Porto Santo is a surprise. The satellite images show a large pile of stones in the vast sea, which at first glance seems rather unattractive. At second glance, the scenery in the anchorage bay next to the harbor turns out to be outstanding. Below us, crystal clear water at over 20 degrees, in front of us a nine kilometer long sandy beach.

Columbus must have reached the island at the same time we did - back then. But only he is celebrated. Every year in September and with great fanfare. Apparently, he spent some time on the neighboring island of Madeira, where he married Filipa de Moniz, the daughter of the local governor, and learned more about navigation and seafaring. We know the rest of the story. Today, Porto Santo reminds us every year of its role in history. There is music, parades and a re-enactment of the landing of the Santa Maria.

We also stay longer than planned, enjoying the water, the beach and the good food. We take a bus tour of the island and learn that lush golf greens are grown on the driest islands. We also practice landing the dinghy in medium surf. With mixed success and soaked clothes. So we prefer to use the dinghy dock in the harbor again and take the opportunity to paint our name on the quay wall.

Surprisingly, we find a supermarket near the harbor with a range of products that we couldn’t even find on the mainland. So we buy some provisions, even though the next leg to Madeira is only about 30 nautical miles long.