Canaries to Cape Verdes Passage Summary

Hi everyone,

This post summarises our passage from Pasito Blanco in Gran Canaria to Mindelo in Sao Vicente.  On departure our intended destination was Antigua.  Unfortunately a leaking thru-hull seal forced us to divert to Mindelo.

Full Moon Arising over Mindelo

First some plots...

Track

Arrival

Graphs

Here are the vital stats for the passage…

• Distances/Speeds

• Route Distance = 870 nm

• Logged Distance = 974 nm

• Track Distance = 774 nm (under-reading due to fouling)

• Duration = 7d11h days

• Average boat speed = n/a

• Average VMG = 4.9 kt

• Average day's run = 130 nm

• Best day's run = 144 nm (over ground)

• Minimum boat speed = 4 kt

• Maximum boat speed = 8 kt

• Weather

• Minimum wind speed = 10 kt

• Average wind speed = 20 knots

• Maximum wind gust = 31 kt

• Apparent wind angle range = 120 to 150

• Seas up to 1.5m

• Swell up to 2.5m

• Overcast, then broken cloud then clear skies

• Engine

• Total = 1 hour

• Driving = 1 hours (100%)

• Charging = 0 hours

• Consumption

• Water = 50 litres (7 litres / day)

• Fuel = 2 litres

• Failures

• Water ingress into head compartment from leaking thru-hull seal

• Stars

• The boat!

• WindPilot vane gear (steered 95% of passage)

• Tides Marine SailTrack (made reefing sooooo much easier)

  * Rolly Tasker mainsail

  * Starlink (despite 15-30 minute initial connection times)

The first two days of the passage had the strongest winds due to the Canaries' wind acceleration zones between the islands and in their lees.  The leak worsened and we decided to divert to Mindelo, at which point we gybed south.  The leak was a gradual seaping of water, needing the bilge sponging out every 3 hours.

Conditions gradually cleared up from mid-level overcast to scattered rain showers to scattered small cumulus.  Happily CAPE was low so the rain showers couldn't develop into thunderstorms.  We dodged several rain showers but caught one which delivered 30 knots of wind briefly.

We sailed mostly under double-reefed (trisail sized) main, furling the yankee to suit.  For a couple of brief periods we swapped to the storm jib / staysail in or near rain showers.  In light patches we moved up to a single reef, made so much easier by the SailTrack.

One day a French yacht Heol came up behind us and manoeuvred into hailing distance.  We had a brief chat then off they went towards Martinique.  We also chatted with several yachts via VHF including OCC sv Hasel James whose crew we have since met in Mindelo.

Southbound

A quick chat at sea with French sv Heol

Land Ho!

Overall it was a great sail.  Once clear of the Canaries it really felt like trades winds sailing.  Good breeze, small cumulus with occasional squalls, nice temperature and Zen Again eating the miles.

Sao Vicente Ahead

Nearing Mindelo Harbour

We arrived in Mindelo at last light and anchored off the marina (clear of the ferry channel) in darkness.  Despite the leak it was a fun passage.  We'll now make emergency in-the-water repairs (since hauling out in Mindelo is extremely expensive) before resuming our voyage across the Atlantic to Antigua.

We stayed in Mindelo only for a few days.  Most of that was consumed with repair work.  The marina is excellent.  Lots of boats preparing to cross the Atlantic with everyone cheerful and excited.  We did see a little of the town...

Marina's Floating Bar

Waterfront View

Marina from the shore

Save the Turtles!

Christmas lights

Dinner ashore with cruising pals

Nice beach

Better beer

Trust all's well where you are!