Visit of the yacht Vinson of Antarctica
Report and photos from Kelly Green
Monday 22nd April 2024 saw the visit to Tristan da Cunha of the yacht Vinson of Antarctica. I awoke to a message from islander Nicky Swain in the UK, who said we should be expecting the yacht as he had been tracking her.
The expedition yacht Vinson of Antarctica off the settlement
Just before 8:00am we could see her approaching the island, straight in front of the settlement Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.
The Vinson of Antarctica's view as she approached Tristan. Photo: John di Matteo, crew member.
They opted to use the island RIBS to come ashore. Two crew stayed on board and nine came ashore. They all seemed very happy, as I am sure they said this was the first land they stepped on in over 30 days!
Having cleared immigration, crew members shopped at the Post Office and Tourism Centre
Conrad Glass and myself were at the harbour to greet them. Firstly, they went to the police station to clear immigration before coming to the Post Office & Tourism centre to buy some souvenirs and postcards.
As the wind was due to pick up they needed to be off by 2:00pm, they didn't have much time, but they did manage to take a walk around the village.
Crew writing postcards at the Post Office counter.
The visitors got to meet and chat with the Acting Adminstrator, Michael Bertram in the Post Office & Tourism garden before heading off with some Tristan Rock Lobster and Tristan Potatoes. We wish them a safe onwards journey to Cape Town.
Acting Administrator, Michael Bertam greeting crew members in the Post Office & Tourism garden.
If you were on the Vinson of Antarctica, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Visitors' Feedback |
 |
| Feedback from visitors to Tristan da Cunha. 15-Apr-2024 |
|
Visit of the MV Hondius, April 2024
Report from Kelly Green with additional photos by Andre Repetto and Michael Bertram.
The MV Hondius's visit to Tristan and its archipelago started on the 9th April 2024. Passengers were able to complete zodiacs tours which were thoroughly enjoyed.
The ship arrived outside the settlement on the 10th April in the afternoon, and zodiacs came ashore to pick up the immigration team.
MV Hondius Offshore. Photo: Andre Repetto
The plan was to clear immigration and then head over to Inaccessible island to try and make a landing in the morning of the 11th April. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating and landings were not possible. However the Harbour was looking good on our side so she headed back to Tristan and she was off the settlement at 9:00am.
Landing passengers in Calshot Harbour. Photo: Andre Repetto
Operations began at 9:30am when passengers started to be ferried ashore.
From the Harbour groups of hikers headed up the 1961 volcano and to the Thatched House Museum. It was a lovely clear day! Others were keen to stretch their legs and went on self-guided tours to the Potato Patches and Holiday Homes. Some also did this tour via taxi.
Hikers gathered at Park '61 on the lava flow...
...and nearing the top of the 1961 volcano with settlement (left) and the Hondius offshore in the background.
Photos: Andre Repetto
At 11:00am there was a tour of St Mary's School after which a presentation was done for the pupils about astronomy by an expert passenger. They were fascinated and very intrigued by all the new wonderful information. Maybe one day one of them will became an astronomer!?
|
Lunch was served and it was a delicious plate of Lobster Salad, with a slice of lime. The Factory Manager, Wynand conducted a tour of the fish factory at 1:30pm, which visitors are always so interested in and ask loads of questions. |
Lunch: Lobster salad with a slice of lime. |
|
At 3:00pm the Tristanian passengers joined the ship. They will be spending some time on St Helena doing training. These passengers were: Jason Green, Natalie Swain & Noah Green, and Vera & Stephanie Glass. Not only did the MV Hondius kindly take passengers but also a consignment of Tristan potatoes for our friends and families on St Helena. We are so appreciative of this and I'm sure St Helena will be too! |
Loads of postcards were bought and written, the most of any other cruise ship this season!
The signs outside the Post Office & Tourism Centre are always popular. Photo: Kelly Green
The wind picked up slightly and guests started to head back to the vessel all thanking us for a brilliant day ashore. All the passengers and crew were so pleasant!
One of the zodiacs taking Tristan potatoes for St Helena back to the Hondius. Photo: Kelly Green
At around 4:30pm the Acting Administrator, Chief Operations Officer Micheal Bertram was invited to the ship by the Captain for a plaque exchange. He was then asked to join a fabulous reception on deck and he was so appreciative of their kind hospitality. Unfortunately he could not stay on board too late and all operations were over by about 6:00pm!
Acting Administrator Michael Bertram gives a Tristan plaque to the Captain. Photo: Michael Bertram
We could hear the laughter and music from the vessel as they enjoyed a barbecue and disco into the evening. It's always so beautiful to see ships lit up on the calm South Atlantic Ocean.
And just like that the cruise season has now ended. It has been a great one and hope next year will be even better.
If you were on the MV Hondius, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
Visit of the MS Ambience, April 2024 |
 |
| The cruise ship MS Ambience visited Tristan on the 10th April 2024. 10-Apr-2024 |
|
Visit of the Cruise Ship MS Seaventure, March 2024 |
 |
| The cruise ship MS Seaventure visited Tristan from the 29th to 31st March 2024 2-Apr-2024 |
|
Three ships visit Tristan on the 19th March 2024 |
 |
| The cruise ships National Geographic Explorer and SH Vega, and the ketch Tecla visited Tristan on the 19th March 2024. 26-Mar-2024 |
|
Further details of the sinking of the yacht Nina Pope |
 |
| More information on the loss of the 'Nina Pope'two days after her visit to Tristan. 25-Mar-2024 |
|
Visit of the cruise ship Silver Cloud, March 2024 |
 |
| The cruise ship 'Silver Cloud' visited Tristan on the 15th March 2024. 19-Mar-2024 |
|
Tragic Sequel to the Visit by Yacht Nina Pope |
 |
| The yacht 'Nina Pope' sank in a storm on the 14th March 2024, two days after she visited Tristan. 16-Mar-2024 |
|
- Return Visit of Yacht Nina Pope, March 2024 (12-Mar-2024) >>
- Maiden visit of the Seabourn Venture (8-Mar-2024) >>
- Maiden Visit of 'The World', 2024 (23-Feb-2024) >>
- Visit of the MS Hamburg, January 2024 (22-Jan-2024) >>
- Visit of the Yacht SV Urchin (8-Dec-2023) >>
- An Adventurous Journey to Tristan (3-Dec-2023) >>
- SH Diana: First Cruise Ship of the 2023/24 Season (28-Nov-2023) >>
- Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Cruise Ships (8-Jul-2023) >>
- Visit by the Bark Europa, March 2023 (19-Apr-2023) >>
- Ship Visits April 2023 (18-Apr-2023) >>
- Visits by SH Vega, Silver Cloud and National Geographic Explorer (28-Mar-2023) >>
- Yacht SV Sorella calls at Tristan on the 9th March 2023 (16-Mar-2023) >>