The ARC was scheduled for a 0700 departure. In the Horta Marina, five boats were rafted off the dock. We were the third boat from the dock. The outside two boats were efficient in untying their lines and were off at about 0645. We were ready, so in two minutes we were free and headed out of the marina. Since it wasn’t a timed start, we set the sails. Because our generator was not working and we had not connected to shore power, we had to run the engine to charge the batteries. And run the engine we did. With the aid of the engine we led the pack and put some distance between us and others.
When we emerged from the lee of Pico, the engine was off and we cruised with a 12-14 kt wind that put us between a close reach and beam reach. Very pleasant sailing at 7 kts, occasionally seeing 8 kts. I took two naps on the 9-hour trip to the impressive Angra do Heroismo marina on the island of Terceira.
In the evening, we enjoyed a group meal at the sailing club. Everything I sampled off the buffet was tasty. After the meal, a band came on and did American/British rock and roll.
Looks like a beautiful island. I was glad to see the dock paintings. Last time I saw Janet C. she asked if you had seen them. I’d love to go there someday. Love you, Marcia