Lisbon is our starting point for the crossing to the New World. We raise our sails and head southwestward, towards the Canary Islands. We sail over the long, rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
It takes about five days to reach Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. There is time to go ashore and explore the island. How long depends on how favourable our journey has been, but at least a couple of days and probably longer. There is so much to see and do!
Tenerife is a volcanic island that boasts pretty bays, a spectacular landscape and an inland jungle. The ecosystem is virtually untouched and is inhabited by rare animals. Several species of whales and dophins can be found in the waters around the island. The towns are known for their lively nightlife. This island has something to offer for everyone.
It takes about the same amount of sailing to reach our next destination. The trade winds push us towards the Cape Verde Island of Sao Vicente. We make land at Mindelo, the island’s capital. After so many days at sea, it is lovely to once again enjoy the bustle and culture of city life. Or you could board the ferry to the tropical forests of the exotic paradise of Santo Antao. This island has not been spoiled by large-scale tourism yet and has an authentic and pristine feel to it.
The Cape Verde Islands could easily keep us entertained for weeks, but we still have a long journey ahead of us. We set course for the New World. The trade winds are brisk and swiftly blow us to the coast of South America. Ocean travel sets you free from your everyday worries. The ship needs to be navigated and steered. The wind usually blows from the same direction, though, so the sails need little trimming. Temperatures are pleasant and there is time for lively conversations, reading, or simply enjoying and relaxing. Watchkeeping structures our days.
When the wind dies down, it’s time for a swim. Swimming in the deep ocean, with 5 kilometres of water below you and no land in sight is an unforgettable experience. Once in a while, a tuna will chase a flying fish up from the sea. Sometimes, one actually soars on board, an easy catch of the day.
And then, land ho! After a long sea journey that’s quite a sight. In that moment, it’s easy to imagine how special the experience must have been for the sailors that crossed the ocean without modern maps and navigational equipment.
We anchor at the Devil's Islands off the coast of French Guiana. We have made the crossing! Once onshore, you experience what it means to have sea legs. It can take well over a day for this phenomenon to pass.
The Devil's Islands are known from the book Papillon and the films based on it. There used to be a penal colony here, of which remains can now be found, overgrown by jungle. Once we have celebrated that we have reached the other side, we sail to the mainland of French Guiana.
The Marowijne River flows on the border between French Guiana and Suriname. We sail up this river and anchor outside the town of Saint Laurent du Maroni. Here we can visit another French penal colony, cross the river to the Surinamese town of Albani or sail further up the river with the dinghy to see what there is to discover.
Then we descend the river again and set sail towards the beating heart of Suriname: Paramaribo. Here we enjoy the good life: Parbo beer, nice atmosphere, chat, why should we worry? To view the tropical rainforest? Oh well, tomorrow is an other day.
