New Year's Eve

3 January 2015

As said, we sailed to São Nicolau the next day. First against the wind by engine, and then we sailed along the wind in the right direction. In the evening we dropped anchor in the bay of Tarrafal for a quiet night. After breakfast we started the tour on the island, with a picnic at the beach at lunchtime.
And then, finally, it was time for New Year’s Eve! Before everyone came back on board, we decorated the ship with lights and garlands, dinner was being made and the dough for the beignets was rising. After a delicious 5-course dinner, the music started, the beignets were served and the champagne bottles opened for an unforgettable night. At midnight the cannon was fired, together with fireworks and the sound of the horns on the shore.
Early in the morning we set course to Sal Rei, the salt king. Luckily the wind was favourable and we sailed all afternoon. After dinner we had to get a little help from the engine to reach our destination.
On Boa Vista some of us spend the morning with a tour on the island, while others went for a swim. When all were back on board, the wind had changed direction. Instead of pounding against the wind, we could motor sail to Santa Maria for a last barbecue, with marshmallows for dessert.