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The Med Season is fast approaching, which means yachts and their crew will begin their journey across the Atlantic into the Mediterranean seas. But why Are The Canary Islands & Azores the Top Mid-Atlantic Stops in 2022? AYSS Yacht Support currently has 21 Superyacht Agents located within the Med region to support vessels and crew upon arrival. However, since the global Superyacht network also has representatives in the Mid-Atlantic, we are able to share what makes them a good stop-off for captains and crews.
The Azores
Historically, The Azores have been a favorite stopover for sailors, but 2022 is looking particularly busy with Superyachts set to flock to The Islands to stop-off, typically for fuel, before continuing on to the Med. While not previously being on the list of top Mid-Atlantic stops for Captains, 2022 deems different. Crew have realised they’ve been missing a trick all these years and they’ve decided to act upon it.
Things for captains, crew, and guests to do in the Azores:
1. Explore the marine life in untouched waters
The series of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean attract a great deal of Marine Life in the Mid-Atlantic, much different from the sealife you’d find in the Caribbean or the Bahamas. With deep, crystal waters, guests and crew can go snorkeling, shallow-water diving, or adventure into the depths to deep water dive and whale-watch from up close.
2. Swim in Varadouro’s rock pools
Formed by basaltic rocks that were formed with the solidification of lava in the ocean, Varadouros rock pools offer one of the most unique swimming spots in the world.
3. Cook your dinner inside a volcano
The town of Furnas is located on So Miguel, the largest island in the Azores and the mouth of an active volcano. Th town is home to hot springs, which are too hot to bath in however, ideal for cooking. You’ll often find locals in the community visiting the springs to make hot drinks and food.
4. Wine tasting
It’s been said for centuries that the volcanic soil in the Azores gives their wine the most distinct taste, leaving visitors coming back for more. Visiting an Azorian Vineyard will give yourself, the other crew members, or the guests a unique experience and understanding of how the community uses the local technique of ‘growing the vines in currais’.
5. Take a Jeep tour/hiking tour
You’re surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, mountains, and waterfalls, so why not make the most of it? Go exploring by foot, or hire a jeep, with a tour guide to make the most of the scenic beauty on your short stay in the Azores.
The Canary Islands
A Spanish Archipelago off the northwestern coast of Africa, The Canary Islands are made up of 7 islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Over time, more and more Superyachts have been yacht spotted arriving in the canaries to re-fuel, berth, and store, but this year more so than ever before has seen a spike in interest from Crew and their guests inquiring about exploring what the islands have to offer.
Things for Captains, crew, and guests to do in the Canary Islands:
1. Visit the underwater sculpture museum
Off the coast of Lanzarote (East of the Canary Islands), 15 metres deep underwater you’ll be greeted by the Atlantics museum, with 35 sculptures sitting in the depths.
2. Get active
The volcanic heritage of the Canary Islands makes it a paradise for sports and outdoor activities of all types, including kitesurfing, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, and dolphin and whale watching. Or, why not take a hike through one of the islands’ many national parks, such as Caldera de Taburiente National Park in La Palma or Teide in Tenerife.
3. Book a stargazing tour
Did you know the Canary Islands are one of the top-rated places on the globe to stargaze? The night skies are clear and are legally protected to prevent light and radio wave pollution and control flight patterns! Unbeatable observatories are available on Tenerife, La Palma, and Fuerteventura where you can participate in guided stargazing tours.
4. Visit a wellness spa
Whether you’re looking for a location to sit and relax or to participate in beach yoga sessions, volleyball, paddle boarding, or swimming, the canary islands’ mineral-rich springs are renowned for attracting wellness tourism.
5. Wine and dine
Take some time to step onshore and enjoy the canary islands cuisine – seafood, wines, cheeses, and fruit, like the famous Canarian banana. The choice is yours whether you’d like to fine-dine one of the islands Michelin star restaurants, or opt to Eat how the locals do: share tapas, fresh seafood, and traditional foods (typically made from locally sourced ingredients)
Superyacht Services For Mid-Atlantic Stops This Coming Med Season:
Azores
Located 100m north of the marina bar and monitors VHF, Mid Atlantic Yacht Services has been solving problems for vessels crossing the Atlantic for 30 years. They provide ide a full range of comprehensive services for Yachts, crew, and owners; both ashore and afloat. Some of which include:
- Agency services and bunkered fuel
- Parts & equipment – worldwide importation and logistics
- Crew changes – travel/accommodations
- Mail and parcel holding
Canary Islands
Located at the crossroads of the Atlantic, where yachts from Europe, the Mediterranean, and America congregate, Incargo S.L in the ports of Las Palmas and Tenerife S.L welcome yachts for a selection of services for Captains and Crew. Some of which include:
- Bunkering
- Drydocking
- Spare parts
- Chandlery crew changes
- Cash-to-master
Madeira, Spain
Acting as ship agents in the ports of Funchal, Porto Santo, and Caniçal – Madeira Islands for the past 130 years, JFM Shipping offers full port agency services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some of which include:
- Bunkering brokers
- Fuel
- Garbage collection
- Crew attendance / repatriations
- Coordination of spares and crew
Cascais, Portugal
Located in central Western Europe, Amunsden Marine Services will support Captains and crew to ensure they have the ideal mid-Atlantic stop. They are prepared to serve you in the following Ports in Portugal: Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Tavira, Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Alvor, Lagos, Baleeira, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Sines, Setubal, Sesimbra, Lisbon, Cascais, Ericeira, Peniche, Figueira da Foz, Aveiro, Porto, and Viana do Castelo. A selection of their services include:
- Berth reservations
- Transport
- Crew assistance
- Pilotage
- Provisions
Cadiz, Spain
Puerto Sherry Marina & Progesco Services, located in Cadiz Bay and recognised as “The Gate to the Med-Atlantic coasts” is a unique Marina with an array of services for Captains and Crew. Some of which include:
- Yacht Management
- IP Technology & Internet
- Bunkering
- On-the-Fly Naval Repairs
- Equipment & Materials
Bermuda Yacht Services, North Atlantic
To conclude the list of agents in the 2022 Mid-Atlantic stops, With 40+ years of experience in the Superyacht Industry, Bermuda Yacht Services is labeled the leading yacht agency in the North Atlantic. With one Captain commenting:
“A wholehearted recommendation for Bermuda Yacht Services. The tangible features of this for the Captains and crew visiting include… A concierge service to rival even the longest established yachting agencies in the world.”
A selection of their services include:
- Bunkering
- Logistics
- Port Agent
- Provisions
- Technicals
For more information from AYSS on Mid-Atlantic stops and their network of Superyacht agents, please get in touch here.
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