The Cape Verde archipelago appears to all sailors as a magical place, an ideal stopover on a transatlantic, a real exciting cultural crossroads, between Europe, Africa and South America!
SAO-VINCENTE, CAPE-VERDE
MINDELO
CAPE VERDE
Legend has it that, after the creation of the world, God rubbed his hands over the Atlantic and, from the remnants of earth that slipped through his fingers, sprang the islands of Cape Verde.
Located off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is made up of ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited. Divided into two groups: to the north, the Barlavento Islands (Windward Islands) and to the south, the Sotavento Islands (Leeward Islands), each of the islands in this former Portuguese territory has its own identity and geography.
Speaking Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole, Cape Verde's culture is enriched by European and African influences. The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, thanks to a semi-desert tropical climate.
MINDELO, SAO VINCENTE
The Rallye des Iles du Soleil will stop over for a few days on the island of Sao Vincente, in the north-west of the archipelago, and more specifically in Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde and an exceptional natural site.
The city is best known to the world as the birthplace of the barefoot diva Cesaria Evora, who popularized Cape Verdean music the world over. You'll be charmed by the town's colorful facades, cobbled streets and colonial architecture with Portuguese and British influences, but also by its lively nightlife and the many bars and restaurants that give the town its musical rhythm. If you're looking for authenticity, you'll find it here too, with pretty beaches, fishing villages and splendid hiking trails. And don't miss a visit to the neighboring island of Santa Antao, a true hiker's paradise.
The stopover in Cape Verde, a week after leaving La Palma, will enable the boats to refuel with fresh produce and potentially repair any minor technical problems that may have arisen during the first few days of sailing. Mindelo's new marina is well-equipped, and even has its own floating bar where you can share a few moments of conviviality with the local population and the other crews of the Rallye des Iles du Soleil.
As well as having everything you need for an excellent stopover, Cape Verde will enable you to catch the generally well-established north-easterly trade winds off the archipelago.
