It's a big place, Brazil.
We have just crossed the Equator, we are still off the coast of Brazil, and
we will still be off the coast of Brazil for some days yet. We have not
even got close to the Amazon Delta. From our chart, using
dividers and a pencil, a rough measurement of the coast-line of
Brazil shows it to be about 3500 miles long, taking no account of the
wiggles and squiggles. Since it is approximately square, this
makes Brazil a very large country indeed. No wonder the Portuguese
gave it independence so long ago - it must have been virtually impossible to
protect in those days, particularly with the Dutch, French, Spanish,
British and all sorts of other pirates around. As well as its
physical size, it has a population of, apparently (I can't even check on
Wikipedia from here - Ed), some 200 million. Together with its
natural resources, this puts Brazil well into bracket to qualify for becoming a
"Superpower". Regionally it probably is one already - Argentina must be
the only other South American country with aspirations that way.
In UK and for all I know the rest of Europe, South America, Brazil with
it, seems relatively unimportant. It is not talked about as a threat
- presumably its military forces are insignificant in NATO terms, it is too
far away and shows no inclination at all to be one. Brazil is a true
second world country - all the potential for wealth and global power, but with
under-developed services, a large part of the population dispossessed and an
immature system of government. It has a wonderful polyglot population;
nobody could define an ethnic or typical Brazilian, they seem to be a mixture of
every colour, creed and race.
We take away mixed memories. On the one hand there were the
pick-pocketings and muggings, the poverty and the filth, the
unreliable services and the sprawling cities full of dreadful new
buildings. On the other there was this huge, glorious country with
great natural resources, a colourful history, here and there wonderful old
cities and buildings, and a vibrant culture fuelled by wonderful friendly
people.
Like the rest of the Rally, I am in two minds as to whether I want to sail
there again. But Brazil is a place to watch for the future - you cannot
ignore it!
It has been hard but rewarding sailing over the last 24 hours, with a
noon-to-noon run of 160 miles in brisk north-easterly winds. Heavy squalls
of rain and uneven seas make for boisterous sailing conditions; we have not yet
reaced the comfort of the Trades. Despite Volker's promises, we have
had no more fish. But we have plenty of other stores (eg Corned Beef),
including a dwindling supply of fresh vegetables, so all is not lost.
Progress has been excellent, and we are a happy crew.
Meanwhile, all is well with us, and very best wishes to you all.
James, Paul and Volker
Yacht Cleone
01o07'N 42o10'W