the Magic of the Azores

El Animado is due to sail from Gibraltar to the Azores sometime in June 2001 (the actual date will depend on confirmed bookings) and then on to Falmouth. It is anticipated that the crossing from Gibraltar will take from 8 - 10 days. This will be followed by a period spent exploring the islands before the final leg home. It will be possible for crew members to complete the whole voyage or to join or leave the ship in the Azores.

Please let us know your interest and availability as soon as possible so that we can finalise arrangements. Massive discounts apply to early bookers!!

Lying some 1000 miles to the west of Gibralter and approximately 1100 miles SW of the Lizard, the Azorean archipeligo consists of nine main islands covering an area about 300 miles in length from Flores and Corvo in the northwest to Santa Maria in the southeast. The group is volcanic in origin and there is still some minor volcanic activity. Despite excellent air communications to all the islands, the inhabitants are as yet unspoiled by tourism and are unfailingly warm hearted and welcoming to visiting yachtsmen who provide a substantial proportion of the tourist trade.

Given the reasonable conditions usually prevailing in June and July (when the Azores high becomes established) all the islands can be safely explored. Modern marinas have been established in Horta and Ponta Delgada where facilities for visiting yachtsmen are excellent.

Each island boasts its own unique character The climate is warm and equable and the richness of the volcanic soil produces exotic flora in abundance. Not for nothing are the Azores known as" the islands of flowers".