Last summer was a nightmare. While preparing to leave the Azores I had a severe engine problem with the boat. The engine is a fairly common English engine; a Perkins 4-108M. However, since Britain is not part of the EU, I spent most of the summer waiting for parts to clear customs.
Finally, in the fall, Distant Horizon was ready for a sea trial.
Each winter Distant Horizon would sustain minor damage from winter storms while in Ponta Delgada. It was October 2025. The plan was to move the boat to another island. I was able to secure a spot out of the water in Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira. Last October, I motor-sailed to our new location.
On April 15th of this year I returned to Distant Horizon. I have spent the last 5 weeks preparing her for the next leg of our voyage… sailing to Oban, Scotland.
I have not toured this island at all, and I have only taken walks in and around the city. Angra do Heroismo has a rich history and is the historical capital of the Azores. It is a very pretty city.
Angra do Heroismo Taken from the Spanish Fort
The beach is located right in the city center with a very fine sand. The white wall was part of the original city’s fortifications. in the late 19th century the city expanded out beyond that wall; creating more land and a safer harbor, which included the marina. Above the wall is a waking path that follows the wall along the water.
In the photo below, the walking path ends at the white building in the distance at one end, and at the Port Entry at the other where Distant Horizon was stored all winter.
City Beach and Walking Path
The following is a photo of the Port area. This photo of Distant Horizon was taken from the fort above the port area. You can see Distant Horizon where she was stored for the winter.
Distant Horizon Stored Out of the Water
Here is a photo from the deck of Distant Horizon looking back up to the old fort.
Fort Over Looking the Port Area.
Below is a picture of the botanical garden on a very rare, foggy day.
Botanica Garden
Ponta Delgada on São Miguel was relatively flat in the city center.
In Angra Do Heroismo on Terceira you are either going uphill or downhill. There are very few flat areas. Housing varies greatly throughout the city. This block is connected single family residences; of course going downhill.
Angra Housing