06-Jul-2010 -- Underway from Vila do Conde (Pará, Brazil) to Dunkerque (France) with 31,500 tons of metallurgical alumina today we transited through the South-Eastern Group of the Azores. The South-Eastern Group comprises Ilha de São Miguel and Ilha de Santa Maria with Ilhéus das Formigas, and are all of volcanic origin.

The confluence 38N 25W lies 12 nautical miles NE of Ponta do Arnel, the easternmost point of Ilha de São Miguel.

São Miguel is the largest and most important of the whole archipelago of the Azores. It is mountainous, and in its eastern part it rises to an elevation of 1105 m in the summit of Pico de Vara. The mountains are frequently obscured by cloud, and contrary to common belief, the Azores do not always enjoy sunshine and fine weather.

The north-easternmost point of São Miguel, Ponta da Ribeira is the closest land to the Confluence; there is a small village.

The eastern part of São Miguel can be well seen from the Confluence, and finally, when we had reached the exact position, we turned to NE - straight towards the English Channel.

Continued at 50N 5W.

In the ocean, but with a good view of the island