Cape Verde… memories memories

Flashback... November 2010 We reached the Palmeira on Sal island. Hospitality and the warm atmosphere of the ocean us were spellbound and we had regretted not having spent more time in the Islands. 2016 second stop in Cape Verde, This time we don't want to "Miss"....

Saturday 29 October - Ereses Playa, La Gomera

We sail along the coast of la Gomera up to our last anchorage of the Canaries before you navigate to Capverdiennes waters. Spectacular scenery!
Once arrived to the South of La Gomera, a strong swell surprises us and we must turn back to the Playa de Ereses to put us away.

Ride through the mountain with Stef and Mary (Mr Happy), history of us "stretch" a little before the 5 days of navigation. A break before you continue to climb boulders into rocks... at the end of 1 h a rock wall stands before us, impossible to continue. Damage!
Last sunset on Mount Teide. He spoils us!

Sunday 30 October – On the road to Cape Verde

Late in the afternoon we decide to leave for Cape Verde. But before taking our course we do circles in the water in front of the port to capture the Internet. It's under a beautiful sunset on the island of Hierro, that we leave the Canary Islands.

Stef and Marie that distance us from a few miles give us by VHF evolution of wind… Thank you Happy!
The next day the wind decides to stand. With 15 knots of tailwind and a current that carries to the South we glide on the water during 3 days to 6 or 7 nodes the sails in scissors. Very nice.
Life on board is organised: the daily transmission of our satellite position, loading weather, preparation of bread by the "Baker" etc… and the ritual of the morning, put the 2 lines to the water hoping to catch tuna or sea bream!

Friday 04 November

Our cruising speed of 6 nodes is constant and we reduce the sails for do not arrive by night on the island of Sal. It is to 60 miles from the coast that the 2 fishing rods bend suddenly and reels held their lead in a rattle noise. At the end of the fish it was believed more! As soon as we change course to reduce our speed and facilitate the rise of the lines , but it pulls very hard.
At the end of 15 minutes of continuous effort, Philippe was a tuna of 8 about pounds.
The exercise is not over, because the other side another fish.
Without wasting a moment Philippe sits properly and again the same operation. In the distance you can see to boil in water, It's still a tuna but much more big than the previous. We must hurry up on board because already a shark caught by blood lurking near the rear skirt... but too late the shark in a Flash engulfs its prey, even we leave one piece!
A few hours later we fish an another tuna of 9kgs. We did plenty of fish and that's good, because tomorrow we get to Cape Verde and this will be an opportunity to share our fishing with other boats.

Saturday 05 November - the Palmeira, Sal Ilha

8: 30 arrival in Cape Verde in the Bay of the Palmeira. On the horizon many masts at anchor, including our friends Happy! The village has not changed in 6 years. We do quick entry. Mr. Happy and Madgic join us on the boat for a menu fish believed in different sauces, Philippe specialties!
It's the party in the village! Grilled chicken, the pork brochettes offends the docks… Capverdienne full swing music. The evening with Mr. Happy, Madgic and Mily is well watered with the "Cortado" of Arminda bar – drink rum which is not too known ingredients that is drunk like milk small! Very good evening spent together!

Tuesday 08 November

In anticipation of strong winds announced, We decide to go to the South, in the Bay of Mordeira a few miles from the Palmeira. Mr Happy joining us. The Bay is wide and ideal for swimming. Once hooked anchor, Let's get us the Coast Guard which us off firmly, claiming that it is forbidden to anchor in this Bay... immediately our thrown, a charter boat comes to take our place – Good good!!! No choice but to go to the southern tip of the island to Santa Maria. The wind and the swell is at the appointment you. Even on a catamaran we strongly roll edge in edge. Tomorrow we go on the island of South: Boavista.