Ponta Delgada was our first Azorean port of call. After registering at reception and all authorities, we went to our pontoon and 3 Dutch gentlemen jumped off their yacht “Joined Effort”, took our ropes and welcomed us warmly. They had arrived a few days earlier from Falmouth. It took them 12.5 days as they had no wind at times. This was when we enjoyed France, waiting for the right time to cross.

The next day, Eric, the owner of “Joined Effort” invited us over for a drink and we admired his beautifully Dutch constructed 44 foot Comptess. We enjoyed meeting the trio Eric, Tom and Ton (Thomas and Antony), who were now waiting for their wives, flying over to join them for a holiday on the island. We were introduced to the Dutch national drink Beerenburg and Paul managed 3 shots, while I kept to the modest first glass, sipping at it for a long time.

Our conversations covered wide grounds of life experiences, sailing tactics and gear. At one point Ton got up and handed us an unexpected gift. It was the Azorean flag, we are now proudly flying under the Portuguese flag.

Next to Paul is Tom, then Ton holding the Azorean Flag and Eric the Skipper of “Joined Effort”.  Look forward to meeting up again sometime later in Horta

              Any one for pineapple? Small, firm, juicy and sweet, the big attraction of Sao Miguel. Those pineapple are truly amazing and we went back for more at the market.