Ilhas Salvagem

Having obtained a special permit to call on an isolated group of miniature islands, the Ilhas Salvagem, halfway between Madeira and the Canaries, we approach the main island, a mere barren rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, full of expectation. The nature reserve promises some of the best snorkelling, with cristal clear waters, and the largest colony in the world of some very special shearwater. The last mile to our anchorage we sail amidst thousands of these low gliding birds, their wingtips only milimiters from the water. A heavy northwesterly swell curves around the island and works its way into the only available anchorage. What should have been a placid, sheltered spot to drop the hook, proves a boiling cauldron with impressive breakers pounding the barren rocky shore. No place for classic and elegant Lady Ann. Much to our frustration, we sail on towards Gran Canaria