The next voyage of Atlantis will bring us to Joao Pessoa, which is the capital of the smallest state of Brazil (Paraiba). After sailing around the most Southerly point of Africa, Atlantis will land at the most Easterly point of South America. Jacare (near Jaoa Pessoa) is a favourite landing place for yachts coming from Europe via the Cape Verde Islands. With a distance of 1.500 NM it is also the fastest route from Europe to mainland Brazil. Some yachts coming from Europe make a first stop at the island of Fernando de Noronha. (1.250 NM from Cape Verde) The weather conditions in that region are quite stable and predictable with mostly Easterly trade winds.

We should be able to sail the 514 NM from the bay of Aratu to the small marina in Jacare, a small village on the Rio Paraibe river, in an estimated 5 days. The town of Cabedele is situated at the entrance of the river and will be our first reference point with a lighthouse. Jacare is know to have the most beautiful sunsets in Brazil....hope to take some pictures to post on the blog.

This first trip, although short, will be the most challenging as the weather between Salvador and Joao Pessoa is often unpredictable with a strong counter current close to shore. Another danger along the coastline are the small fishing boats (often without light at night). They just switch on the light when they see a boat arriving on a collision course....sometimes too late. Vigilance day and night is a must in Brazilian coastal waters.

Taking the above into consideration, the plotted navigation route will take us 40 NM out at sea, just heading back towards land when approaching our destination. With waves coming from the side a Northerly (head wind) has to be avoided at all costs....it would be a no go for me. We are currently waiting for a suitable weather window to start this rather difficult sail.

Marc