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).
Customs will issue clearance for the next port as for Praia. Yachts can clear out up to 24 hours before departure.
Updated October 2008.
This harbour offer good all-round shelter and has good holding.
A new marina opened here in June 2008. It costs about US$35 per day (2008) for a 12m yacht including electricity and water. This rate decreases as the length of stay increases.
Yachts can also 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 the anchor must be well dug in. (The old steel motor yacht which previously provided a mooring is no longer there).
The marina makes a secure and cheap place to leave the dinghy at 100 CVE per day. 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) is the accepted fee). Locals on the beach can also help with general security, water and garbage disposal.
Updated February 2009.
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 The facilities available at this 120 berth marina include water, electricity, fuel, LPG, chandlery and WiFi. Basic but adequate toilets and showers. Good bar and restaurant, swimming pool. Provisions within walking distance.
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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