 Mindelo (Sao Vicente) : Profile
The town is in Porto Grande Bay, which is one of the best harbours and most protected in the archipelago. Mindelo is where most yachts go for a quick refuelling stop.
Position 16°53.9'N,24°59.8'W.
The skipper should go ashore to see Immigration and Port Officials as soon as possible.
Yachts must fly the "Q" flag until cleared in, after which the courtesy flag must be flown. These can be purchased from the chandlery at the marina or at "Casa das Bandeiras" in the town.
The captain must sign a form that absolves the Port Authority from responsibility in case of theft from the yacht. Ship's papers will be held by the Authorities whilst in the harbour however they will accept a laminated copy.
Passports are no longer retained but must be stamped by the Immigration Office (in the commercial port). It has been reported that Immigration can be a problem as they often close up shop to go to the airport.
Customs will issue clearance for the next port as for Praia. Yachts can clear out up to 24 hours before departure.
Last updated April 2010.
This harbour offers good all-round shelter. You may anchor for free but be aware that holding can be patchy as there are areas of volvanic gravel.
Yachts can anchor beyond the commercial port, in the northern part of the bay. Prevailing winds are from the NE, Force 3 to 5. The harbour is subject to strong gusts, especially in winter, so make sure the anchor is well dug in. (The old steel motor yacht which previously provided a mooring is no longer there).
A new marina opened here in June 2008. It costs €25 per day for an 11 metre boat (2010) excluding electricity and water.
Cruisers have reported that the only safe place to leave a dinghy is the dinghy pontoon in the marina where they charge €3 a day to tie up.
There is also the beach where dinghies can be landed and looked after by one of the locals looking for a little income (1000 escudos per day/per boat (about 10 euros) was the accepted fee in 2008). Locals on the beach can also help with general security, water and garbage disposal.
Updated March 2010.
Berthing Master
Tel:+238 9990290
Harbour Master
Porto Grande, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Tel:+238 324 414, Fax:+238 321 433
portogrande@enapor.cv.
This office deals with commercial shipping and mega-yachts.
Marina Mindelo
Alto Santo Antonio 253, Mindelo, S.Vicente, Cabo Verde
Tel:+238 9 97 23 22 (lutz Meyer-Scheel) or +238 991 5878 (Kai Brosman), Fax:+238 2 30 03 81, VHF Channel 9
mail@marinamindelo.com
This 120 berth marina has all facilities, however water, electricity and WiFi are all at an extra cost to the berthing fee. Also available; fuel, LPG, limited chandlery. Basic but adequate toilets and showers. Engine and Electronic repair. Good bar and restaurant, swimming pool. Tends to be affected by loud music until late at night.
Provisions within walking distance.
It is advisable to keep the boat locked at all times.
Haulout in an emergency only.
There is a small yacht club, Clube Nautico, where visitors are welcome and which provides toilet and showers for marina visitors.
It is now only open in the evenings.
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