Mindelo (Cabo Verde) – Fernando de Noronha (BR)

EMBARKATION DAY 20/09 AT 17:00H
DISEMBARKATION DAY 01/10 AT 09:00H

Sail from Cape Verde across the equator to the spectacular volcanic islands of Fernando de Noronha.

The Oosterschelde is anchored in the harbour of Mindelo, São Vicente. It hardly ever rains in Cape Verde and this is clearly noticeable in São Vicente. The dry volcanic landscape resembles a lunar landscape. But the city is lively and colourful, and the people are friendly. Mindelo has always been a place where ships provisioned themselves for the crossing to South America and that is exactly what we do. As soon as everyone is on board and the formalities are completed, we weigh anchor. We immediately set sail in the harbour. The wind is very strong in the channel between São Vicente and Santo Antão, and we soon leave these islands behind. After 24 hours at sea, we pass Ilha Brava in the near distance and, if visibility is good enough, we can also see the tall volcano of Fogo behind it. The temptation to make a stop is great, but we have an ocean crossing ahead of us, so we must do it with the views alone.

This is the last landscape we see for now. From now on we are surrounded by an ever-changing “mountain landscape” of rolling peaks and valleys. The sun is very strong, but the first days of the crossing the nights are still pleasantly cool, and everyone quickly gets used to life as a sailor. We relieve ourselves at the helm and adjust the sails from time to time, but for now we have the north-easterly trade wind behind us.

On this trip, we cross the equator and every sailor’s question is where is the best place to do it. At this time of year, we may miss the trade winds that are already blowing quite far north and soon enter the “intertropical convergence zone”, an area of low pressure around the equator. This zone, the “Doldrums”, is characterised by spectacular weather phenomena. Strong storms with rain and wind, but also long periods of calm in a flat, oily ocean. In the past, sailing ships floated here for weeks in search of a breath of wind. We have a motor to help us, but we prefer to cross the equator, where this area is narrower.

The ocean is not as lively as most coastal waters and we don’t see many birds, but there is still plenty to see for the observant sailor. Dolphins and whales, sea turtles or the occasional sunfish. They are especially visible in the calm waters. With a line behind the boat, we hope to catch the occasional fish for the menu. The species that can be caught in this way are large predatory fish such as yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, wahoo or dorado. And then you have to ask Neptune’s permission to sail to the southern hemisphere. All land crabs crossing the equator for the first time had better be prepared for a firm assessment.

Then suddenly it’s fast, and we can count backwards. Hopefully we will catch the southeast trade winds for the last few days of sailing to Fernando de Noronha. This Brazilian archipelago is characterised by historic ruins, beautiful beaches and unique nature, with tropical seabirds and rich marine life.

Both Cape Verde and Fernando de Noronha are very special destinations. That is why we recommend that you book a few days in a hotel or guesthouse both before and after your trip. In Cape Verde, if there is sufficient interest, we can organise a fantastic walking tour to Santo Antão the day before boarding.

Level 3

Level 3 trips are only suitable for experienced and physically fit (at sea) travellers. Weather conditions can be difficult and, during a crossing, there is little or no option to detour to a port. We sail out of helicopter range and there is usually no medical assistance ashore.

OOSTERSCHELDE wants to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you should be aware that you are making a voyage on board a sailing yacht. This demands more of your physical abilities than a daily walk. One trip is more demanding than another. With the different levels we provide an indication of what kind of trip it is. If you are unsure whether a trip is suitable for you, it is important that you contact Tall Ship Experience for advice.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• A small backpack that does not take up too much space in the cabin.
• On deck we recommend shoes with slightly rough and preferably soft soles.
• On land we recommend firm, waterproof hiking boots.
• Valid passport
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Binoculars for spotting all kinds of water creatures.
• Waterproof clothing
• Camera and video camera to remember your trip forever!