Piotr, SQ9D will be active as D4Z from Sao Vicente Island, IOTA AF - 086, Cape Verde, Cabo Verde in CQ WW DX SSB Contest, 25 - 26 October 2025.
He will operate in Single Operator Single Band 15m Category.
Recent DX Spots D4Z
WAZ Zone - CQ 35.
ITU Zone - 46.
QTH Locator - HK76mu.
QSL via HB9DUR direct or IK2NCJ buro.
Ads for direct QSL:
MONTEVERDE CONTEST CLUB, Pregassona 6963, Switzerland.
via buro to IK2NCJ.
São Vicente is an island of volcanoes, carnivals, and exquisite cuisine!
The West African republic of Cape Verde consists of several separate islands, and the island of São Vicente is considered the second most populous. Sometimes you may hear it referred to by another name – Porto Grande. Currently, the island has a population of over 67,000 and a total area of 227 square kilometers. The largest settlements are Calha, Mindelo, Madeiral, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro, and Salamanca. If we take into account the administrative division of the island, it also includes the island of Santa Luzia. It is quite small: only 13 km long and no more than 5 km wide.
The city of Mindelo on the Island of Sao Vicente on Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean in Africa.
Climate and geographical conditions worth noting
San Vicente has a dry tropical climate. This means that the water temperature here does not fall below +22 degrees Celsius all year round, and the air temperature is approximately 24 degrees. It is worth remembering that the island has a real rainy season, which lasts from late summer to mid-autumn. The island's location and geographical features contribute greatly to the creation of such climatic conditions.
So, what are the geographical features of San Vicente? Firstly, it is an island of volcanic origin, meaning that the land was formed over centuries, including as a result of volcanic eruptions. Some craters of previously active volcanoes have survived to this day. Secondly, despite its volcanic origin, the terrain here is surprisingly flat. There are practically no mountains or other elevations. The highest point on the island is Monte Verde. According to official data, its height is 774 meters.
Scientists, researchers, and visitors from other countries are also attracted by the amazing fact that the island seems to be dotted with capes on all sides. Let's list only the largest of them: Cape Mashadu is conveniently located in the southern part of the island, Cape Calheta Grande has become a real decoration of the eastern coast of San Vicente, in the western part you can see the no less attractive Cape João de Évora, and in the north - Cape Calha. The highlights of this region are its numerous bays and inlets: Baía das Gatas, Porto Grande, and Salamanca.
Fishing boats in Cape Verde, Sao Pedro on the Sao Vicente island.
How do the islanders of San Vicente and the neighboring islands make a living today?
Fishing is a common activity that provides local residents with a stable income. Another noteworthy activity is the cultivation and sale of fruits that are considered exotic and quite rare in other countries. Many residents of San Vicente enjoy various crafts. Today, the island has a National Crafts Center that oversees the activities of several large workshops. The most common products made by artisans are woven baskets and other similar items, souvenirs made from coconut shells, and stylish jewelry for men and women made from sea stones, shells, and other natural materials.
Local residents like to spend their free time at various festivals and carnivals. The Bahia das Gatas festival, held on the island in August, has gained worldwide fame. The program of events usually includes a lot of interesting things: performances by both local and guest artists, an extensive cultural program, water competitions, etc. Every guest of San Vicente Island should visit the legendary carnivals at least once — unique processions with colorful decorations.
Sao Vicente Island. Cabo Verde. Cape Verde. Beach.
Has San Vicente Island always been so cheerful?
Unfortunately, San Vicente Island has not always been a place of fun, joy, and positive emotions. For a long time, it was simply uninhabited. People did not even want to stay there permanently for the simple reason that there was no fresh water. For a significant period of time, the island was used as pasture for livestock from neighboring islands. It was only in the 19th century that English travelers began to show increased interest in San Vicente. What sparked this interest? The presence of large coal deposits.
The city of Mindelo gained worldwide popularity as it became the largest port, which today receives ships from all over the world. In 2003, this city acquired the status of “Cultural Capital of the Portuguese-speaking World.” The most popular culinary dishes of this city and other settlements are grilled lobsters, rice with shellfish, and fried moray eel. By the way, according to many scientists, moray eels are quite dangerous sea creatures that resemble eels in appearance. But when cooked properly, they become a delicious dish that you can confidently say, “It's finger-licking good!”
