After a pleasant sail from Horta, a mile or so out from Velas, the clouds descended and the rain arrived, completely blocking out our view of the island. In days gone by with a lee shore ahead in bad visibility, my anxiety levels would have risen dramatically, but now thanks to GPS and the chart plotter, we knew exactly where we were and were able to approach the harbour in confidence. We got the sails down just outside and radioed ahead to the Marina. There was a large rally of Dutch boats in and only one berth left in the Marina which we should be able to squeeze into. We managed it without mishap and Linda was there to help with our lines and moor up.
The Marina man took my word re our various vaccinations and tests and as a result we were free to come and go as we pleased.
After settling in and a good chinwag, Linda took Agustin and me to their house for dinner (she had not realised there were more of us). Mick and the boys fended for themselves well enough.
Linda and Andy had bought their house outside Calheta a couple of years ago and Andy, with no previous experience, had transformed himself into a winery expert and was expecting a bumper crop of grapes in a few weeks.
Their traditional stone built house overlooks the sea seperating Sao Jorge and Pico. A house with a view that would probably be worth £millions back in the UK, even on a damp, muggy, overcast evening....
We had a great evening with wonderful home cooking washed down with Andy's home grown and home produced grape and fruit wines. After dinner, Linda drove us back to the Marina at Velas.
It rained all night and all the next morning but by 1300 or so the weather was good enough for us to venture out and explore the immediate area...
We then had an excellent and good value lunch in one of the town's restaurants - €8 per head for a 2 course meal with a drink and a coffee!
More exploring the local area after lunch before returning to the boat to plan the remainder of our stay. As in all the other islands we have visited, it proved impossible to rent a car. So tomorrow we will take the bus to Calheta and spend the day there before returning on the evening bus. Wednesday, we may go for a walk and a swim before departing in the evening for Ponta Delgada.
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