Exploring the Azores

The ARC Europe fleet has now all arrived in Horta, with the final boats arriving yesterday evening. It's great to see the fleet together again and off exploring the island of Faial.

The first arrivals got together at the famous Peter Café Sport on Tuesday evening for welcome drinks. Peter's is an iconic bar and a must-visit for passing sailors, overlooking the marina and bay of Horta. The cafe has been run by the same family for three generations, and serves as everything from a currency exchange and post office to a restaurant and bar serving their famous gin and tonics.

Many of the crews have taken the opportunity to explore more of Faial, visiting the volcano and museum or taking a bike tour up to the crater and enjoying the downhill ride back to the town! Some of the earlier arrivals also managed to see the procession of Our Lady of Angustias from the church in Horta on Sunday. It's one of the most important religious festivities in Faial, and many locals take part in this key element of Azorean culture.

From Horta, the boats will sail in groups to the neighbouring island of Terceira to explore Angra do Heroísmo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some will also stop in São Jorge before the fleet gathers in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel. São Miguel is the most eastern of the Azores, around 150 nautical miles from Faial.