A Spectacular Sail to Mindelo for the ARC+ Fleet

The ARC+ fleet has been enjoying a truly memorable passage on their route to Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands, with conditions delivering everything from gentle breezes to unforgettable wildlife encounters. For many crews, the past days at sea have offered a picture-perfect blend of sailing, relaxation, and adventure—an ideal mid-Atlantic warm-up before the longer crossing to Grenada.

Wildlife sightings have been a highlight of the passage, with crews reporting whales, dolphins, turtles, and even the elusive sunfish drifting by. For the minority of boats experiencing lighter winds, the calm conditions have brought a different kind of joy: refreshing mid-ocean swims, leisurely lunches, and plenty of time to soak in the vast blue around them.

Fishing lines have been just as active as the crews, with a steady stream of mahi-mahi catches being shared across the fleet. Judging by the photos coming in, seafood dinners have been abundant and very well earned.

At the front of the pack, the catamaran Enjoy the Silence an Outremer 55.2 has carved out a commanding lead. Expected to arrive in Mindelo early tomorrow morning, they are approximately 24 hours ahead of the main fleet after choosing a more easterly route that kept them closer to the African coastline—and crucially, in more consistent wind.

Once in Mindelo, the fleet can look forward to a warm welcome, guided tours, and plenty of social time to reconnect after the passage. It’s also a valuable chance for crews to rest, refuel, and make final preparations before the next major chapter of their adventure: the ocean crossing to Grenada, beginning on 21 November.

From gentle seas to spectacular wildlife, it has been a remarkable sail so far—and the best is still to come.