Visiting the Cape Verde Islands has been very interesting. The disparity in the levels of development is quite striking. The country is African although there are clear signs of European and in particular Portuguese culture and architecture.

The first island we stopped at, Sal, is very underdeveloped and the harbour where we moored is backed by a small settlement of single-storey dwellings. The local fishermen land their catch on he beach and women take it away in baskets carried on their heads.  There is very little infrastructure At this end of the island – except for the maritime police/immigration authorities!, a restaurant and a bar.

Sorting fish on Sal. 

Next stop, Boa Vista, was much more vibrant and here there are clear signs of modern development and more commercial activity. There are beautiful beaches very close by with lots of windsurfing and kiteboarding going on. 

Street scene near the harbour in Boa Vista. 

Boa Vista 

Then on to Sao  Vincent and Mindello which is a reasonably large, bustling city with some attractive old buildings and plenty of markets in the centre. Lots of restaurants and bars and more “normal“ shops including small supermarkets are to be found. The harbour has the only marina on the islands although it is the windiest marina and had the most bouncy births that any of us have experienced - much better to anchor off if you are staying for a while. 

Christmas lights, evening light in the harbour, Amanda getting final provisions 

After refuelling this morning we shall be heading off and we plan to make Barbados our first stop – that should take around 14 days. The sat phone should update our position twice a day so you can see how we are progressing. 

Happy Christmas and love to all,

Nick & Amanda 

& Lucy 

& Andy