I have departed the Azores and begun my long passage north to Oban, Scotland. I am planning 14 days. However, I have doubts.
There are gales crossing the Atlantic Ocean from North America, and south of them where much of my passage will be, there are several High Pressure systems filling in. This means I will have to motor for several days.
Motoring on the ocean is not something that I usually do. In planning, I did bring extra fuel. If I can avoid sitting and bobbing like a cork for several days, I will motor north until I can run into some wind. I set my threshold is low. If I can keep Distant Horizon moving at 3kts, I will sail. This means the passage will be longer than planned.
Leaving Angra do Heroismo was like leaving anyplace you called home… even for a short while. There was a feeling of sadness as the city slow drifted away behind me.
I was busy at this time. I was coming to the end of the bay. After rounding Monte Brasil Distant Horizon and I would be on the Atlantic Ocean once more.
Monte Brasil is the remnants of a tuff volcano and peninsula on the south coast of Terceira, overlooking the city of Angra do Heroismo. It is pictured below, but is much more dominant when viewed from the city. Today, it is covered with the remnants of an old Spanish fort, playgrounds, exercise stations, and lots of hiking trails. A herd of wild deer liver there. If you hike in the morning you will have a good chance of seeing them.
Rounding Monte Brasil
I was surprised to see caves in Monte Brasil. Nobody had mentioned the caves the whole time I was there; not the scuba divers, kayakers, swimmers, or boaters.
Once on the Atlantic Ocean, Distant Horizon was motorsailing. That is sailing by the wind and sails, and that being helped a bit with the motor because the winds were so light.
For the first time, I caught a glimpse of São Mateus, the next major town along the coast, west of Angra. I just worked on the boat 90% of my time on Terceira. I want to go back so I cantour the island like I did while on São Miguel.
São Mateus, Terceira, Azores
A Portuguese naval ship followed us for a little while. The navy plays two roles: the obvious military role of the navy, and also that of the coast guard. They often rescue people on the water, capture drug runners, and catch illegal fishing boats.
Portuguese Naval Vessel
They must have determined that Distant Horizon and I were not a threat. After a few minutes they continued their patrol and left us behind.
By now the sadness of departing had faded and the excitement of starting a new ocean passage was building. The winds were light. So, progress was slow. Still, by sunset I was catching my last views of Terceira in the distance behind us.
Final Look at Terceira
By morning, there would only be me and Distant Horizon on the ocean for as far as can see.