At the Morro Jable quay, amongst white-hulled boats and fibreglass vessels, there’s one that stands out from afar: hand-crafted wood, tall masts and that air of a ship that has sailed far and wide. It’s the schooner Aphrodite. And although many know it for its sunsets, by day it offers a different experience that’s well worth mentioning.
What changes when you sail a wooden boat
Stepping aboard a gulet is nothing like stepping aboard a catamaran. The wood creaks a little, the deck smells different, and everything encourages you to slow down. You’re not boarding a mass-produced boat: you’re boarding one that’s been hand-built, piece by piece, in Turkey.
When the wind is on our side, we hoist the sails and the engine takes a back seat. That’s when the best part of the day begins: moving forward, hearing nothing but the water and the fabric tightening. It’s not always possible, as it depends on the wind and the state of the sea, but when it happens, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
A covered area and plenty of space to stretch out, sunbathe with a drink and listen to the sound of the sea in Fuerteventura
Measuring around 20 metres in length and 7 metres in beam, the Aphrodite has a spacious deck, designed for lounging in the sun and watching the volcanic coastline of Jandía glide by at a leisurely pace. It can accommodate up to sixty-five people, so it’s a good choice if you’re travelling in a group, but it never feels cramped.
There’s music on board, although there’s no DJ here (that’s for the evening). The nice thing is that it often ends up being someone from the group’s playlist: if you ask the captain and he’s happy with it, you get to choose the music.
A quick dip, and when you come out, the table is laid out facing the Jandía coastline
Halfway through the four-hour trip, we’ll stop so you can take a dip in the Atlantic, with its crystal-clear water that’s so addictive. By the time you get out, the crew will have the table all set.
It’s a proper meal: Mediterranean couscous with roasted vegetables and tzatziki, followed by roast veal loin with herbs, mushroom sauce and potatoes. There’s a vegetarian option and an open bar serving ice-cold cava, white and rosé wine, beer, soft drinks and water throughout the crossing. The crew have already set the table.
A gulet or a catamaran? There’s no right answer, and you can’t go wrong either way
If you’re not sure, think about what sort of day you fancy. The catamaran is more modern, very stable and is perfect for anyone looking for maximum comfort. The gulet has soul: wood, sails and that touch of romance you get from a classic boat.
Both cruises follow the same beautiful coastline, and on both we keep a lookout for dolphins or whales, which are around here all year round, although we can never guarantee we’ll spot them. It’s a question of character, not class.
If you fancy swapping your usual plans for an evening by candlelight on a wooden boat, this is the boat for you. We set sail from the jetty at Morro Jable, in Fuerteventura, and we’ll take care of everything else.
One of the qualities I would highlight most about myself is my love of teamwork. I recognise and work tirelessly to ensure that collaboration and cooperation remain fundamental to the success of our company, especially in the field of sailing.
