Cape Verde
From CruisersWiki
Cape Verde Islands Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to The Cape Verde Islands.
| Cape Verde | |
 Cape Verde Islands | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Praia 14°55′N, 23°31′W
|
|---|---|
| Language: | Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole |
| Currency: | Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) |
| Timezone: | UTC-1 |
| More notes about the country | |
 Latest News
| |
| (Dec '09) Caution There has been a serious outbreak of Dengue Fever on the Cape Verde Islands. | |
Overview
Cape Verde is an independent country of 4,033 km2 and 418,224 inhabitants. It consists of an island archipelago of 10 islands. The capital, Praia, is in the island of Santiago.
The islands, which were uninhabited, were colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. They used the islands, and especially the port of Mindelo, as trade center for the then flourishing slave trade from W. Africa. Most inhabitants of Cape Verde are mestiços, descendants of the white Portuguese settlers and black African slaves. Mestiços’ European ancestors also include Spanish and Italian seamen who were granted land by Portuguese Empire and followed by Portuguese settlers and exiles and Portuguese Jews who were victims of Inquisition. Today's inhabitants speak in a language with recognizable French and Portuguese words called Crioulo. They are handsome people and although poor they are very dignified. There are a number of Cape Verdean seamen who serve on Greek merchant ships and you often come across people who speak Greek. Also manu have relatives who have immigrated to the US.
The islands became independent from Portugal in 1975 but still have many economic ties with Portugal. Today they are e republic with an elected president who serves for 5 year terms under a General Assembly of elected representatives.
Mindelo is the major harbor of the island São Vicente of Cape Verde.
Cruising the region
Climate & Weather
Cape Verde is in the tropical zone. Average temperatures range from 24 °C (75 °F) in January and February to 29 °C (85 °F) in September. The average annual rainfall for Cape Verde is 68.4 mm (2.7 in), with September being the wettest month with 33.6 mm (1.3 in). Conversely, the months April to July record less than one millimetre of rainfall each. The climate is arid, but Cape Verde's position in the Atlantic contributes to soften the aridity.
Sources for weather forecast information:
- Weather on Line Detail 7 day forecast charts for the Atlantic.
- Wind GURU A surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts.
- Navtex Broadcasts List of all the Navtex broadcast times and frequencies (not kept up to date).
Charts
BA366 Arquipélago de Cabo Verde
NIMA 51500 Cape Verde (Northern Part)
NIMA 51540 Cape Verde (Southern Part)
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Cape Verde manages to have a good bureaucracy. Clearing into Cape Verde (in Mindelo), while not hard, can be time consuming. You need to clear with the harbor, customs, and immigration (Policia de Fronteira), all in different locations and with erratic hours. The port authorities, Policia Maritima (Tel. +238 324 4144), will make you sign a form that absolves them from any responsibility in the case of theft. They also will keep your yacht papers which they will return after paying the fee (500 CVE) during clearing out. Clearing out takes longer then clearing in.
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
Details?
Customs
Details?
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Islands in the Group
- Boa Vista
- Brava
- Fogo
- Maio
- Sal
- Santa Luzia
- Santiago
- Santo Antão
- São Nicolau
- São Vicente (Has data)
Ports & Popular Stops
Submit Ports and stop-overs
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
- Anne Hammick, RCC Pilotage Foundation, Atlantic Islands Cruising Guide, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 085288 761 2
- RCC Pilotage Foundation, Atlantic Crossing Guide, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 9780713660753
- Jimmy Cornell, World Cruising Handbook, International Marine, Camden, Maine, ISBN 0713634324
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Cape Verde (Wikipedia)
- Cape Verde (CIA World Factbook)
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
|
|---|
|
Names: |
| |
|---|
| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Western Africa | Cape Verde | |
