Las Palmas on Gran Canaria is the capital city of the Canary Islands. The archipelago is just 96 kilometres from the African coast and consists of seven islands and many smaller islets. The Trade Winds guarantee that summers are warm and winters mild. Las Palmas is a busy port and is often used by yachts on their way from Europe to the Caribbean. Once marking the most distant point in the known world, the islands become busy in November to January with yachts preparing to sail westward. The Principe Asturias regatta is also held here in September/October.