In the name of all of us here on land, following Mussulo´s daily reports and then posting on GE, and the crew members we thank your kind words and apreciate your enthusiasm!
With regards to your post at Google Earth Blog:
As to the Expedition´s name "Abraço à Vela", really it has no direct translation to English, as such Abraço does mean hug, however, Vela does not mean "candle" in this sense but "SAIL" instead. It is difficult to translate into a catchy title but your deduced explanation has been correct, it means something of the following order, "Though this sail trip the crew plans to greet everyone they have not been in contact with for the past 30 years".

Best Regards,

Djorge