Waiting for family on Faial

For about six weeks I was on board alone in Horta, on the island of Faial. Very relaxed: I wasn’t going anywhere and had little else to do than wait for the family’s holidays to start. A bit of work on the boat and, for the rest, being sociable. You’re in just about the best possible spot for that, because Horta is of course the hub for ocean sailors, the place everyone passes through between America and Europe. On top of that, the summer weather on Faial is lovely. Sometimes a bit cool (17 degrees), but usually low twenties, with plenty of sunshine.

With my German neighbour there was red wine drinking, (very occasionally) football watching and cycling around the island. And a Swiss lady ran a nice little sideline cutting hair.

With the French neighbours there was music listening, a small outboard was sold, and their rickety electrical installation was inspected and advised upon.

But most of the time I hung out with the other Dutch crews. Great fun!

I also went diving twice with one of the local dive clubs. The first time at a local site that was, at best, nice compared to Bonaire. The second time we went out into the middle of the ocean to wait for sharks. Throw enough bait in the water and they’ll show up on their own. Unfortunately, according to the dive master, the wind was borderline. For me it was past the border, because I couldn’t hold my position properly while we were being towed backwards by the RIB we’d come out on. Not the organisers’ finest hour, if you ask me.

And to round it all off, there was a performance in the harbour, where we were expected to come and listen to Breton folk music from our own (or someone else’s) dinghy. Really nice!!

And then (finally!) Marion, Arnold and Ella arrived … but that’s a story for next time!