Cape Verde is an insider tip for offshore sailors who seek authentic sailing experiences off the main tracks. The archipelago is located 500 kilometers west of Africa and includes 15 islands. Nine of them are inhabited. The climate is pleasant all year round. Summer temperatures reach up to 32° C, water temperatures range between 22-27° C. The northeast trade winds provide constant and ideal sailing conditions over the whole year – without the threat of hurricanes! In summer, winds blow moderately between 2-4 bft., in winter they may reach 4-6 bft. The Cape Verde islands are divided into 2 groups: the islands of the Barlavento (“Islands above the Wind”) in the north and the islands of the Solavento (“Leeward Islands”) in the south.
However, each single island has its own face, different from the others. This is the special charm of the area. You may find sandy beaches around some flat islands in the east, on Sao Vicente or on the uninhabited island of Santa Luzia, which is a nature reserve. But there are also islands like volcanic Fogo, rising up to 2728 meters above sea level and inviting for long walks. Starting point of your islands discovery tour is the new Marina Mindelo on Sao Vicente. This is the only fully equipped Marina in Cape Verde, located close to the picturesque old town of Mindelo. There are quite challenging distances between some of the islands, which requires good route planning and enough sailing experience. However, after a long day trip, the crew can be sure to be rewarded through a unique scenery away from crowded marinas or moorings.
during summer, temperatures rise up to 32 ° C, in winter they range between 24 ° – 29 ° C.
Northeasterly trade winds from bft 4-6 between November to March, and from 2-4 bft. during the summer months.
Recommended sailing season: All year, best between November and March
Flight connections:
International regular and charter flights to Sal, from there connecting flights to Sao Vicente
Charter bases:
Marina Mindelo, Sao Vicente
