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Boni Venti - LOG DAY SIX - SIX HOURS IN MINDELO



Light winds and flat sea state so we started the engine at 14.45, furled the genoa and centred the main. Continued towards Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands under engine. Squally wet night, so watches not much fun.

 

Radar indicating upcoming rain clouds which could herald wind squalls, so the radar helps to warn of what might be on the way in terms of wind strength, but it’s really only clear when the clouds are on top of he boat. But the wind was so light last night that we weren’t worried about squalls.

 

Brief geography lesson - Cape Verde is made up of 10 large and 4 small islands of volcanic origin (think Santorini but not as sophisticated!) & is 325 miles west of Senegal. They’re on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the mountains grow by 0.5cm per year! Anyway, we sighted the island Santa Antao at 6.30am and eventually arrived at the fuel dock in Mindelo Marina at 12.45. Filled up with diesel (250 litres) and moored alongside at the visitors pontoon.

 

We had mobile coverage from about 2 hours out of Mindelo so spoke to our families at home, sent photos etc – a real boost to hear their news and share the adventures of the past week or so.

 

Gavin, David & Scott left to sort out immigration and visa formalities and we had a leisurely lunch at the floating restaurant in the marina – burgers not a patch on the menu on Boni Venti! Very sadly we had to say goodbye to owner Gavin on the pontoon but we know that he will be back next year to successfully complete this amazing rally. Scott disembarked as well.

 

So skipper Robert with crew Will, Karen and Jonathan are now on a heading 250 degs west to St Lucia. Currently under engine due to very light winds south of the islands but the weather forecast indicates stronger winds tomorrow.

 

New watch system tonight with Gavin’s departure – one crew member on watch for 3 hours on & 6 hours off, so that should be fine. Will be playing patience in the red light of the head torch to stay awake!

 

Jonathan


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