From Sea to Shore: Arrival in Mindelo, Cape Verde After Our First leg of the Atlantic crossing

Hello, my salty sailors!

We’ve just landed in the vibrant port city of Mindelo, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing friendly faces and solid ground after a long voyage. First leg? Done and dusted! Now, it’s time for some serious R&R – rest, refuel, and ready ourselves for the epic Atlantic crossing ahead. But before we set sail again, we had a bit of Mindelo magic to soak in.

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Mindelo, nestled on the enchanting island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, is a place that bursts with life and color. With 93% of the island’s population calling it home, you can imagine the energy! The city is famed for its carnival celebrations, where Portuguese traditions blend seamlessly with Brazilian influences, creating a dazzling display of music, dance, and festivity. Even when it’s not carnival season, the town has a quiet charm that invites you to explore its streets, where vibrant street art catches the eye and colonial-era architecture whispers tales of a bygone era.

While Mindelo might be low on traditional tourist sights, its beauty lies in its atmosphere and the warmth of its people. We wandered through the streets, admiring the colorful murals and soaking up the local vibe. There’s something wonderfully relaxing about this place – a perfect spot to unwind and recharge.

But wait, the adventure doesn’t stop there! Crew decided to hop over to the rugged beauty of Santo Antão, Cape Verde’s most mountainous island. Towering peaks, lush green valleys, and romantic little villages that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairytale. It’s a hiker’s paradise, with trails that offer breathtaking views at every turn. Our crew couldn’t stop raving about the scenery, comparing it to something out of Jurassic Park – minus the dinosaurs, of course!

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The ARC+ crew organized this side trip, and it was an absolute hit. The guides were nothing short of amazing, switching seamlessly between English, French, Portuguese, and Creole. Talk about linguistic gymnastics! These incredible individuals weren’t just guides; they were business builders, students, and all-around go-getters. Their passion and energy were truly inspiring, and they made our exploration of Santo Antão unforgettable.

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Back in Marina Mindelo, we didn’t find the glitzy superyachts you might see in other marinas, but what we did find was heart, hustle, and genuine hospitality. This marina tells a story of entrepreneurship, with all the essentials you need and a friendly team always ready to lend a hand. Special shoutout to BoatCV – their slogan might as well be “Miracles on Demand”! Whether they were fixing forestays, diving into engine rooms, or running errands for sailors (like us!), they did it all with a smile and incredible efficiency.

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Our stay in Mindelo was a whirlwind of activities, emotions, and pure fun. We were recovering from Leg 1 and setting our sights on making Leg 2 an even better experience. Between the charming streets of Mindelo, the awe-inspiring landscapes of Santo Antão, and the wonderful people we met along the way, this stopover was everything we needed and more.

Now, with our hearts full and spirits high, we’re ready to embark on the next leg of our journey across the Atlantic. Here’s to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to be written!

Cheers to smooth seas and the thrill of the journey! 🚤🌊✨