São Nicolau

19 January 2022

News

There are a few tricks against seasickness: eat before you are hungry, rest before you get tired, make sure you don’t get cold and if nothing works, take the helm. There are people who say that you should mainly stare at the horizon, but my experience is that when you already nauseous it won’t help.

No one gets seasick on the way from São Vincent to São Nicolau. There is little wind and for the first time since the start of this trip it is completely clear. After we have hoisted all the sails, it becomes quiet on board.

Santa Luzia, Illhéu Branco and Illhéu Raso are clearly visible from the boat. Jan tells about the nature reserve on one of the islands. It is uninhabited to protect the flora and fauna, but at night fires can sometimes be seen from the boat.

Other things I learned on this trip: a puts is a bucket with a heavy bottom, everyone can learn to sail, even in Switzerland they have bicycle lights. The four different languages ​​spoken on board slowly blend into a medley of English with Dutch, French and German words woven through it. Nobody watches the time. The meals on board indicate the clock: breakfast, lunch, dinner. What day is it today?

We arrive faster than expected in Tarrafal. As the sun goes down the rope ladder is thrown out for a swim, we hang up the lights and hang the awning over the deck. The cook suggests there are cookies and that she can make coffee, as she always does at this time, but most of them already have a beer in hand. She shrugs and takes a cold bottle. Mayra Andrade sings “Ilha de Santiago” from the speaker on the deck. A different island, but who cares.

Anne Dirks

Photo: Livia Naef