We had a good start as once out of the marina favourable winds up to 18-20kts were pushing us along the coastline of São Miguel, Apart from a short area where the local wind broke down we could sustain good speed up to 6-7kts for quite some hours. I was expecting close to no wind on the leeward side of the island but…surprise, good for us. As predicted the wind has now slowed down here out on the ocean to around 8kts only and we poke along on our way to Terceira. ETA is set for the early morning hours, so let’s cross fingers the wind stays on and we keep the engine silent – the longer the better.
 
It is like a day in the “Aqua Zoo”. So far I have seen some Portuguese man-of-war also known under the name bluebottle. Although I have recognized them before it was me being late all the time to get them on a photo. Now I did and will share tomorrow once back in GSM coverage. The way this species of jellyfish reflects within the sunshine and sails along on the blue ocean is just impressive, delicate and graceful. You don’t want to see them at times jumping into the water yourself. Contact can be painful.
The next highlight was passing along a group of short-finned pilot whales, clearly recognized on their characteristic fin. I saw a group of ten perhaps, slow moving in contrast to the dolphin visits we also get out here now and then. I am still missing the big big whale but perhaps one day…
 
Last there was a turtle passing by. I would guess 7m from the boat, lucky we did not crash. I would guess a diameter of around 60cm, which appeared as a decent size to me.
 
Only the bluebottles I got on camera. For the rest, I will keep trying as there is a lot more to see in the “Aqua Zoo Azores”, I am sure.
 
Fair winds…