The arrivals have been steadily coming and 13 boats are now rafted up inside the Marina da Horta. The customs dock is a great time to take on diesel and there has certainly been some of that. Everyone has commented on a great first half to the crossing but then a frustrating light second half. 'Free Spirit' and 'Song of the Sea' both mentioned at times the wind was just enough to sail under spinnaker but the ground swell coming from the north would rock the boat and cause the sail to collapse. Trying to sail as much as possible it was often sails up, engine off, sails down, engine on!
Everyone has been asking how Defyr got on in with their search for wind on the northern course they took. They arrived around 130am and will no doubt be quizzed this morning as they raft up to the other rally yachts. The rafting of the rally yachts up to 4 deep from the wall means there
is a very sociable and a good chance to meet other crews. Defyr made it as far as 43'N and did mention seeing polar bears swimming around!
Welcome drinks for the early arrivals was at the iconic Peter Cafe Sport, a unique cafe bar that is home to so much memorabilia and stories from the sailors that have crossed the Atlantic. Jose is the third generation of 'Peter' and continues to welcome visiting yachtsmen and support the ARC Europe rally. We are sure there will be more evenings here at Peter Cafe and they have live music on both Friday and Saturday night.
Afterwards a crew supper was planned at a local restaurant called Canto de Doca, known to the sailors as hot rocks restaurant. Everyone cooks dinner on their own hot volcanic stone, a great concept and a great evening.