Bay of Angra

Bay of Angra (Baía de Angra) is a natural bay within the coastal extent of the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, on the Portuguese island of Terceira in the archipelago of the Azores. Within an average depth of 40 metres (130 ft), the bay has been of historical importance to the island; since the 15th century, it was a port-of-call for returning merchant shipping from the East Indies and Brazil, laden with gold, silver, porcelain, spices, rare woods, and other goods. These ships would anchor in the Bay of Angra until supported by armed escorts, which would accompany the ships on the rest of their voyage to Portugal. The Bay at Angra provided shelter from northern and northwestern winds; only storms originating to the south or southeast, posed a threat. Nonetheless, the Bay is the final resting-place of several ships affected by the adverse winds: local archives and a rich oral tradition support the foundering of many ships against the leeward shore.

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