Cape Verdes : Profile

Facts

The Cape Verde Islands are a volcanic archipelago lying 400 miles off the coast of West Africa, although the islands' culture reflects its Portuguese colonial past more than its geographical position. The islands' climate tends to be very dry, the scenery is rather bleak and they have had severe drought problems in the last 20 years. There are 10 principal islands in two main groups; Barlavento (Northern or Windward group) and Sotavento (Southern or Leeward group). Praia, on São Tiago, is the capital and Mendelo, on Sao Vicente, is the main harbour.
The Cape Verdes are conveniently placed close to the best sailing route from the Canaries (800 miles to the north) to the Caribbean and most cruising yachts that visit are on their way to the Caribbean, a few to Brazil or West Africa, particularly Senegal and Gambia. Some people have enjoyed cruising the islands more extensively, rather than just viewing them as a stop on the way to somewhere else.
Facilities are basic in the Cape Verdes; provisioning is limited and most food is imported and expensive. There are fresh produce markets in Mindelo and Praia, which vary in variety and quality with the seasons.
Charts may be inaccurate, especially near Ilha da Boa Vista, which is reported to be 2 miles east of its charted position. There are several wrecks and offlying reefs not marked on the charts, especially off the east coast of the island.

Rainfall is limited to a few downpours between late August and October, although there are years with little or no rain. The NE trade winds, which set in November/December, are at their strongest in the first months of the year, when they sometimes arrive laden with dust from the Sahara, which can seriously affect visibility.