Thursday 24th June
Vaquero
Fri 25 Jun 2010 16:31
|
Vaquero arrived in Horta, Faial, at 1430UTC
Thursday 24th June - 38 32N 28 37.5W
Held the breeze until I was about 10 miles from
Horta and then started motoring to complete the last bit as quickly as
possible. The scent of cold beer was irresistible! Faial appeared
ahead just after dawn broke, another magical landfall and the last few hours was
spent enjoyably watching the beautiful landscape of the island roll
by. A good friend of mine met me on arrival and took charge. Customs
was swiftly cleared and I was given a prime berth in the marina, a hammerhead
all to myself whilst the bigger boats are all rafted up and squashed together
around me. I was then whisked off home, thrown in the swimming pool and
plied with cold beer, with a party and BBQ, juicy steaks, salad, chips (haven't
had a chip since the deep fat fryer went legs up) and good company to
follow. Perfick! I slept well last night.
The mast news is not so good, except to say I am
glad I retired when I did. I must admit that it took me two days to make
the decision to throw in the towel and with the benefit of hindsight that was
two days too long. I am sure the rig would not have made it to the finish
line and my only goal now is to get the boat safely home. Meanwhile I
shall sign off this blog until I leave Horta for the voyage home, probably in
about one week's time, unless I have something important to report. Stay
tuned.
|