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Sunday evening in Mindelo

They sail on. You could stay.

Every Sunday night on Belgian television, you see the sailboats in Mindelo’s marina during Over De Oceaan: crews loading crates of oranges, checking the trade winds, and untying the lines for three weeks of open water. Nobody mentions that ten minutes up the hill, Cristina is setting the rooftop breakfast table—and the island doesn’t pitch in the night.

Win 3 nights in May Read the Sunday guide to Mindelo
Bronk on the quay in Mindelo looking at the boats across the bay
“I watched them untie the ropes. Then I went home for papaya.” — Bronk Mindelo Marina · 10 min from our door

Two ways to experience Mindelo

Every November and December, ocean crews use São Vicente as a springboard. They see the fuel dock, the market, and the horizon. If you stay behind when they cast off, you get the rest of the island.

On the sailboat

Across the Atlantic

  • ⚓Two hours of sleep at a 25-degree angle, followed by night watch in wet oilskins.
  • 🥫Tinned rations and flying fish on the deck by day four.
  • 🚿A salt-water bucket on the stern when the skipper allows it.
  • 🧭One afternoon in Mindelo spent hauling 90 litres of bottled water to the pontoon.
At Casa Bom Dia

3 nights at Rua Franz Fanon 14

  • 🛏️A queen-size bed that stays completely still, with air-conditioning and shutters open to the morning sun.
  • 🥭Warm pão d’água from the bakery down the street, fresh papaya, goat cheese, eggs your way, and strong coffee on the rooftop.
  • 🐾Bronk waiting by the yellow door to walk you to Laginha beach, the fish market, and the old town.
  • ⛴️The morning ferry to Santo Antão ten minutes down the hill—with your big bag safely stored in our house.

The Sunday Contest

Leave your answer before the boats reach the other side

Answer one question about Mindelo and our tie-breaker below. Every entrant immediately receives Bronk’s illustrated walking map of Mindelo (PDF) on the next screen.

1. The Mindelo question

When the sailboats leave Mindelo’s marina, they pass a mountain across the bay whose ridge looks like a face looking up at the sky. What is it called? (Hint: it’s in our Mindelo guide.)

How many valid entries will we have received in total across all languages when this contest closes on Sunday 31 January 2027 at 23:59 CET?

Closes Sunday 31 Jan 2027 At 23:59 CET, when the Sunday broadcasts wrap up.
Winner announced Sunday 7 Feb 2027 Contacted directly by email from Christophe.
The stay May 2027 3 consecutive nights for two, dates chosen together.