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Ines Duclairoir
September 2021 - January 2022
From La Rochelle to Antarctica
Caval'ou left La Rochelle at 1:30 p.m. on September 17, 2021, and headed for the Ile de Ré for a final inspection. After a fresh dive under the hull to free the propeller of its cumbersome marine flora, Caval'ou set sail for Vigo. On the program, tight upwind and swell, Spain has to be deserved!
A few hours after leaving the Ile de Ré, Caval’ou is baptized by a first squall: welcome to the Golf de Gascogne!
Rain and gusts at 35-40 knots, several squalls got on the road to assess the resistance of Caval'ou and the responsiveness of the crew day and night. This is a successful first test!
Rain and gusts at 35-40 knots, several squalls got on the road to assess the resistance of Caval'ou and the responsiveness of the crew day and night. This is a successful first test!
After 2 days and 3 nights following the wind and beating the waves, Caval'ou found refuge in Corme to let the gale pass.
In order to take advantage of the favorable winds to pass Cape Finisterre, Caval'ou left Corme during the night.
Accompanied again by a bright moon, Caval'ou sped off, dodging the fierce fishermen in the wind and the threatening waves. During a morning maneuvering with the capricious wind; 10 knots, 35 knots, across, downwind; each reef and headsail have been used. The arrival at the famous marina of Baiona and the reception of the famous Pinta (replica) are all the more appreciated.
Caval’ou will stay there for a few days before setting off again on the southern route, towards Faro. On the program, tapas and repairs!
Monday morning Caval'ou resumed its journey along the Spanish and Portuguese coast, towards Faro. Driven by a timid downwind and buffeted by waves across, the pace is set quickly for this crossing...!
Fortunately the turning and increasing wind finally allows Caval'ou to take advantage of the waves, surfing up to 12 knots! Dolphins and other marine encounters follow one another and distract the tired crew from the rocking swell off the coast.
Caval'ou finally passed Cape Saint Vincent in the early morning of Wednesday, after a night of sliding and steady wind, and arrived at the island of Culatra in a peaceful lull. As a reward, a glowing sun and a homemade cataplana!
After refueling at the cheerful local market, Caval'ou leaves on Monday morning for the crossing to the Canary Islands. The wind is not there and the first night is done under motor, weaving between the cargo ships on the road to Gibraltar. The wind then picks up, the swell too, and the days and nights follow one another, once again punctuated by the swinging of these offshore waves. However, no visit or meeting on this part of the trip, nothing on the horizon except the waves and cumulus clouds catching up with us. For lack of marine distraction, the crew takes up Tarot when the swell leaves a little respite. The appearance of a new shipmate and the island of La Graciosa under the glories of the cumulus clouds is a small relief after another windless day
By the time you reach the small anchorage popular with passing sailors, it is already dark, and it is only in the early morning that you can appreciate the volcanic landscape of this small island.
For several days now, Caval'ou has been calling at the San Miguel marina in Tenerife, in preparation for the crossing to Brazil, via Cape Verde. A few well-deserved rest periods allow you to get lost on the roads in the heart of the mountains and forests of the North, as well as in the Charcos (natural swimming pools), a family outing on Sundays. While waiting for the offshore adventure, the crew sets out to conquer Teide, a 3718m volcano, for a memorable sunrise above the clouds, between sulfur fumaroles.
. Thanks to a downwind and surfs at more than 15 knots, the crossing will last 5 days and Caval'ou arrives at the island of Sao Vincente in the afternoon of November 8, accompanied by many flying fish and common dolphins. The welcome is warm to the cultural capital and hometown Cesaria Evora. A stopover of a few days offers a glimpse of the sweetness of life, to the rhythm of music and local grogue
Before leaving for Brazil, the crew stretch their legs one last time on the neighboring island of Sao Antao, through the old craters of volcanoes and restanques of sugar cane and banana trees.
On Friday November 12, after stocking up in the local markets and having a last drink at the warm floating bar of the Mindelo marina, it is time for Caval’ou to leave for the transatlantic.
More than 1300 miles of navigation passing through the famous pot-au-noir, famous for its flat calms and its squalls which surprise day and night with strong winds and torrential rains.
The first days are rather calm, thanks to the trade winds which stabilize after the wind blowing from the Cape Verde islands.
Below 10 degrees of latitude, cumulus clouds gather and squalls punctuate the crossing to the equator. In lulls, curious seabirds approach and demonstrate their mastery of the elements through a marine hunting session.
. The event of this crossing remains the unexpected catch of a 69kg tuna which filled the cans and fridges of Caval'ou.
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