From Sal we sailed to mindelo, I had never been here before but encouraged by friends who are anchored there with their 50m restored sailing ship we set sail. It was a bit of a bumpy ride, but fast. Because of the absence of the moon and the clouds obscuring the stars it was a dark night and many flying fish miscalculated their flights, ending up against our legs, heads and shoulders. To the amusement of those on watch. We tried to get them back to the water as fast as possible. Mindelo turned out to be an amazing stop over. As often is the case more by the people we met than the place itself. We spend a lovely evening onboard the ship of our friends, the Nave Santé Maria. Their crew had made pizza for everyone and we had a lovely evening all together. We also had a beautiful experience being invited into one of the favelas on the outskirts of the city. Playing with the local kids and getting to know the people who live here was absolutely heartwarming. They were so kind and welcoming. Showing us their houses and letting us taste local food. For many of the teens this was the first time seeing a life so different from their homes. That evening we talked about how it made them appreciate everything they have so much more. It had opened their eyes, and I was once again so grateful to be able to help a little in providing those experiences, which I think are priceless and much needed especially at this crucial age. I know it was for me when I sailed around the world. We left mindelo satisfied and grateful for all the beautiful people and memories we made. We anchored for a couple of hours on the south of sao Vicente to run the watermaker in clearer waters and start our Atlantic crossing with full watertanks. There was a lot of wind gusting through the valley so our hopes of swimming dwindled swiftly. Instead we cleaned the boat, all had a good shower and prepared for the weeks ahead at sea. 

It took a while before we got out from the wind shadow of sao antao which is an island with high mountains. But once we got out Guppy went for it, as if she smells the blue warm water of the Caribbean and longs to be back after two years of cold. She is not be tamed. We sail with one and sometimes two reefs in the main and the Genua boomed out on starboard. The wind is brisk, between 20 to 30 in gusts making the waves a little choppy at times. So far the days have flown by. We have settled into a nice routine. Standing at the bowsprit and scanning the deck for flying fish in the morning, being followed by our morning workout. A little challenging on a rolling boat, but maybe more fun haha. We’ve caught a mahi mahi which made for a yummy dinner. Yesterday many small squalls pestered us, causing light wind shifts and drizzle every half hour. It kept me on my toes. I have been practicing my sun sights with the sextant and many of the teens are starting to be able to get the sun down on the horizon. An important first step 🙂 flying fish continue to hit us at night as the nights are still dark without moon. Some dolphins have greeted us but overall I’m disappointed by the lack of sea creatures, it does feel like they are getting less. On the other hand, the sargasso grass is abundant and we have already spotted several big lines, nets and other human trash floating around. This morning a little white speck appeared on the horizon, another sailboat heading west. Always exciting to see other life in this vast wilderness of blue. I am at complete peace, so happy to be at sea again for longer. The warmth embracing me. It’s the 10th time I’m crossing the Atlantic Ocean, counting both ways. I don’t think I will ever get bored of this raw, wild unforgiving and mesmerising place. The teens are doing very well, but they get bored more easily, needing games, chats and books to keep their brains occupied. Luckily we have plenty of that onboard 🙂 

Laura