The 'first stop' out of New Bedford, the Azores, was a lifesaver for sailors already in need of its fresh food and succor. Great Azorean whalemen might see family, or  rejoin as crew, while sailors would take some dry land (and sometimes desert). Then, the great tack east to Brazil would begin.
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"Since 1997, Azorean Maritime Heritage Society (AMHS) has promoted Azorean culture and shared whaling heritage by raising awareness and pride within New England's Azorean American community."