Azores arrival 4th June

Kirofbrixham
Fri 11 Jun 2010 11:14
For those of you who noticed we had arrived in the Azores at Horta which is the largest  town in Faial but no blog was added well here it is for what its worth.
 
We arrived about 0200 hrs actually at our berth which was along side Anam Cara. The crew of Anam Cara were supposed to greet us but were some what the worse for wear. Anyway a nice group assembled and took our lines which was lovely and lots of hand shakes. We had made it after at times a testing trip. So well done to everyone.
 
In the morning having visited the marina office followed by Immigration, then Customs and finally the Maritime police who are dressed like a member of an American SWAT team. We could get the washing done and the autopilot repaired. Oh yes and relax.
 
We had been in email contact with the chandler in Horta, Mid Atlantic Yacht Services and they were ready for the autopilot and had it repaired by that evening. Very impressed. The problem was the plastic gears were stripped and they were replaced with metal ones. I was lucky due to my intended departure date I jumped the queue in the repairs. Anyway its back in and working very well,no more hand steering if under engine with no wind.
 
Comings and goings Jim had to leave due a business commitment and he left Saturday. Mike moved his flights to stay a little longer whist we were on passage due to changes in his final destination, before his trip from Panama across the Pacific, I wish to say a big thanks to him for his personnel skills and personal input and just a good old mate. Many thanks mike catch later. Finally Gavin arrived on Tuesday 8th June. This means I have only two crew for the trip to UK,just 1200 nm.