air enticing everyone out into the night to laugh and be merry.

Enjoy the revelries and party to your will, the next day you can kick back, relax and dive into clear azure waters to wash away the sleep and sore feet of the night before.

Wonderful Wildlife Watching
The area between Tenerife and La Gomera was officially designated a Whale Heritage Site in January 2021 – Europe’s first – and it is easy to understand why. The sightings and close quarter viewings of the resident Pilot whales along with a wide range of other whale and dolphin species are one of the best parts of sailing in the Canaries. As expected, we operate a “Whales come to us” policy so as not to disturb their natural habitat, but if they do come close, we can move slowly under sail to get the best view – so get the cameras ready as it is truly amazing to be able to watch them so closely. Bottlenose dolphins can also be seen in the area and you can sit out on the bowsprit and watch them surf the bow wave through glossy seas and dance with the motion of Twister, it is utterly breathtaking and a moment that will stay with you forever. Other species we have seen in recent years include the deep-diving Sperm Whale, Brydes whale, Spinner dolphins, turtles and the Atlantic Spotted dolphin. So keep your eyes peeled!

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

SEARCH ALL VOYAGES >

Twister

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner

Originally built with a wooden hull in 1902, Twister’s original purpose was to transport fish between fishing boats and back to the harbour. To ensure the fish remained fresh, Twister was built and rigged for speed.

During her working life, she was refitted with a steel hull and after several other owners, she was transformed in 1998 into a luxury passenger vessel. Renovated again in 2012, she was updated with all new safety features/equipment and all the modern comforts you could possibly want from a charter vessel.

With her graceful design and sailing lines, Twister is still a very fast, reliable ship and is truly comfortable under full sail. Her build and modern rigging system, allows her to perform excellently both on the Ijsselmeer, Baltic Sea and out on the Atlantic ocean. Her time is spent in the North & Baltic Sea before she voyages down to the Canary Islands for winter sun sailing holidays from Tenerife and then onto the Caribbean.

Come on board for an exhilarating sailing holiday aboard this classic two-masted schooner. Whether at the helm, on deck or in the cosy wheelhouse, the vessel is much loved by all her guests – Twister’s accommodation of 2 and 3 berth cabins makes her a perfect ship for solo travellers, couples and families too.

Twister Deck Plan

Twister deck-plan

Deck plan

More about Twister

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

FAQ

Are all meals included in the price?
Yes, all meals and food on board is included in the price, as well as all warm and soft drinks - i.e., everything except alcohol. There is however a cash bar on board.
What language is spoken on board?
English, Dutch and some German.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Six Twin Cabins.
Are bedding and towels provided?
Yes, all bedding and a shower towel is provided but please bring an extra swimming towel if needed.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
How many bathrooms and/or showers does she have?
Twister has two individual toilets and two individual showers for guest use.
Is there an age limit?
8+ years with 8-18yr olds accompanied by an adult.
Is there WIFI?
Twister has emergency WIFI only so please ensure your devices are set up for international travel. During most trips, she travels close enough to the land to still pick up a 4G connection.
Can I charge my phone/camera?
Yes. Whilst the generator is running and/or Twister is connected to shore power; all cabins have a working European plug socket (so please take an adaptor if required). There is an emergency plug socket connected to a battery store if needed. Please ask the crew.
Are Life Jackets provided?
Yes. When and if necessary, Twister has both inflated and inflatable life jackets.
Are Waterproofs Provided?
No, please bring your own.