There is always a bit of trepidation around, before embarking on an offshore passage..... have we checked everything, is it all working, can you remember how to switch off the false alarms, last minute provisioning, tank filling, last shower on an unmoving surface, and then the wind perks up to make life difficult manoeuvring around a tight marina.

 

After the usual twitching, and occasional exchange of pleasantries between crew members, we finally left Angra mid afternoon, en route to mainland Portugal. Our fall back plan is to stop off at St Miguel (c 90 miles SE of Angra) if we want a break or anything stops working. The wind gods seem keen for this to happen, as we are struggling to shape a course with it straight from astern. We have been gybing away from the island, hoping for better, and chewing over the sail options (without wanting to fly the Parasailor in 20 knots), but there are no easy solutions so far. We can just about hold a course to St Miguel though, so maybe that is the answer.

 

Ca Va

 

Watergaw