The Passage from Dakar to Cape Verde

It was an excellent sailing passage from Dakar: we had a nice sailing breeze on the quarter almost the whole time, the ship romping along with flying fish all around. We’ve had nothing but sunshine for weeks now, so our fair weather projects continue: varnish, sailmaking, carpentry and taking care of the rig. Cape Verde is a fascinating, independent country with strong links to Europe, Africa and America even the West Indies. It’s definitely a place for sailors. And also our last chance to stretch our legs before we set sail across the Atlantic on the trade winds passage to the Caribbean.

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PICTON CASTLE is now at anchor off the town of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vincente, Cape Verde. It’s an excellent harbour – the only one to speak of in Cape Verde and we are very snug here, well anchored and enjoying the hospitality of the Marina Mindelo for our skiff landing – this shiny marina wasn’t even built last time the ship was here in 2009! Our neighbours at anchor are various cargo ships, small bulk carriers, the odd fishing boat and the classy Dutch topsail schooner Oosterschelde – it’s nice not to be the only tall ship in town.

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