Cape Verde Isles
The Travels of Running Tide
Mick Norman
Thu 7 Feb 2013 18:13
|
16:53.24N 24:59.5W
We pulled into Mindelo at about 9 30am his morning
(7 Feb). The wind had been dropping throughout the night and we were down
to the 2/3kns creeping along. It was incredibly dark and we couldn't see any
land forms until we almost up against them. We motored the last few miles to
finish off our passge. We are in the Mindelo Marina. The only one in Cape Verde
I believe. Mindelo is very African, laid back, but friendly. Cape Verde is
famous for it music so we hope to sample some of this and the local beer this
evening. Norm and Peder want an early night, what is it with these people.
Couldn't sleep last night. Low wind sailing down wind from the perspective of
some one trying to sleep below decks is living in a tin can with a dozen people
banging on the outside. Ropes baning up and down,
booms and sails slapping back and forth in an effort to stay on the
wind.
Monica and the Squid are taking a well earned rest
along with the rest of the crew. Vinden is on duty now charging up the
batteries.There is a bit of a blow forecast to pass through these parts over the
weekend. This is well timed and will give us time to sort ourselves out for the
major leg of the westward trip. There are still a few jobs to do, not least find
out where and why this water is getting into the aft cabin.These things seem
simple but when you are dealing with high energy water seals you think are good
turn out not to be. We are in no danger of sinking but its just
annoying.
RT is about 38 years old. It has a certain charm.
The heads are the original I believe. Marks out of ten 2. The Sailor radio is a
gem but I have consigned it the on board museum and am now using a modern
set.I installed and Automatic Identication System AIS recently and this is
magic and gives us warnings of all large traffic in the area, and whether they
are likely to hit us!
A few more pictures including addition members of
the crew.
Monica (wind vane steering) on the left, fitted
with an Ian McIver special vane,The Squid (Aqua generator) on the
right
 Peder, Norm still reading
 Arty shot
 First Views of Sao Vicente Island Cape
Verde
 |