Monday 27th - Depart Horta towards Europe!
We had a few last minute jobs to do before leaving Horta but our intention
was to depart at around midday.
We started with the two most important issues - shower and breakfast. This
was our last meal at Peter's Cafe and gave me the opportunity to take a
couple of tourist-type photos. It is an incredibly famous place and we have
enjoyed some good food there so I thought it worth a photo.
After this it was the last jobs on the boat. Water, rubbish, stowing loose
gear etc. Incredibly, after not rushing at all, at 1200 we slipped our
moorings and left Horta. we aimed north east so we could pass between the
islands of Sao Jorge and Pico. This was a good thing to do from a
sight-seeing perspective, but not necessarily from a sailing speed one. The
wind was very light, there was some counter-current against us and we had to
motor for quite a while. Gradually, however, as we came out of the gap we
picked up some better wind and less resistance and set course for St
Vincent.
The end of the day was a real treat because, as we looked back, we saw a
fantastic sunset over the islands we had just come between. The colours were
amazing and played off the land and the clouds. Photos were taken but they
will never do justice to the scene unfortunately. To cap the moment, a large
school of dolphins came to play for a little while. They were particularly
active and looked to be enjoying our bow wave.
Finally, I have to mention the chicken curry Andy cooked last night. Fresh
chicken as well! It was, without doubt, the culinary highlight of our time
at sea and has put the pressure on my chilli tonight.
This part of our journey has started well and has been very unlike the
difficulties we encountered leaving US waters. Already I feel the Azores are
behind us and we are looking forward to Europe.
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