Ponta Delgada, Azores

Into The Blue
Andy & Gina Hilton
Mon 1 May 2017 19:21
35.02 N 028.19 W

We left Rodney Bay with sad feelings as this would be the last time we would see some of the crews of the round the world fleet. We had the sails delivered after refurbishment by North Sails in Martinique, great job thanks.

Bent the sails on at anchor in the bay and set of at 16:30 local time. 

19 days later, one severe storm and tow gales later we arrived a little worse for wear at the Marina in Ponta Delgada in the Azores. 

We’d had a very tough voyage but Into The Blue was spectacular, what a magnificent vessel she is, there was nothing that the Atlantic could throw at her that she didn’t just bear and got on with the job of protecting us and getting us to our destination safely, just amazing. I now really understand why the Oyster 56 is regarded by many as the best ocean passage yacht built, I strongly agree!

So we are getting repairs carried out, we have solved a problem with the engine, air leak through the Racor lid possibly the gauge, yachties will understand. The rest is minor and should be sorted for a departure some time Thursday or Friday, depending on weather.

Andy, Tom, Josh & Brian