19.10.2015: Fernando de Noroñha
Fernando de Noroñha
After 1391 miles, 296 hours, 37 changes of watch and on the average 1,85 turns as messmate we have crossed the Atlantic. We were able to sail half of the distance. There was no wind at the beginning but it later turned into a sailor's dream. We hardly had to adjust the sails while sailing. It was sometimes necessary to give in or harden in the sheets a little; once in a while we had to furl the flying jib and set it again later.
We sighted land in the night from the 10th to the 11th of October. It was at first just a glimmering glow; later we could see a light, the contours of an island and the lights of some houses. Finding an anchorage was, however, rather difficult. While approaching, we realized that several boats of different sizes were at anchor in the bay and some of them had not turned on their anchor lights. We accordingly dropped our anchor carefully and waited for daylight to find a better spot.
Vacation Paradise
When we finally reached land we were given a truly friendly welcome by Marcus the port captain. It wasn't a minute before we all had a Cafesin - a small coffee - in our hands. The necessary papers were quickly filled out and Marcus overloaded us with information in Portuguese. Our knowledge of Portuguese not being sufficient, we eventually had to use the internet for help. Unfortunately, neither the federal nor the marine police were available on a Sunday. The entry procedures then lasted all of Monday and Tuesday morning.
But now we are enjoying this wonderful island. It is a Brazilian vacation paradise: snorkeling, diving, surfing, beach bars, dolphins, turtles, lizards, iguanas, many diffeent birds over the water...
Volker Wenzel