Angra do Heroismo, Terceira – 38°38.40'N, 27°12.50'WHorta – 38°30.00'N, 28°40.00'WLajes do Pico – 38°23.90'N, 28°15.80'WPonta Delgada – 37°45.00'N, 25°35.00'WPonta Delgada Marina – 37°44.20'N, 25°39.00'WPraia da Vitoria – 38°43.40'N, 27°02.60'WVelas Marina – 38°40.48'N, 28°12.10'WVila do Porto – 36°56.40'N, 25°08.70'WAngra do Heroismo, Terceira – 38°38.40'N, 27°12.50'W
Members WebsitesKevin and Theresa Ruscoe - Atlantic IslandsNeil McCubbin
Angra do Heroismo is a jewel of a city, full of history and beautifully restored.The position above places one about a quarter mile east of the distinctive peninsular of Monte Brasil and a little over half a mile south of the marina entrance. Entering you will see the Capitainerie ahead, a two and a half story white building with a long reception pontoon. Beware the strong surge which always seems to be there. If the office is closed, wait until it opens! Berths all have water and power; the toilets and showers and the internet are in the Yacht Club building at the head of the marina. The WIFI was weak in 2010. Fuel from the end of the reception pontoon, cash only in 2010.The city was built over three or four centuries from the 1500 's and was made a World Heritage site in 1980. It owed its existence to the dubious shelter of the bay which drew ships coming to and from most of the known world. Today, as then, you can anchor in all but strong south easterly or southerly winds but given the reasonable marina charges (Euros 11 per night for an 11 m yacht in 2010) who would choose to do so? Monte Brasil was fortified to protect theships and the town and is well worth exploring.Around the first week of June there is a week long festival which draws many visitors. If you make it, do try to catch the bull-running in the streets above the port as well as the many other attractions.A day 's car hire will enable you to see most of the sights of Terceira.

Horta – 38°30.00'N, 28°40.00'W CAUTION REPORT DATED PRE 2000
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Peter L. Dixon - Antar
2) DATE 1996, updated by others 1998.
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Horta, Faial, Azores. 38°32’N 28°37’ W
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Horta is a great mid Atlantic meeting place for long distance sailors. Faial is a high, green island known for its fascinating hydrangea hedges which can be seen from seaward. Horta is a delightful old Portuguese town with friendly people. A hire car makes a splendid day out as the sightseeing is excellent, in particular a visit should be made to the western end of Faial where there was a spectacular eruption at Ponta dos Capelhinos in 1957.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE 1998 The marina is due to be expanded so that local boats use the new fingers south of the ‘welcome’ berth, leaving the original marina for visitors. It is possible to moor to a buoy outside Horta marina has excellent facilities but during June, July and August is very full with yachts rafted three deep along the sea wall. (See sketch plan). At the north end of the marina is a small complex with a bar/café, information centre, laundry, showers and notice board where yachties, tourists and Azorians all mix and enjoy themselves. If an OCC member is taking in the Azores Pursuit race and books in advance with the marina, there will be no charge. The staff at the Marina and Mid-Atlantic Yacht Services are very helpful and will ensure your stay in Faial goes well and between them will be able to help you.
6) ENTRY PORTS Only Horta on Faial.
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING a) from/to same country ) Proceed to the jetty on the port hand on entering b) from/to abroad ) and report to the authorities with ship’s papers etc. c) visa requirements None
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF a) harbour master ) b) customs/immigration ) All authorities are on the jetty as described above c) health authorities ) d) police )
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS Fairly strict
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Efficient & courteous.
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES It is thought to be possible to be lifted out on the quayside by crane. Travel lift installed in 1997.
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES Horta Marina does not always respond to a call on VHF 16.
14) WEATHER FORECASTS15) YACHT CLUB(S) Peter Azevedo’s Cafe Sport is the great meeting place, also the café/bar in the marina.
16) OTHER FACILITIES - a) drinking water Horta Marina b) fuel Horta Marina c) gas (propane)/gaz/ Shell supply gas - just beyond Café Sport d) chandlers Mid-Atlantic Yacht Services (MAYS) have a few items in stock and will order any parts from USA/UK. Their competent staff can help with electronic/yacht related problems, even scarfing broken wooden masts and building new ones from sewer pipes. Other shops have a very few marine items. e) bank In town, or money can be changed at Café Sport. Most credit cards are accepted, also Eurocheques and travellers cheques. It takes about 9 days to transfer money from UK. f) shops/market Small shops and sometimes a market g) restaurants/hotels Plenty of all styles and prices. h) post office/telephones Yes. Mail takes about 6 days to UK and l2-15 the other way. Telephone cards can be bought at the PO and other outlets i) best mailing address Mid-Atlantic Yacht Services, P-9900 Horta, Azores, Portugal, Tel 351 92 391616, Fax 351 92 391616 or Peter’s Cafe Sport, P-9900, Horta, Azores, Portugal, Tel 351 92 292327, Fax 351 92 391287 j) showers Horta Marina k) laundry Horta Marina has washing & drying machines, or Rose Lavandaria (Tel 391557) will collect and deliver same day, they will also dry clean. It is permitted to wash the laundry on the boat or the jetty and hang it out to dry on the yacht. l) transport/air services) By air to Europe or USA via San Miguel & Lisbon. It is fun to hire a car and explore the island (292327). There are good interisland ferries & air services. m) hospital Free emergency treatment is available at the hospital to EU Passport holders. Take your E111 form & your passport. There are no chemists like Boots or Superdrug, though there are pharmacies, but items are expensive and the instructions are in Portuguese. It is advisable to bring all prescribed drugs with you. n) anything else A Portuguese phrase book and dictionary are very useful. MAYS operates a book swap.
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS There are no daily English newspapers, the weekly European is quite expensive. Colourful paintings compiled by the crews of many famous yachts decorate the harbour walls, be prepared with your own paints.Lajes do Pico – 38°23.90'N, 28°15.80'WLajes do Pico on the south coast of Pico now offers a very small but secure marina. There are modern pontoon berths for 5 cruisinng yachts, with the possibility of up to three more securing to the small jetty just inside the entrance and rafting.The waypoint given will position the visitor in roughly the right place for the final approach. Looking to the east you should see a red and white radio mast on a small hill, quite low down. To the left is a blue building with a light grey roof (the local supermarket) and to the right a low white building with a brown roof (an old church/seminary, now it houses the municipal offices and the local Police!)Steer towards the radio mast on a course of about 090 T. You will soon make out the end of the breakwater.Round this about 10m off and steer up the channel indicated by red and green buoys with the breakwater to starboard. Depths should not be less than 4 metres at low tide but you may see less if you pass over a boulder.When you come to the turn to port to take you into the marina, stay over to starboard and DO NOT cut the corner.As you pass the old jetty to starboard turn to starboard and take a berth, if one is available, or tie alongside the low quay at the end of the old jetty. Do NOT berth on the East side of the hammerhead, if it is vacant, as local whale watching boats use these spaces.The Harbour Master will find you and formalities are minimal. He spoke passable English in 2010.Electricity and water on the berths. Provisions and restaurants in the town, also pharmacies, banks, post office. Along the front are a number of hostelries offering decent food and also whale watching trips. Car hire possible.The whaling museum is a delight

