Mariners who have visited the Azores over the years have undoubt-edly stumbled into the islands' world-famous gathering place for travelers: Café Sport. Opened by Henrique Azevedo in 1918, this harbor-front café and bar has been welcoming tuna fishermen, whalers, boaters, and yachtsmen to Horta, on the island of Faial, for the past 80 years. Today it is run by the new patriarch, Henrique's 72-year-old son Jose Azevedo (called Peter by those who know him, a nickname apparently given by a passing Dutch seaman when Jose "was just a tadpole"). Peter celebrates his own milestone this year50 years of continuous service…

John Rousmaniere, author of "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" and "Fastnet, Force 10," launched his East Coast book tour this week. His compelling new book looks at the ominous power of the sea through the eyes of those that have been there and suffered the wrath of its storms. July 9: Bristol, R.I., Herreshoff Marine Museum, 7 p.m. (401-253-5000) New Jersey July 11: Toms River, N.J., Ocean County Public Library, 6 p.m. (732-349-6200) July 12: Bay Head, N.J., Bay Head Bookshop, 3 p.m. (732-892-1235) July 12: Bay Head, N.J., Bay Head Yacht Club, 6 p.m. (members and guests) Maine July…

A deep-diving submarine, similar to the famed Alvin, has been donatedto the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution by the U.S. Navy. Sea Cliff, a close cousin to Alvin, is able to dive to 19,500 feet with a crew of scientists. Although WHOI future plans do not include operating two manned submarines, according to Adm. Richard F. Pittenger, associate director of marine operations, the addition of a second submarine will enable the Institution to mix and match parts to create a better sub. "Sea Cliff is not going to be used as it is too large, too clumsy, and too expensive to…

A group of citizens will protest sale of Governors Island to the highest bidder for fear of improper development.    Image Credit: Robert Cameron A flotilla of an estimated 1,000 vessels of all sizes will attempt to call attention to the sale of Governors Island in New York City to the highest bidder. Organized by the Governors Island Group and the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, Governors Island for the People! will converge at Governors Island on June 2, "celýbrating the National Monument and dramatizing the urgency of action needed to save the rest of the island." Twenty acres of the island…

"A HUNDRED MILLION CASTAWAYS looking for a home." Holly Anderson