Report of the annual voyage of the SA Agulhas II, which visited the Tristan Group between 13th September and 5th October 2017.

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2017 SA Agulhas II Visit

Report and photos from Dawn Repetto

The three week Agulhas visit went very well and weather was very mild for this time of year. This year we offered the usual hikes to various places but we also offered rainy day events in case we were unable to get outdoors. Not many people turned up for the walks and I think this was because many of the visitors had been here before. Wednesday lunches were very popular and the Café was abuzz with people. One Wednesday it was so full we had to get some people to do souvenir shopping while we waited for empty tables. Can you believe that happens on Tristan?

We managed a trip to Nightingale Island on the 19th September which was a great relief as normally weather is not good and we are usually in our last week and still praying for a Nightingale day. All visitors really enjoyed the trip and had lots to tell when they arrived back.

Visitors landing back from Nightingale Lifting the RIB from the harbour after the return from Nightingale.
Visitors landing back from Nightingale Lifting the RIB from the harbour after the return from Nightingale.

On Tuesday 26th we held our Craft Day, this was very well attended and visitors came along to see what new crafts we had on offer, hear about our model longboat building, and have a go at carding and spinning the local wool.

Crafting model longboats Craft day carding and spinning
Discussing model longboat building Craft day carding and spinning
Craft Day new items berry and gooseberry jam minature sacks of raw wool jewellry Craft Day havin a cuppa
Craft Day new items berry and gooseberry jam minature sacks of raw wool jewellry Craft Day havin a cuppa

Thursday 28th September weather was good for a Hike to Burntwood, 10 visitors went along with two local guides. They were back early afternoon and all said they had a great day. In the afternoon we also held a Golf Match, also well attended and the winner was Francis Mosethlo all the way from South Africa.

View down from Burntwood Golfers gather for the tournament.
View down from Burntwood Golfers gather for the match.
Sean Burns teeing off. Golfers celebrating at the 19th Hole after the match.
Administrator Sean Burns teeing off. Golfers celebrating at the 19th Hole after the match.

In the evening of the 3rd October the community and visitors gathered together to watch the film by National Geographic Pristine Seas. It was immensely enjoyed by all and shows Tristan at its best with the marine and wildlife that we are so proud off. Afterwards there was a reception hosted by the Administrator and Mrs Burns and everyone was able to chat and hear all about what they'd been up to.

Reception for the viewing of the 'Pristine Seas' film. Sean Burns introduces the RSPB's Andy Schofield before the film.
Reception for the viewing of the 'Pristine Seas' film. Sean Burns introduces the Andy Schofield before the film.

All too soon, the three week trip came to an end and on Thursday morning the Agulhas took passengers. There were some very sad goodbyes but we hope to see everyone again before to long.

Departure Day Departure goodbyes
Departure Day Departure goodbyes

If you were on the Agulhas II, we would appreciate receiving your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.