Azores advice request

[srm]

Hello,

We are planning to take "Escapade" to the Azores this summer and explore the islands over at least two summers. We hope to find a marina where we can leave her for a while during the winter. Boat is 35ft plus bowsprit giving a berthing length just short of 12 metres.

Any first hand advice regarding:
a) cruising the islands
b) safe winter berth
will be greatly appreciated. (I have the latest RCC guide)

Thanks in advance.

 

[chuckr]

if you have the rcc guide - read it --
we sailed across the atlantic last may and used the rcc guide with great success on our visits - we stopped in horta for a while and were going to take a ferry over to pico but a combination of factors prevented that -- in tercera you see when the st john festival is and be there for that - it was great and some folks winter over there -
sao migual was our last stop and it was almost empty - lots of space at the new marina -
as non eu folks we had to cut our stay short but the guide is good and pretty much right on - but do not miss the st john fest - it is a must

 

[chrisb]

Having visited by boat many times (last 2010 ) thoroughly recommend a season or two here . Swell/surge is the main reason for not leaving a boat afloat (esp Angra do Herismo and San Miguel ) . Talking to others Vitoria on Terceira was highly recommended for facilities / security .Labour is said to be good and inexpensive . Crime is not a problem on the azores . The islands have been well reported on the OCC site by myself and others

 

[oldvarnish]

The Azores are fantastic, but the ever-present swell is a problem. I was in the marina at Flores last May and it was so wild in there that some people had to sleep ashore - but it's very exposed to the NE (but fabulous in good weather). The winter before, the swell had floated the pontoons off the tops of the piling!

I don't think I'd be relaxed about leaving a boat afloat in the winter, but you could be lucky. The Azoreans are v helpful and will advise you.

 

[r_h]

I don't think I'd be relaxed about leaving a boat afloat in the winter, but you could be lucky. The Azoreans are v helpful and will advise you.

+1

The marina at Praia da Vitória, Terceira has a boatyard with very reasonably-priced onshore storage, which is probably the best bet for wintering, although you must make sure not to miss the last date for launching in spring/early summer. The airport is only a 10 minute cab ride, which adds to the convenience.

 

[Peroo]

We were there in 2010 - if leaving the boat please make sure its hauled - the swells and indeed the winter storms are not to be under-estimated.

The islands are fantastic and the people equally so, and the numerous festivals are a delight. Take your time there and enjoy a wonderful series of islands.

But please do not under-estimate the seriousness and severity of the winter storms and the swells which will take a toll on your lines. Take local advice.

Do enjoy the experience however.

 

[Talmine]

We spent about 2months in the Azores in 2011 and found them brilliant. We particularly enjoyed Santa Maria which is small and quiet with a well sheltered Marina but you're in the middle of the Atlantic and when it blows hard the Swell and surge gets in most places. For peace of mind I'd think about dropping down to the Canaries for the winter months, only a week away and despite what the pilots say about getting back up to the Azores plenty of people do it.

 

[srm]

Many thanks for all your replies, most helpful and encouraging.