23:56.59S  044:19.94W

1^st April 2011

Iate Clube Angra Dos Reis.

We set off early yesterday morning to explore the huge Bay between Angra and Parati. It was still overcast but warm and the seas flat.

Our first stop just West of Angra point was Saco do Tanguazinho. Wow! Simply beautiful. We just had to stop and swim and snorkel. The visability wasn’t great after the rain but the setting was so lovely it was worth it. Huge rocks in the water with tropical plants growing out of the cracks. A small white sanded beach surrounded by palms.

We spent about an hour in the water before reluctantly lifting anchor when the wind started to blow. We sailed slowly along the coast passing Igreja da Ribeira (Church of Ribeira) This was built in 1772, it doesn’t look in perfect condition but the guide books say they are working at preserving it. This was from where Saint Peter set off on his sea processions. We didn’t go ashore the water was very shallow and rocky, not safe to anchor.

The wind was perfect for a slow sail with the genoa up, slow enough to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The next spot we wanted to see was Ilha de Caras, a small island with restaurant and beach. It was high tide so the beach had disappeared but the setup looked very pretty. We didn’t stop.

Then the scenery changed, obviously the holiday / weekend homes of the local with money. The homes are beautiful right on the water, each with its own jetty. Many have boat and other toys in front.

The photo I am posting of the tennis court is for Maggie. We thought she might like a game here. J It is built on an extension right into the sea. I will go get the balls for those who hit them over the fence J

We had just about giving up finding the Angra yacht club when we rounded a corner and there it was. We had heard it had great settings and just about everything was free. Who should be anchored there but our friends from SA on Yacht Isa. Leon, Nicci and their two girls Zoe and Nina. They gave us a warm welcome and told us how to register at the club. They present you with a card that you use to “pay” for everything. Then its on an honour system that you settle up before you go. But having taken copies of our boat papers anyone would be silly to try and slip away. It would be like “donating” your boat to the Brazilian authorities. We no sooner anchored and went ashore when the heavens opened up again. It seems this is the normal for this time of year and will continue. We will probably spend a couple of days here before moving on towards Parati!

Saco do Tanguanzinho

Igreja da Rebeira

Ilha da Caras

Maggie’s Tennis court! J

Weekend/ holiday homes

My weekend run around!

I fell in love with this place. The “garden” runs into the sea, they have built a small bridge across to the rocks and made a rock garden with a deck and all. Its beautiful.