Six days and twenty hours of 'Dreamcatcher' slipping steadily downwind, and here we are, Mindelo Bay, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. As the islands appear out of the haze, a moment of doubt arises. perhaps we've made a navigational error and spent the last week sailing a huge circle. only to return to the Canaries. Initial views are like for like, large peaks of volcanic rock, sparse vegetation and rugged coastlines, once ashore though it's clear we're somewhere very different. The Verde islands are a vibrant fusion of Portuguese/ African sight and soul and feel a world away from their Northern cousins.

The 860 nautical mile sail south ebbed by with light to moderate breeze, consistent from the north east, giving a sometimes rolly but otherwise pleasant passage. 'Dreamcatcher' found her groove with a mix of broad reach and 'goose winged' sailing averaging 6+ knots. The crew too, quickly adapted to life aboard with routines of exercise, sleep, music, watches, salt water showers, games, fishing, good conversation and delicious meals- interspersed with a never ending supply of bananas, from the two huge bunches tied to the stern solar arch.

Among many highlights perhaps the peak was a midnight visit from a pod of 'friendly' Orca's. Initially an eery experience when one huge hulking mass surfaced meters away, towering dorsal fin higher than the side of the boat. Following this a display of hunting next to and under the boat, illuminated by giant swirls of bioluminescence, a surreal experience.

So, with 'Dreamcatcher' safely berthed in Mindelo marina, we have a day or two to explore Sao Vicente, before heading across to Santo Antao, 10 or so nautical miles to the West. Following this a return to Mindelo to reprovision and ready the boat for the crossing West to the Caribbean.

The adventure continues....

James.