13:13.80N 28:22.87W

 

In the end we spent 6 days in Mindelo.  Whilst there, it was blowing old boots most of the time and for 3 days we had the harmattan wind which brings very dry, dusty wind from Africa and reduces visibility down to less than a mile.  You could taste the grit and once again the boat was covered in red dust. 

 

By Boxing Day we were ready to move on.  We said our goodbyes to Sol and Eric who are having to stay longer to fix their engine and after a final latte in our favourite cafe we slipped from Mindelo Marina in the afternoon.

 

With a 20+ knot wind blowing we just rolled out the genoa (the front sail) and enjoyed a gentle sail out of the harbour and into the swell.   Within 20 minutes of leaving, Graeme had bashed his forehead whilst checking the bilges and blood was pouring out.  What a start!  Fortunately the cut wasn’t deep and after applying  a bandage the bleeding stopped.  He is now sporting a small plaster but says that it still hurts – oh well, as long as he can still sail, and smile, all is fine.

 

The first day out from Mindelo was very overcast and we could have been sailing in the English Channel; ok it is 24C but felt pretty dismal.  However, the last 2 days have been what we expected: blue skies and nice winds but the sea is quite big.  Flying fish are everywhere.  It’s wonderful to watch them glide over the waves (but a little sad to find the dead ones in the morning that have flown on to the boat).  Also the Hydrovane (the self-steering wind vane) is mesmerizing to watch as it steers us without a sound – hour after hour.  We all like the Hydrovane very much!

 

We are still adjusting to being back at sea,   Sleep is difficult with the continual rolling but we are getting back into the routine of night watches.  During the day, Brian and I have been playing ‘I Spy’ with words beginning with ‘S’ but after 3 days it’s getting a little boring:

 

So whilst Brian takes even longer to find a new ‘S’, I rest.

 

This afternoon, we are looking forward to the next big event: gybing on to starboard tack.  Graeme has decided to head down to latitude 13 North before we turn right.   Not sure if the weather is any better or the seas any calmer this far south but at least it is warm and we are in T-shirts and shorts most of the time.