Thursday 8th July (Lini’s Journal)

Brindabella's Web Diary
Simon Williams
Sun 25 Jul 2010 23:25
It was 10am by the time we’d checked out and Brindabella was ready
for the off. We bid our new friends farewell and set a course for
Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira. The strong winds forecast earlier in
the week did not materialise and we had a very pleasant gentle beam
reach enabling us both to grab a few zeds during the day and enjoy the
super views of the islands. I compared the road map with the
chartplotter and we were able to identify all the places we visited
yesterday along the coast for a different view from the water.
My heart was full of glee as we approached Angra: We sailed to the
Azores in 2006 but had to take a longer route via Bayona in Spain due
to the wind direction. We then had a breakage in heavy weather in
Biscay and were held up for a week waiting for spares. Of all the
places to be held up, Bayona must come high on the list, but this
meant there was little time for cruising and we ended up flying to
Terceira from São Miguel to give us more time for sightseeing. Simon
had sailed here singlehanded in 2004 and had lots to show me. We had
such a fantastic time; I stood looking out over the water dreaming
that one day I might sail to this very special World Heritage Site.
So here I was today sailing round Monte Brasil towards the beautiful
city with the distinctive mauvey/ blue church looking over the marina
with the terraced houses lining the cobbled streets all immaculately
painted with iron balconies and curly lamps: Another dream come true.
The marina reception had seen us coming and with no need to stop on
the reception dock I was handed a marked map and gate key from the
dockmaster as we passed. At 7.45pm we berthed Brindabella in the
centre of the marina and after the usual quick tidy up, we were soon
relaxing with a G&T. We dined with a view fit for kings and as the sun
set the town was transformed as golden lights illuminated the bell
towers and other features on the church and a hundred lamps lit the
cobbled streets and bars. Bells toll every fifteen minutes from the
two churches and the cathedral within earshot, each one a different
tone and sequence. I couldn’t wait to reacquaint myself with this
fantastic place tomorrow but for now we were two sleepy sailors.