Ponta Delgada – 37°45.00'N, 25°35.00'W CAUTION, REPORT DATED PRE 2000
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Mike & Pat Pocock - Blackjack
2) DATE 19983) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Ponta Delgada, San Miguel, Azores (Portugal) 37° 45?N, 25° 35?W4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Very safe harbour. Great mid Atlantic meeting place and fairly good for most food shopping requirements. It is a beautiful island both seen from the sea and inland.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE Good marina with individual fingers. Yachts also raft along the marina breakwater or anchor in the main harbour. 2007 Info. The upgrade of the Ocean Terminal and Marina should be completed for the 2008 season.
6) ENTRY PORTS Ponta Delgada
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTINGa) from/to same country ) Proceed to jetty on port hand on entering theb) from/to abroad ) marina and report to the marina authorities, and then to Customs, Immigration etc as directed.c) visa requirements None
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF customs/immigration ) In main marina building
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS Fairly strict, must clear in and out and one should also clear in & out of all he smaller islands too.
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Efficient and courteous.
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES There is a travel lift.
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS BA 1854 and the Royal Cruising Club’s Pilotage Foundation ‘Atlantic Islands’ edited by Anne Hammick.
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES
14) WEATHER FORECASTS Weather maps in entrance to marina building.
15) YACHT CLUB(S) Yes, but not visited. Cafe bar in marina complex.
16) OTHER FACILITIES -a) drinking water In marina and alongside the breakwaterb) fuel Marinac) gas (propane)/gaz/ In town, ask at marina officed) chandlers Very poore) bank In townf) shops/market In town & up behind Y.C.g) restaurants/hotels Many of all standardsh) post office/telephones At west end of towni) best mailing address Not knownj) showers Marinak) laundry Laundry service from marina. No washing machines.l) transport/air services) By air to Europe or USA. Inter island ferries. Buses and car rental.m) hospital Yes, but not visitedn) anything else
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS Do a tour of the island by hire car or by taxi, but in that case try to find an English-speaking driver. See the beautiful hydrangea lined roads high up; the sulphur springs at Furnas and the blue and green lakes at the west end of the island.

