Sao Jorge

Peaceful marina ,Velas

Laragh lined up on the starting line of the race from Horta to Velas, Sao Jorge the next evening.The last time we had raced Laragh was from Tahiti to Moorea back in 2014!A mixed fleet of local boats and a few visitors started in light wind at 1900 with a cutoff point at 0500.The course was only 22nm long but we retired at 0200.

Sao Jorge has a population of 9,200 and farming is the main income.The small marina at Velas is one of the prettiest places and is often full in high season.Many boats anchor at the entrance keeping clear of the quay and ferry port.We spent 5 memorable days here and were lucky to experience their annual “bull run”

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  this guy was the pluckiest of the ‘matadors’

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  note the rope in case he gets too close

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  the quay/arena has a safe escape route!

The containers formed a protective barrier and vantage point.It was noticeable that the crowd consisted of almost all locals.The bull soon realised he wasn’t going to be allowed gore anybody and tired in the heat.When this happened after 10 mins another bull was given a go Six bulls in all were run.

The marina is normally a very quiet relaxing place until dusk that is!that is when Coreys shearwaters return in their hundreds to feed their young nesting in the cliffs above the harbour.They call to their chicks in the descending darkness and the rumpus continues until after midnight.The sound can only be described as comical.Check it out here: https://www.hbw.com/ibc/species/467275/sounds