Sao Vicente

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 14:44, 12 September 2010

São Vicente

GPS: 16°53.2′N, 24°59.5′W

Satellite Image of Mindelo
Click for larger view

Background

The main town, and port of the island is Mindelo. Mindelo is the name of the town in the Porto Grande Bay. It is a very safe anchorage. Most commercial ships anchor off in the large bay. There two possibilities here: anchor off or dock at the yacht marina.

Charts

See Cape Verde.

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• GSM/GPRS - While there is voice signal, service is not available for most European registered phones

Approach and Navigation

Approach to Mindelo from the N, via the São Vicente - Santo Antão channel, can be tricky because of several small islands and rocks near São Vicente.

Warning: There can be accelerated winds across the São Vicente - Santo Antão channel resulting in steep seas especially when blowing against the south going current.

Check-in facilities

See Cape Verde.

Ports and Popular Stops

Porto Grande Bay

Porto Grande Bay
Courtesy of Manos Castrinakis
Click for larger view

GPS: 16°53.2′N, 24°59.5′W
There is plenty of room in Porto Grande Bay. Anchor in 4.5 m depth. The bottom is sand and mud and provides good holding. Anchoring here is free.

Warning: It can get very windy and gusty in the bay. This is usually caused by a strong easterly wind from Africa the Hamadam that often brings very bad dust and frequently blows for 5-10 days.

Caution: Secure your dinghy or retain the services of Umberto, who seems to be in charge of a sizable cadre of "dinghy watchers" because theft is not uncommon here.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Mindelo Marina

Anchorages

List details of all safe anchorages in the area.

Offshore Islands

List Islands

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Tourism & things to do ashore

The town of Mindelo is interesting to walk around. Particularly interesting is the fish market, by the waterfront, and the the Mercado Municipal near the Governor's Palace.

Mindelo

House in Mindelo Click for larger view

Lady Selling Papayas Courtesy of Manos Castrinakis Click for larger view

Mercado Municipal Click for larger view

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

• There is a fuel station along the beech in Mindelo where you can take jerry cans with the dinghy
• Water: Either at the Club Nautico or at the marina
• Electricity only at the marina

Laundry

In the town and at the Club Nautico.

Grocery Stores

Provisions in general are meager. There is, however, a supermarket, a few blocks inland from the Policia Maritima, they will deliver to the marina. We were able to find only one butcher store, further inland from the supermarket.

Eateries

• Good food at Nella's
• Reasonable food at the Club Nautico

Motorbike & Car Rentals

?

Marine Stores & Facilities

Ask at boatsCV in the marina.

Repairs

Ask at boatsCV in the marina.

Transportation

There are flights to Portugal.

References & Publications

See Cape Verde.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Mindelo (Wikipedia)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• January 2005 --Istioploos

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