Beam reach

If I could choose the best conditions,  this would be it. Today we have had a constant 15-20 knots on the beam; flat seas, and just the right amount of sunshine. 

Added to which, 3 majestic blowing whales (fin whales, Rob reckons) passed our wake comfortably astern. Dolphins have popped over to play briefly, and the occasional petrel has soared by, wingtips skimming the wave crests.

It all makes for a happy and well rested crew. 

The daily cockpit plank is getting longer, and those who dare, do it head down to leeward. Others don't!

Tomorrow is decision day regarding the best route. So far the kind winds of the last few days have helped us to progress directly for Salcombe, our destination.  The pressure systems are due to change, and we'll use tomorrow's forecast to plan the best way forwards.

Sunset and dawn

It's been a beautiful moonlit light. Treated to a beam reach in slight seas, Tintin's making great progress. 

We are happily getting into the swing of our watches/naps/life on board.

The fishing lines will be out soon as we approach the end of our fridge based meal supplies from Terceira. 

Hoping for tuna....

A beautiful day

Force 3 and a fine reach, freshly baked bread and sunshine. This is more like it!

Saturday afternoon on board

Dolphins and the dawn

Yesterday evening we were visited by dolphins again, playing at the bow.

It has been a quiet night- apart from the engine- and now dawn is breaking, with the promise of some gentle sailable breeze on the starboard bow.

Day 2 in the Azores High

The barometer is gently rising as we make our way NE from Terceira. The engine has been on since yesterday lunchtime because what little wind there is, is coming from where we want to go!

The crew are settling into their watch pattern. Here's Moss and Rob enjoying our first sunshine of the trip.

Last night was uneventful.  Our speed over the ground varied from 5 to 6.5 knots depending on whether we has current with us or against.  The surface currents look simple ond obvious in a book (see below) but in reality they're much more complex! 

All set and Salcombe bound

We have slipped our lines, and the GPS is programmed for Salcombe. It's a lovely gentle start to the morning as we run downwind along the southern shore of Terceira

1213 nM to go!

Angra de Heroisma

We learnt more of the history of Angra of the heroes, this beautiful old town on Terceira. Founded by Vasco de Gama on 1493, it was later claimed by Spain, before a seige eventually won it back for Portugal.

We learned of the traditional feasts of the Holy Spirit, started by Queen Isabella,  where hundreds are fed on the streets each day for a week, leading up to Pentecost. Bread soup and wine are given to the poor.

Angra de Heroismo, Terceira

We learnt more of the history of Angra of the heroes, this beautiful old town on Terceira. Founded by Vasco de Gama on 1493, it was later claimed by Spain, before a seige eventually won it back for Portugal.

We learned of the traditional feasts of the Holy Spirit, started by Queen Isabella,  where hundreds are fed on the streets each day for a week, leading up to Pentecost. Bread soup and wine are given to the poor.

Bull on a rope

After an afternoon of winch servicing, rig checks and creating our provisions shopping list, we set off to watch the local "bull running" event.

It was extraordinary.  We hiked up to the village of Sao Bento to find the square cleared, a marching band, and locals perched on to of all the walls and fences ready to watch the fun. 4 small containers sat in the square, each with a bull inside. Once the chosen bull had been tethered to a long rope (with 8 men at the far end to control it all the time) it was released into the streets, to be goaded by young men with capes and open umbrellas. The most entertaining part was watching the local men scarper out of harm's way whenever the bull came anywhere near. Once tired, the bull was led back to its box, and the next bull was released. At no point is the bull hurt intentionally,  though we saw one slip over. Lots of beer was drunk and street food eaten. It was obviously a very popular local event- not many tourists around.

Angra de Heroismo, Terceira

We learnt more of the history of Angra of the heroes, this beautiful old town on Terceira. Founded by Vasco de Gama on 1493, it was later claimed by Spain, before a seige eventually won it back for Portugal.

We learned of the traditional feasts of the Holy Spirit, started by Queen Isabella,  where hundreds are fed on the streets each day for a week, leading up to Pentecost. Bread soup and wine are given to the poor.

On to Terceira

Up and off at 6am today for a 70 nm passage from Horta to Terceira, sailing past Pico and Sao Jorge. We had a beam reach with F 3-4 and blue skies- a great day sailing.

Sao Gorge was stunning to sail past, with green terraces and waterfalls running off the steep hillsides, and cloud falling off the clifftops of the  northern coast.

It's Portugal's National Day today, there's a naval ship here in Angra's harbour decked out with flags, and we can hear firecrackers banging from up in town. Angra is a UNESCO heritage site, and we enjoyed exploring its narrow cobbled streets this evening. Tomorrow's a holiday too and we hope to see some bull running in town...will keep you posted!

Sunday in Horta- sail repairs and pavement painting

Pico's volcanic vinyards and sea swimming pools

Horta

Horta is a lovely port, with a great tradition of wall/floor paintings by the crews of passing yachts.  Apparently they bring you luck! So the paints will come out tomorrow 

Crew change in Horta, Faial, Azores

Toby has left Tintin for adventures elsewhere.  Replaced by Olly and Jo, not sure we will be able to fully fill Toby's shoes, but we'll try!

Jo and Olly really happy to be on board after a rather longwinded journey from UK