MW Ship's Log May 16 - Genius is as genius does

Dateline: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday May 17

Status:
165 nm traversed on Day 1 of the Sao Miguel => Cascais, Portugal passage. It's been mostly sail and little motor since departing the Azores 24 hours before.

I'd like to take this opportunity to make a correction to the last post. I may have inadvertently created the false impression that only one of the crew had a hangover as we departed Ponta Delgada Marina. This is incorrect. The correct count was three hangovers and one sleep deprived zombie who was probably too jet-lagged to notice that he was also hung-over. The general consensus was that Phillip's coffee concoction, although delicious, was a mistake. Interesting to note, regardless of crew condition, I found the departure to be our smoothest, easiest, least stress inducing de-docking marina exit yet. Make of that what you will.

As a statistical footnote: Bob traversed 11,000 miles and nine airports during his 40 hour jaunt to California and back. We're glad to have the crew again complete and back on a four man watch rotation.

Discussions continue on how Bob should make up his four missing watches during the Faial to Sao Miguel passage. Some feel he should simply stand a an eight hour watch and get it over with. I believe that would be too punitive and am advocating a different scheme - each of us can play the "Bob card" for one watch during the rest of the passage. Felling a little too warm and comfy in your bunk when it is time for that 3:00 AM watch? Just roll over and say - "Let Bob do it."

The first day sailing from Sao Miguel was essentially a re-run of the departure from Faial. Nice easy sail in sunshine traversing the South coast of the isle.

Smooth seas, favorable winds, lots of birds and interesting sights on the verdant island rolling past our port beam.

Then we emerge from the protective shadow of the island. Mixed currents, shifting, gusty winds from 18-26 knots, squalls, and heavy confused swells. Lot's of bouncing around and the crew mostly below deck when not on watch. Double reefed and no jib most of the way. Still picked up 165 miles.

Most Interesting Sight We Did Not See:
We passed within 30 miles of Ferrelgas - An active volcano that rises over 9,000 feet from the floor of the ocean to within 10 feet of the surface.

Dinner:
Deb's delicious Texas hash for those who trusted their stomachs at dinner time. Otherwise - Ramen Noodles.

Quote of the Day:
"I feel like a genius for deciding to stay in port last night." Captain Jim basking in the sunshine, enjoying the perfect sailing conditions just before we emerge from the protective sheltering effect of Saint Michael Island.

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MW Ship's Log May 15 - Saint Michael

Dateline: 4:00 P.M. Wednesday May 16

Status:
33 nautical miles out of Ponta Delgada Marina on Ilha de Sao Miguel with about 800 nm ahead of us to complete our transatlantic sojourn. Sailing in 20+ knots of wind.

The blog is running a little behind due to a debilitating hangover suffered by one of the crew (who will remain nameless). We were 22 hours sailing from Faial to Sao Miguel Island and spent 18 hours on the Island before setting sail again this morning.

Our passage between the Azore Islands was notable for the three man crew and 2 hour on / 4 hour off watch rotation. I was surprised at the difference. We were all accustomed to the rhythm of life aboard with a the four man rotation. Our crew usually awaken on our own - standing by and ready at the watch change. Everyone had to be prodded awake for their watch during this short island hop. We sailed most of the way, motoring only to charge batteries and for a few short lulls in the wind. It started with a pleasant sunny sail around Pico Island. Once out of the island's protection we were in shifting gusty 16 -25 knot winds with big confused swells most of the night. The short crew*, quick rotation, and weather kept Captain Jim even more on edge than usual. This may have contributed to his decision to give the crew shore leave in Ponta Delgada Marina.

El Capitan prepares the way into town

We arrived around 1:30 PM and found Bob waiting for us at the greeting dock. After we secured Morpheus safe and snug in her slip we set out to explore the neighborhood. Which - with this crew - means bars and restaurants and more bars. Another oddity of the shift change is that none of us felt much like eating during the passage.

We had little more than trail mix and oranges since leaving Faial. Now on land, those who arrived by boat were pretty darn hungry. This triggered a Hobbit-like* dining schedule while on shore.

First Dinner:
First stop was at a cafe directly across from the Marina Ponta Delgada. Their "Happy Hour" special was a selection of tapa-like appetizers and a medium beer for 2.50 euros. A good deal. We each ordered a beer and tapas plate, then ordered another beer and tapas plate. Among the tapas shared - octopus salad, shrimp, conch salad, lima beans, snails, new cheese, and French fries. It was all good. Perhaps an indicator of how hungry I was - I forgot to document any of the dishes.

Tweensies:
After wandering a bit, we found a small neighborhood bar with a big screen TV. A big soccer match between Chelsea and Benefica was on tap. We joined the crowd and cheered for Benifica. Beer and batavas bravas (spicy potatoes) softened the blow of Benefica's heartbreaking loss. Despite outplaying Chelsea the entire game, they were beaten on a sloppily defended goal during the last penalty minute of the game.

Second Dinner:
An Italian place called 44 - presumably named after our current president. Or maybe because that is their street address. I couldn't say. Kim found it during our earlier meandering and noted the pasta carbona on the menu. Bacon! That decision was made. An intimate dining room, good service and great food.

 We started with garlic bread, olive & tomato brucheta, and grilled porcini mushrooms. I was the only one that did not order the carbonara, opting instead for a pasta dish recommended by our server.

 I'll never remember the name of the dish, but fresh mint was among the herbs and spices. Dinner was accompanied by several bottles of good Portuguese red. Everything was truly excellent - prepared and presented with care. After accepting our effusive compliments Philip the chef offered us a coffee / coffee bean infused liqueur of his own concoction. Exactly the kind of thing you never want to have more than one when finishing a long night of eating and drinking.

Quote of the Day:
"I like it!" - Saint Michael after his fourth shot of Chef Phillips coffee liqueur.


*Not intended as a slur about any particular crew member who may or may not be a member of an altitude challenged protected class.

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Bob is back on board.

 We arrive in Sao Miguel and find Bob waiting on the dock.

Jim decides to overnight here before embarking on our last 800 miles to complete the transatlantic passage.
 

Our crew is again complete.


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