England

Horta, Faial, Azores to Falmouth, UK

The ~1250 nm passage (rough estimate including some deviations from direct route) took 12.5 days--better than I had expected based on the forecast I left with. Saw some whales, a mola-mola, lots of Cory's Shearwaters (birds), and a fair bit of rain and clouds. Arrived Falmouth, UK around 0100 July 31, 2015. Anchored next to another Twister--actually the first one I've seen besides "Twister."

Thursday 18/07-2013, 1630 UTC

Sailing past Ilha Sao Jorge, 1 mile of point ____ on the NW side of the island, which is standing dramatically out from the clouds and fog. Departed Horta today 1210 UTC in gusty conditions as winds and tidal streams funneled through Canal Do Faial between Faial and Pico. It took maybe ten minutes to motor out of the harbor, get the sails up, turn off the engine, and put Willie Nelson’s, “On The Road Again” on the stereo.

2130 UTC.  Passed SE point (name?) of Ilha Graciosa just after sundown. No obstacles until British Isles. Time for bed.

Friday 19/07-2013, 1800 UTC

Ca 100 miles out from Horta. Sperm Whale city today. Saw at least 6, including a mother and calf with whom I had a close encounter. After I sailed perhaps 10 meters from the pair, they started following Twister, and I was afraid I had pissed off momma, but I think it was just baby being curious. I guess they’re used to whale watchers in these waters (one of the top tourist activities in The Azores).

Saturday 20/07-2013

Very light winds, Twister ghosting along at 1-2 knots. Took perhaps the last chance for a warm-ish water swim, along with the several hundred little fishies that had taken up residence under Twister. Here is a video of Twister gliding along with poled-out A-sail. Not very exciting, but if you're feeling stressed, maybe watch the whole video. 

Sunday 28/07-2013

First 5 days were all sub-100 miles days, with several instances of dead calm. Second half has been much better as a weak low pressure system to the north of us has been gently pushing Twister along at a comfortable pace. Temperature is getting cooler and lots of little fronts with associated clouds and rain have been the norm. Now it’s actually sunny and we have ca 270 miles to Falmouth. Latest forecast looks like we’ll have favorable winds the whole way. (Hopefully not premature) I am rather surprised (and pleased) to have crossed the North Atlantic in the westerlies and not encountered a single gale. Of course there's still The North Sea. 

Monday 29/07-2013

Sailed past a Mola-Mola (sunfish). He/she was just lying on the surface, sunning himself, as they do, with one fin/flipper poking out of the water as if waving hello and goodbye. 

Latest additions to North Atlantic photo album.   I've got a UK phone.  The number is:  +44 (0) 7904149790
(I think omit the 0 in parentheses if dialing from outside of UK). Call or txt anytime.