Sea Week in Horta, pictures

Burnadebt
John & Bernie
Thu 7 Aug 2008 08:32
Sea week has now started, with lots of entertainment, street concerts of pop, folk and brass band music, along with a whole street of restaurants under canvas - it really is a big event here. On the water, there have been races of all sizes of boats, from radio-controlled models, oppies, lasers and big boats. We did the Horta Regatta on Tuesday, and came 3rd, so that was ok really - great fun, particularly as we took 3 crew with us, all people we've met here. Unfortunately, it has meant the marina has filled up to overflowing and since we've been out racing, we lost our spot on the wall, rafted 3 out but are now moved again - it makes it very difficult to remember where to come home to at the end of the evening.
We've done a trip round the island with a Canadian couple who keep their boat in Limehouse, Docklands, and been on the ferry across to Pico, the next volcanic island. There are amazing lava tubes over there, deep tubes you can walk through, with lovely rock formations. Lava rock is used for everything, it seems, from building houses and walls, to supporting grape vines for the wine - we have had to try the odd bottle! We went whale watching again, had fantastic views of sperm whales, mother and calf and others, so getting to know this island at least. The weather has got warmer, or we're becoming acclimatised now and therefore can swim in the sea, so better all round.
Realistically, we'll leave here after Sea week (we might have left earlier, but now have to collect our prize!), and so still aim to get to Portsmouth Bank Holiday weekend, weather etc permitting. We've had the engine serviced and the seal/flange fixed at the back of the gearbox - the castle nut, yet again! John's fixed the halyards and radar bracket, we've mended the Duogen and the watermaker, so all is ready, I think. Will let you know when we do actually cast off.
Photos
Our picture on the wall
Bernie with Pico in the background
Wall covered with paintings
Whale diving
 




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