Ponta Delgada Marina – 37°44.20'N, 25°39.00'WThere are two marinas in Ponta Delgada.Check in is at the obvious 'pagoda ' style building immediately to port as you enter the old marina. It is obligatory to visit here first. Check in involves the marina first, then GNR, then immigration and finally customs all of whom have offices in the same building. When you check in try to negotiate a berth in the old marina but no doubt they will send you to the new marina. The pontoons in the new marina alternate in lettering West/East and there is a central walkway which means you must enter the correct side to find your pontoon - ask for a photocopy of the marina plan and the method of entry.There is a significant gull problem in the new marina and when I was there the pontoons were simply dreadful with guano and, after ineffectual pressure washing, bones and flies. In addition there is a swell which resonates within the marina and the new floating breakwater seems to have done nothing to solve this problem. If your pontoon is unbearable then visit the marina office at the new marina and ask to be moved.Ponta Delgada is a very attractive city but do take the opportunity to visit Furnas and walk round Furnas lake. The bus service is excellent and you can get to Furnas by a north route and return by the south seeing much of the island for a few euros.Thomas and Any operate a boat service company, their office is in the old marina boatsailservice@gmx.net

Praia da Vitoria – 38°43.40'N, 27°02.60'W Small, very friendly marina with good laundry, internet, excellent staff and easy access to supermarkets and shops. Diesel is available but only by tanker.Reception pontoon is on the outside (south side) of the first east/west pontoon as the marina breakwater is rounded. There is a flashing green nav light at the westernmost end of ths pontoon. Originally there was a hammerhead at this end but that has now been removed and the end is unsuitable for berthing.To enter the remainder of the marina berths pass to the west of the reception pontoon but take great care of the string of yelow buoys (unlit) marking the swimming area. The entrance is very narrow.All formalities are carried out by the marina staff in the first building you come to as you exit the security gate of the marina. The second building houses the toilets, showers, internet and laundry.Anchorage is off the beach to the north of the marina entrance - again beware the unlit yellow bathing buoys. There can be considerable gusts in the anchorage. When the fuel tanker comes in for the nato air base the marina police visit the boats in the anchorage and ask them to move into the marina.Despite the shelter and good holding ground off the beaches either side of the marina entrance I managed to drag my anchor here. Afterwards I was told of a wreck in the middle of the anchorage and it may well be that when I dug my anchor in I in fact only hooked on this wreck subsequently pulling free with a wind shift. The existence of this wreck is uncertain but I have met another OCC member who has also fallen foul of it. The position is 1 cable due east of the seaward end of the marina mole.

Velas Marina – 38°40.48'N, 28°12.10'WWell sheltered marina.Easy access[june 2010 work still going on at adjacent fishermans harbour so care needed at entrance ,obstructions marked by orange buoys]Harbourmaster in attendance during office hours only.Very helpful and will direct and help to tie up.Turning space limited if directed to inner pontoons.Ideally moor to outer fingers of pontoon A [12m c 5m depth]Formalities at harbourmasters office plus visit nearby police station.Visa type cards not accepted in payment.Facilities new July 2010.Only open office hours.No locking security gates but frequent police patrollsGood supermarket at top of town but again does not accept credit cardsSao Jorge is a very beautiful island and well worth visiting. At present Velas has a slightly down at heel feel to itWorth noting the large colony of cory shearwaters who inhabit the cliffs

Vila do Porto – 36°56.40'N, 25°08.70'WFriendly marina, now (June 2010) complete. Entry is straightforward, if narrow, but beware underwater obstructions off the starboard mole. Some of the concrete quadropods have fallen into the entrance a short way out from the end of the mole. Berthing is alonsige substantial fingers upto 14m.Separate pontoons are now provided for fishing boats and smaller local pleasurecraft.Formalities are completed at the marina office by helpful staff who speak fluent English.Tourist information is available. Light dues are no longer levied. Toilet facilities are in the Clube Naval along with showers and a launderette. Keys and tokens for the machines are obtained from the Marina office.The Club Navale seems to be the centre of local life and we enjoyed a simple fish dinner there at reasonable cost. Paulo Chaves runs 'Nautipescas ' in the group of lock-ups adjacent to the Clube Naval and he is able to arrange repair services.The photo is taken from the hill above the marina facing south west. The entrance to the port is just out of the picture to the left.

This information has been contributed by and is intended for use by competent amateur yachtsmen as general guidance solely to supplement research of their cruising plans.It has not been checked or verified by the OCC. The Information may be inaccurate or out of date and is NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.