capnsensible
regular
Reged: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1251
Loc: Atlantic
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Had the pleasure of visiting recently. The new 477 berth extension is almost ready, date still a bit of a mystery though but should be soon. This will be a very attractive option for those cruising the Azores, conveniently right by the town. good R and R opportunities (!) plus victualling, etc. From a purely personal viewpoint, I much prefer this place to Horta with its long queues to get in, rafting, etc. And I don't like Cafe Peter Sport (heresay I know).

Includes a convenient building for Sea Harrier pilots to practise on.


For any other information, the Marina website is www.marina.jappdl.pt
The staff are very good and speak good English. The showers, though, have gone badly downhill and mar an otherwise well run place.
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ZigmundoVanDog
regular
Reged: 02/02/2007
Posts: 506
Loc: South of France. Atlantic tom...
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Well done for voicing your opinion on Cafe Peter Sport. Wholeheartedly agree with you. When the 'old man' started it I'm sure it was the 'bees knees' but now it's a cynical money making excersise with no thought for the customer. BTW we were there in 2001.
-------------------- " When the love of power becomes the power of love, then there will be peace in the world"
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Conachair
regular
Reged: 24/01/2004
Posts: 543
Loc: Canaries
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Quote:
Well done for voicing your opinion on Cafe Peter Sport. Wholeheartedly agree with you. When the 'old man' started it I'm sure it was the 'bees knees' but now it's a cynical money making excersise with no thought for the customer. BTW we were there in 2001.
Oh NO, another dream shattered. I always thought if i went there i'd be a "real sailor". Next you'll be telling me that every word Tristan Jones wrote might not be strictly true. Oh well, never mind, thanks for the info Cap'n, might make it up there one of these weeks if this extended bout of "tranquillo" subsides.
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jerryat
regular
Reged: 20/03/2004
Posts: 3254
Loc: Nr Plymouth
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Have to disagree with you and other posters re the Cafe Sport.
We went there fully EXPECTING to be disappointed as so many of these iconic places are over-hyped, but thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Had a great time chatting to yachtsmen and women from all over.
We went round the scrimshaw collection, and that alone is well worth a visit. But as I say, the main thing that we loved was meeting and exchanging views with other people.
We were last there in 2003 and wouldn't hesitate to spend a fair old time in the cafe on the next trip.
Out of interest, what was it abpout the place that you didn't like?
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capnsensible
regular
Reged: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1251
Loc: Atlantic
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Hiya. Well I've dropped in there a few times over the last 8 years or so, always as a result of bringing boats back from the Caribbean, so I recognise its the busiest time. However, for the Azores, where the vast majority are friendly and helpful, there is a marked contrast in the Cafe. Maybe victims of their own success, but on these various visits, with differant people, we have found that the service is poor to say the least. Just to get a beer can take an age. I have heard people complaining of it taking over an hour to deliver a food order. That assumes you are patient enough to queue for a table! Also, food quality has been generally poor, and again for tha Azores, expensive. So to sum up, the staff, food, prices and crowds are awful!!!! Personally, I really like the marina bar, had many happy hours there meeting all the same people coming back from Peter Sport dissapointed. Each to his own..........
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jerryat
regular
Reged: 20/03/2004
Posts: 3254
Loc: Nr Plymouth
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Interesting. I guess it must just be a matter of luck then. I've only been there three times and have yet to queue for a table or wait more than a few minutes for a drink. Food usually took a bit longer, but was never more then 15-20 minutes, which suited us as we were happy to relax a chat to people.
Agree the marina bar's ok, but for us just not the same atmosphere.
Still, as you say, each to his own.
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