CRUISING LOG of ANIMA
 

NOVEMBER 08:
Cape Verdes - Atlantic crossing

 

Passage to the Cape Verde Islands
Leaving La Gomera on Nov 4th with perfect conditions it took only five 1/2 days to sail the 750nm to the island of Sal. There was a change of crew: Ulli from Germany joined to accompany me for the Atlantic crossing. We visited the island of Boavista and Santiago, anchoring in the lovely bay of Tarrafal, where we made final preparations for the big hop.

ATLANTIC CROSSING
Compared to my first crossing in 2003 this one turned out to be quite the opposite: After a fast start after three days the trade winds died down and for about a week we had to deal with sail changes, using the engine, drifting in calms, being annoyed by slacking of sails and heavy rolling in very light winds. And most important of all: Ulli had to reschedule his flight back home from Antigua as the planned destination, as we were in a tight time frame and could not be sure to arrive there in time. So our new port of call was Barbados.

All in all this time was not as satisfying and relaxing as the first time. Our patience and nerves were challenged to the most, but we tried to keep each other in good mood, so we managed the 2200nm in 19 days and enjoyed our first calm night and the first swim at the pleasant anchorage in Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown, Barbados.

see some pics of this passage ->

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

October ...

... December