Sailing & Exploring Cape Verde Islands

YOUR SAILING AREA

Cape Verde

Known for their warm tropical climate, floral landscapes, delicious cuisine and great sailing grounds, Cape Verde is made up of 10 enchanting islands each with their own unique personality. This voyage with Kairós is focussed on the islands of São Vincente, Boa Vista and Santo Antão. If the winds permits, there could be stops on the island of Sal and São Nicolau too.

Read more about sailing in Cape Verde here.

Cape Verde Sailing

You’ll join Kairós in the heart of the Cape verde islands in the vibrant city of Mindelo on the island of São Vincente. One of the larger towns across the islands, Mindelo gives good international transport links and is considered the cultural hub of the archipelago.

Our next island stop will depend on the wind but could see Kairós sailing to Santo Antão, considered to be the most beautiful island of the archipelago. With rugged luscious mountains and local villages seemingly suspended into the cliffs, it is considered the most green and fertile of the islands.

São Nicolau (also reffered to as Tarrafel) is a peaceful island dotted with fishermans villages, untouched by tourism where guests are welcomed with open arms. Framed by a mountainous backdrop, the island is home to primeval forest remains in the National Park of Monto Gordo and is a hikers paradise.

The more popular and visited island of Boa Vista is a contrast to São Nicolau both in landscape and atmosphere. Although attracting more tourists, Boa Vista is home to over 55km of dazzling sandy beaches and is well known for its shifting sand dunes. Further inland, the island has an almost lunar-like landscape with rock filled vistas and ancient ruins in the desert. Snorkelling here is also a delight with tropical fish, bright coral and mysterious shipwrecks along the coast. Humpback whales  frequent the water here between the islands and can often be spotted between February to May.

The island of Sal sits to the most Easterly point of the archipelago and is a beach lovers paradise. Golden sands lapped by azure blue waters give a stark contrast as you wander further inland where more volcanic, lunar-like landscapes await.

All voyages for Kairós

Kairós

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Bermuda Schooner

Offering guests a sailing holiday experience with luxury at the heart of everything she does, Kairós  is a purpose built charter vessel designed with the beautifully elegant lines of classic boat. Spending her winters exploring Cape Verde, Kairos moves into the Med for the summer offering sailing holidays in Croatia, Corfu and Italy.

This beautiful luxurious schooner was designed by Klaus Röder in 2007 who based his design on a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern day schooners; built for performance sailing and guest comfort. Kairós offers a total of 7 private en-suite double cabins and 1 twin cabin for up to 16 guests, these private cabins have either a double bed or single bunks and all have air-conditioning. The  well appointed deckhouse has its very own small bar whilst below decks offers still more space to relax, from the saloon with its plasma TV to its very own library for relaxing while underway.

Built with luxury in mind, the outline on deck is of teak and mahogany with plenty of space to sun-bath, read a book and enjoy the views. All the sails are electronically retractable, so no need to “learn the ropes” here! (The crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Kairós as much as they would like!)

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into the warm Mediterranean waters, have a swim and climb back aboard with ease. Kairós also offers her guests the options of using her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding and snorkelling equipment!

The professional crew consists of the Skipper, first mate, mechanic, bosun, cook and 2 stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Kairós. Read more about life onboard here.

Deck plan

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Kairos?

  All guests must either be fully vaccinated or have a relevant recovery certificate which is required upon booking.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea). Alcohol and soft drinks are not included. One meal is eaten ashore at the customers own expense.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/German/Dutch

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Kairos has 6 Deluxe Double Cabins Ensuite (10m2), 1 Standard Double Cabin Ensuite (8m2) and 1 Twin Bunk Cabin Ensuite (8m2) (latter 2 cabins are really well suited to younger sailors and solo travellers).

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. Minimum age of 5, and as long as the child can swim.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All cabins have their own ensuite.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Mindelo, Sao Vincente

To: Mindelo, Sao Vincente

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

.

Entry Requirements

Cape Verde requires a full COVID vaccination incl. booster (3 doses) as mandatory.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure from Cape Verde.