After sailing from Sao Vincent (Cape Verdes) to Ascension then onto St Helena, we were welcomed with open arms. We stayed for 8 months and are now heading for the Caribbean.

We picked up the new mooring buoys which are situated on the west side of the harbor. They were difficult to tie onto from the bow but easy from astern as we have a sugar scoop. The rope must past through the fixed eye on the buoy. You can not lift them on board.

On the mooring, you can catch horse mackerel, mostly at night.

The ferry service runs from 0700 to 1845. Picking up from the moorings every 2 hours which costs £2 return trip. To contact them call ferry service on VHF ch16 and port authorities on VHF ch14. We took our own dinghy most of the time but you need to land it and tie off. The landing can quite swell.

Any late nights ashore you will need your dinghy or organize a lift with the ferryman at a small fee? Friday and Saturdays are the best nights.

Harbourmaster can be found in the white Custom building 150 meters along the wharf road. Immigration can be found just to the left of the church which can be seen when you pass under the arch on the way to the town.

Water is free at the landing. Fuel can be bought from Solomons on the wharf and can be delivered to your yacht.

We had our 10t yacht lifted which cost us £35, but you need to coordinate this with the arrival and departure of the RMS St Helena ship. You will need to bring your own paint for the only color antifoul sold here is red. You need to hire the slings and cargo straps which they use to strap the yacht to the container.

There are a few places you can eat and drink in Jamestown, Mule yard, Annes Place (internet), Donny’s bar, Mikes Munches, Leo Planet, Consulate (internet), Standard bar, White Horse bar. There are also other mobile food stalls. Provisioning here can be expensive but you can buy most foods. Fresh veg and fruit can be obtained on Thursdays or when the ship arrives from Cape Town, but you need to be quick for the shops sell out quickly. Hardware store is dotted around the town.

There is a very good stainless steel welder here (Adrian Duncan). Sail repairs can be done here as well.

There are lots of walks like Jacobs Ladder (699 steps at a 45* angle), you do on your own or organized with the tourism office. It cost £12-15 per day to hire a car and driving is not difficult with the speed limit only 40mph, but prepare to use your horn. Snorkeling the wrecks in the harbor is great, but you can organize a scuba diving trip with Anthony Thomas PADI instructor.

The Saint Helenians are very friendly so take the time out to meet and greet and you will enjoy your stay.

Feel free to email me on carpediem38@hotmail.co.uk if needing more info.

James

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