15’14.2N 025’50.9W course 200′ speed 7,0 kn
Early in the morning of the 19th we could already see the lights of the Cape Verde Islands. At sunrise we saw Santo Antao in its full glory and we were haunted by the island the rest of the day. Just after breakfast we were able to set sail. During the night a bit of a shorter cross swell had started to bug us, so as soon as we could turn South instead of South West, we did. Maybe we should have kept our course for a few more hours and our afternoon may have developed differently.. But as it were, going around the island we picked up speed and just before breakfast, we were under sail, doing 7 knots! Happy crew and happy ship. The silence was hurting our ears!
BUT of course there is a BUT in this story, we got too close to the island and lost the wind. Engine back on and an hour later off again. By that time the wind was coming from in between Santo Antao and Sao Vincente, it veered to a close hauled and within an hour had backed again to a reach and got stronger. Our speed was up to 9 knots by that time and a very happy crew… until… yes.. until the cross sea set in and we got a feeling, this may not be going right.. and then.. we lost the wind again.. We were thrown around like a tennisball. Sails flappin, booms twisting, crew looking less then happy. So sheets in, engine on.. but the rocking was persistent and so, mainsail and mizzen came down. By this time, Jasmijn and I fled downstairs to start on dinner.. and in that hour (…) the wind returned, from the predicted direction, with the predicted strength and we were finally able to set sail, and just go!
The Cape Verde Islands and their winds are not unknown to us. We have sailed here before, we have visited and passed these islands a few times already. Between Santo Antao and Sao Vicente there is a strong pull at the North Easterly wind that is normal there. Winds are described as increasing violently. Gusting off the high mountains and tunneling between the two islands that are close together and both volcanically high! And so we did not pass between, we went around.. only to get stuck in the vacuum leeward of these islands. This vacuum can extend to 100 miles off shore. We only have to pass Fogo, which we will pass at a fairly big distance. So hopefully we are out of their pull by now!
The waves are still short and clearly influenced by the islands, but the wind is steady, the tradewind clouds are normal and flying fish are already present! Mark got flown into by a big one, lets hope they leave us alone for a while.
Follow the Tecla:https: //my.yb.tl/Tecla
Joel won our picture of the day competition with a picture of a happy crew setting sail! I hope to send this picture early in the morning as it is not yet on the computer.
Our voyage has well and truly begun now, no more land until our arrival and so almost 4500 miles without land. With our average at 7 knots right now, we feel very relaxed by now.
All is well on board,
Jet
