We have realised that we haven’t told the full story of our arrival in Mindelo.

Our options were to slow right down and stay out for another night so that we arrived in Mindelo in daylight and either ask for a tow into the marina or drop anchor in the harbour.  Dropping anchor would have had to be done under sail which is considerably more tricky than using the engine.  Or to keep on at the same speed under sail and arrive at night.  We spoke to Kit via sat phone and asked him to take a look at the anchorage to see how crowded it was and to ask the marina if they would be able to provide a tow after dark. 

It was quickly clear that anchoring wasn’t a good option so straight into the marina had to be the plan.  By day or by night?  Kit persuaded the marina that they would bring us in after dark. 

As we approached the wind and waves increased because they were funnelled between the islands.  Mindelo is a sizeable town and harbour so there was a real confusion of lights to try and work out.  We reefed the headsail to slow us down and proceeded.  Kit was with the boat crew so using a mixture of VHF, Sat phone and mobiles he was able to guide us in to where they were waiting.  In addition the little tug boat flashed a bright light at us so we could see where we needed to aim for. 

The waves were quite significant so the marina boat had to stay in the shelter of the breakwater which meant we had to sail all the way in to the harbour and wind in the sail at exactly the moment to slow the boat enough for the marina boat to come alongside and tie on.  The three guys from the marina were fantastic.  Actually they were loving every minute!  Once we were tied on to them they used their engine to power us into the marina and eased us alongside the fuel dock where there was plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Moyra, Kit and Michael were there to take our lines and we were pretty pleased to see them.  We had travelled 999 nautical miles and had an excellent trip but it was a bit sad to be bringing Tashi Delek in wounded and needing so much help.  On the bright side it was an amazing experience and we have grown in confidence again, in what Tashi Delek is capable of as well as us.

Our rescue craft!.........