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Gozwoz - To Santa Maria



The marina at Ponta Delgada was new but had a major disadvantage in its plague of seagulls. Once hosed down the pontoon was superficially healthy but the cleaning, while removing the bulk of the guano, did not remove the bones lodged among the woodwork, parts of which resembled an ossuary. Doctor Navigator would no doubt have relished the challenge of identifying the bones. Our position in the marina did, however, meet the approval of Roger who enjoyed the close presence of the young male members of the Finnish crew moored along side. Sadly they sailed north from Ponta Delgada while we sailed south.

Yesterday the Bosun, the Coxswain and Roger went on a coach tour of the island, visiting the caldera of one of the local volcanoes and admiring the lush countryside where dairy farming is a major activity. OGL and the Navigator stayed behind and claimed to have been doing useful things.

About midday yesterday we were joined on the pontoon by the first finisher in the Azores and back race who had arrived from Falmouth, 1160 miles away, single-handed in just over 5 days during which he claimed to have eaten twice. Not much like sailing on GOZWOZ.

Ponta Delgada is blessed with a number of keenly priced restaurants which threatened the progress we had made in dieting and abstinence during the long crossing or perhaps it took us a few days to recover our appetites. Last night we dined at a tapas bar in the hope we would have a light meal. It turned out to be strong on the local specialities, cheese and sausages, so our objective was barely achieved.

We are now en route to Santa Maria, the most easterly of the Azores from where we will make our departure for the mainland on Sunday. We had a good sail for ten miles when the wind dropped and the engine was started. While sunny, it is chilly and all the crew wear sweaters in the cockpit.

Minnow III is not in action since we are unlikely to eat on board tonight. He has, however, had the opportunity to listening to much of the OGL's whistling repertoire, including Wall Street Shuffle, A Wandering Minstrel I and Men Of Harlech.

Thanks to Tara for allowing us the time to clean our injectors and come into Vila da Porto before them. The curse is lifted. We love You!

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