Trade winds

11 June 2025

Trade Winds

After a period of light winds and temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and above, we’ve finally reached the trade winds – a welcome change for all of us! We’re now sailing close-hauled and making good progress. This morning we passed Cape Verde, although the islands were too far off to be seen on the horizon.

The only sign that we were near land came through a few calls on the radio. Even though we passed about 130 nautical miles south of Cape Verde’s highest volcano, we still noticed a slight drop in wind speed. Incredible how much of a wind shadow the nearly 3000-meter-high island of Fogo creates.

Later in the afternoon, the wind gradually picked up – time for action on deck! Even with reefed sails, we’re still making 8 knots across the relatively calm Atlantic Ocean. The wind brings not only great sailing conditions, but also a pleasant cooling on deck. Still, at night we all put on our windbreakers and sweaters… it’s hard to believe that 27 degrees Celsius can feel almost cold.

The only thing we’re still hoping for is a good catch! Maybe we’re simply sailing too fast for any fish to keep up with our pink squid lures. Or maybe we’re just missing that final bit of luck? Fingers crossed that the next few days bring more success!