We had arranged with the Dutch yacht rafted outside of us that we would be looking to depart soon after 6am and they agreed to co-operate by leaving to clear the way. They were an old couple in an old but solid ketch and they had been around the world twice together which prompted some... Continue Reading →

The organised tour of the island was interesting and enjoyable with our coach finally delivering us to the venue for the evening prize giving. The 1957 volcanic eruption added 2 square kilometres to the western end of Faial and the event was held in the underground visitor centre built within the volcanic ash. I was... Continue Reading →

I now know that it is not only the English that have a pre-occupation with the weather as it has been the primary subject under discussion among the whole ARC fleet, irrespective of nationality. We have been told that the Horta departure is delayed by 24 hours because of another gale and the rally will... Continue Reading →

Being rafted three out has its drawbacks especially when you have used a dozen lines to secure the yacht in the big winds. So we really didn't want to hear that the Finnish yacht inside of us wanted to leave. In the event, slipping and ‘standing off’ while the Fins extricated themselves was fairly painless... Continue Reading →