Why a Dazcats on Charter series?

The question ‘Where can I charter a Dazcat?’ has been cropping up more often so I thought a quick look at what’s on offer might be helpful in choosing that next holiday…

First though, we have no business connection with the charters featured in this series. They just happen to operate boats built by us and since we consider all the Dazcats as part of the family we do like to maintain contact. We often post about Dazcats racing and cruising but have never taken a close look at those operating charters, so it seems about time.

I’ve also never actually sampled the delights that they have to offer so can’t comment personally. That may need to be rectified at some point though as they all look quite tempting!

Part One:

Dazcat 1190 ‘Kingfisher’

Cape Verde Islands

The Background

Kingfisher was launched in 2006 as Dazcat ‘kit-boat’ 1190 Born Slippy. It is one of two boats owned and operated by Lucas of Cape Verde Sailing. The other boat, his first, is a monohull.

The overwhelming feeling I get from communications with Lucas is that he is living his dream life and very happy to share it with you: Warm waters and a steady breeze, abundant fish and a skipper that clearly knows how to get them from water to table, and of course a stunning boat that sails well and fast…

Unfazed by Lockdown – “Living on my Dazcat I felt like the luckiest guy in the world”

It was just a few days before the world shut down that we first had contact from Lucas. He and his friend David had just bought the Dazcat 1190 and were planning to add it to their mini charter fleet…Then the world went silent so it was with some trepidation that I emailed to see how things were going…Lucas replied  immediately, his enthusiasm almost sizzling from the screen as I read his news and updates. He wrote that after friend David had returned home to take up parental responsibilities Lucas sailed to the island of São Nicolau to wait out lockdown:

“…and I honestly felt like the luckiest guy in the world. Living on my Dazcat on a small island, fishing and diving every day to catch fish to ‘survive’ “. 

Lucas also spent the time catching up with the jobs list – including a new main sail & genoa, extending the solar capacity, a new tender and liferaft, and lots of cosmetic work. In effect, getting Kingfisher ready for a new phase of life, as a charter boat…

Slowly slowly the world opened up again and he and his girlfriend Susi re-started the charters.  They’ve had quite a busy season and are now happily back on track.

What’s on offer?

Lucas and Susi offer flexible options from Day trips to longer charter. Lucas tells me that on the longer trips they usually sail between the Northern islands, 1-2 weeks depending on the guest time and interest. He goes on to describe some of the trips they’ve had this year

“One couple wanted to sail on a fast cat, and wanted to learn as much about sailing as possible. We sail Sal, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia Santo Antão, São Vicente and back, a total of 400 NM.

Another group of four Spanish guys were more interested in fishing. Although it’s not always easy to fish from a catamaran the speed of 10 knots is just perfect for getting Tuna, Wahoo and other wild sushi fish 😉

There were also a few shorter trips, more for sunshine, cruising and snorkeling.

Now we are doing a few day trips with both boats and in November I will take another trip with two Norwegian couples –  one sailors, one not. We are planning to sail from Sal to São Nicolau for some fishing and hiking, then Boa Vista looking for whales…”.

Well, it sounds like Kingfisher is offering pretty much everything Dazcat Media might want from a charter!

What’s the cost?

Lucas tells me that prices are around €3980/ week so with a party of four that’s €995 euro/person/ week.

There’s a lot more information on the website at cvsailing.com or you can contact them on WhatsApp +2389339510

If you do go we’d love to hear about it.

What would you do with your Dazcat?

Visit our website to find out about the Dazcat range