Destinations

Saint Helena: an atypical stopover in the South Atlantic

Last January, participants in the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey made a stopover in St. Helena. It was an opportunity to (re)discover this British island in the South Atlantic, isolated to say the least, and known mainly for its history... An atypical stopover to consider when sailing up the Atlantic from the Cape of Good Hope.

An isolated island in the heart of the South Atlantic

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‍Located1000 miles from Angola and almost 1800 miles from the Brazilian coast, the volcanic island of Saint Helena is one of the 4 islands of the British Overseas Territories, along with Ascension, Tristan da Cunha and Gough.Discovered in 1502 by the Galician navigator Joao de Nova, in the service of Portugal, the island was then Dutch, before being annexed by the British East India Company, then ceded to the Crown in 1834. The island has always been a choice stopover for merchant ships, providing them with fresh water and fresh food supplies, earning it the name "Auberge de l'Océan".

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From merchant port to Napoleon's exile

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In 1815, the island had already been lent to the British government, which, wary of Napoleon Bonaparte after the Hundred Days, and wishing to avoid his return to France, sought a place of exile far from Europe. The secluded island of St. Helena in the Southern Hemisphere was the perfect choice!

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A volcanic territory with a unique climate

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The island, 11.5 km north-south and 13.5 km east-west, covers an area of 91 ^km2. Its highest point is Green Mountain, 859 m above sea level.

Although located in the humid intertropical zone, it is very dry and has a mild desert climate. Until 2018, the RMS St Helena linked the island (and its distant neighbors in the British Overseas Territories) to Cape Town, South Africa. Today, the island can be reached by air from Jobourg.

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How do you reach St. Helena today?

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A welcome stopover for circumnavigators between South Africa and Brazil, the island has no sheltered harbour. However, Jamestown Bay, protected from south-westerly winds, does offer a few buoys. As the residual swell can be quite pronounced, disembarking by dinghy is strongly discouraged. Hence the presence of a friendly roadstead service!

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And then from the boat, the view of the high, arid volcanic coastline is impressive and magnificent.

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Jamestown, a welcoming bay for long-distance sailors

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Jamestown Bay, sandwiched between two rock faces, offers spectacular views of the steep volcanic cliffs typical of the island.

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*Jamestown Bay, sandwiched between two rock faces - © Giulio di Sturco*

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What to see and do ashore

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A visit to Longwood, the house where Napoleon was "detained", is a must! You can also visit Ann's Place, a yacht club with a tropical rather than British atmosphere. The Consulate Hotel also features a collection of Napoleonic relics and maritime objects.

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Last but not least, a tour of the island by car is a must, to discover the three types of landscape: arid volcanic, lush tropical and Scottish country.

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Exceptional marine biodiversity

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Dolphins, whale sharks, mobula rays... in the crystal-clear waters of St. Helena, marine life enjoys a playground rarely visited by man. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, this is a paradise for divers, with no fewer than 8 wrecks within easy reach.