We arrived in Horta, on Faial Island in the Azores on Sunday morning (6/2) around 4:00 am local time (10:00 pm MT). It was a long, and often “spicy” 10 ½ days, but we finally stopped moving! After a short sleep, we had to clear customs and were desperate to walk on land!
The weather was cool and rainy but that didn’t stop us – so off we went to the famous “Peter’s Sport and Café” – a historical landmark and one of the most famous sailor bars in the world… AND known for their excellent Gin! We visited “multiple times” to sample the local fare such as limpets (Lapas) and lupini beans (Tremocos).
After any passage, there are lots of “boat chores” including laundry, re-provisioning, cleaning the boat and more. One of the reasons we joined the ARC Rally was because they arrange marina berths, repairs, island tours, social activities and such, so once the “chores” were done, we went on a ½ day tour of the island, stopping at the Queijaria O Morro cheese factory.
After the tour, we had lunch at Restaurant Atletico. As we walked in, the boys from Ohana of Newport (4 South Africans), started clapping, cheering loudly, and shouting “Well Done Moxie, Winners of the Race”. Very embarrassing, but we sat down, ordered drinks, and thought nothing more about it…. Until Gavin came over with 2 shots of tequila and challenged Jeff and Anthony’s manliness because they were drinking 2 small beers!
One look at Ohana’s table showed they had been there awhile – an empty bottle of white wine AND an almost empty bottle of tequila.
As we chatted, they said they “didn’t start sailing until they ran out of whiskey”. So we sent over 4 shots of Jack Daniel’s (Jeff’s idea) and challenged their manliness – 4 South African sailors sitting around in bibs, drinking white wine?? What’s wrong with this picture??
On Wednesday (6/5), we had a crew dinner at Canto da Doca (aka “hot rocks” restaurant) where you cook your own food on a hot volcanic stone.
We were seated with Grant, Annie, and James from Mistress Moon. The food was excellent as were the 5 ½ liters of wine! A good time was had by all! (Picture coming soon).
Horta is a “must stop” for yachts crossing the Atlantic. To mark their arrival, yachts paint a picture of their boat or some other image and mark the year of their arrival.
SeaFever was here in 2000 and the artwork still looks good 24 years later!
And now Moxie is here! Let’s hope it looks equally as good in 24 years. Many thanks to Rachael Delahoyde for the great artwork!
And now Moxie is here! Let’s hope it looks equally as good in 24 years. Many thanks to Rachael Delahoyde for the great artwork!
We’ve had a great time in Horta and now it’s time to move on. Next stop – Terceira, Angra do Heroismo….
