01-May-2003 -- On our way from Recife to Königsberg/Kaliningrad the next confluence after the Archipelago de Fernando de Noronha is in the Cape Verde Islands Archipelago.

This time we decided to proceed first to 15N 23W, which is fairly close to Ilha do Maio.

The wind was quite strong (force Beaufort 6-7 from NNE) and the visibility was rather limited. So we went a little closer to make some better pictures.

The North part of Ilha do Maio is low and mainly occupied by salt pans which are surrounded by sand dunes. In the South thre are several peaks amongst which is Monte Penoso, 435 m (1,430 ft) high and the highest point of Ilha do Maio. The islands slopes gradually from these central peaks to the South end. The coasts of Ilha do Maio are, in general, low. The East coast is more indented than the other ones. The soil is for the most part dry and sterile. Salt, which is exported out of the archipelago, is the only produce of importance. There are also two limeworks and a fish canning factory. Landing on Ilha do Maio is bad and impeded with swell. There is no regular communication by sea. A small landing strip is suitable for light aircraft by day.

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Information about Ilha do Maio obtained partly from Nautical Publication Nr. 1, Africa Pilot, Vol I, "The West Coast of Africa from Cabo Espartel to Bakasi Peninsula", 13th ed. 1982 and Supplement 7th ed. 1999, British Admiralty, Hydrographer of the Navy, Ministry of Defense, Taunton, England)

In the ocean, but with a view of land