The SA Agulhas II's Second Visit of 2025
Report by Kelly Green. Photos individually credited
It's not often we can say this, never in my case, that the SA Agulhas II has visited Tristan twice so close together. The last visit was brilliant, and this one was right up there as well. She arrived on the 3rd November 2025. This time she was only around the island for about two weeks, bringing contractor teams and a few visitors. She was chartered using funds from the FCDO in order to deliver essential infrastructure projects. The offloading went smoothly despite the limited weather windows. With almost 700 ton of cargo on her, everyone pulled together and the stevedores worked hard to ensure cargo moved safely and quickly. The contractor teams settled in well and got straight to work, making good progress in the time they had.
SA Agulhas II at anchor off the settlement (Photo: Philip Kendall)
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| View through a window of the 1961 Volcano and the settlement (Photo: Matthew Tharp) | Ian Lavarello presenting a Tristan plaque to Captain Roland Clutties on the SA Agulhas II (Photo: Ian Lavarello) |
Visitors' Activities
With time tight and the weather calling the shots, the Conservation Department made the most of the first calm spell and headed over to Nightingale. It turned into a fantastic day with some of the best wildlife our archipelago has to offer. On the way back they were even greeted by a group of dolphins or porpoises, which the guests said was spectacular.
Visitor Chris Farrell cosying down with Rockhopper Penguins on Nightingale Island (Photo: Matthew Tharp)
We also managed trips to Runaway Beach, the Thatched House Museum, and the 1961 volcano, and the group enjoyed a tour of the school.
Visitor Matthew Tharp poses atop the 1961 Volcano (Photo: Matthew Tharp)
Craft and Archive Day
The Tourism Centre hosted the very popular craft and archive day. Allowing the visitors to delve into Tristan's rich heritage and history.
Visitors at the craft and archive day (Photo: Julia Gunther)
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| Carding and spinning wool (Photos: Julia Gunther) | |
Archivist Nick Schönfeld explaining an exhibit to visitors (Photo: Julia Gunther)
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| Some of the manuscripts and photographs being safeguarded and digitised (Photo: Julia Gunther) | Philip and Louise Kendall examining an exhibit (Photo: Julia Gunther) |
Bonus Yacht Visitors
We also welcomed a familiar face back to the island when the yacht Nicolisa, which visited earlier in the year, returned to the archipelago. The skipper came ashore, enjoyed a meal, and joined in the festivities. On Sunday 16th November, another yacht - Audaz II - arrived briefly on her way to take part in the Cape to Rio 2025 race. The crew only stopped for half a day but still managed to enjoy a delicious lobster lunch before continuing onward to Cape Town.
Yacht Nicolisa anchored off the settlement (Photo: Nick Schönfeld)
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| Yachts Auraz II and Nicolisa at anchor either side of the MFV Edinburgh (Photo: Fouche Conradie) | Lobster lunches ready to be served (Photo: Matthew Tharp) |
The visitors and contractors also had an unexpected treat during their stay: they were able to join in our King's Day celebrations, which we have reported on a separate page. It turned into a brilliant, fun-filled day with activities on the American Fence hosted by the school, followed by a reception at the Residency where the Administrator handed out prizes. It was a lovely opportunity for guests to experience a real Tristan community event.
Departure
Sunday 16th November was lively all round, with many of the SA Agulhas II crew able to come ashore. They picked up gifts from the shop and later headed to the pub, where they had a great time with the community.
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![Charles Wickham, Philip Kendall, Dr Alex Wonner, Dr Acela Lopez, and Dr Abigail Paton in the Albatross Bar [cropped] (Photo: Philip Kendall)](../images/pk-2025-11-agulhas-ii-wickham.jpg) |
| Captain Roland Clutties with Philip Kendall and Ian Lavarello in the Albatross Bar (Photo: Philip Kendall) | Charles Wickham, Philip Kendall, Dr Alex Wonner, Dr Acela Lopez and Dr Abigail Paton - the ship's doctor and formerly a doctor on Tristan (Photo: Philip Kendall) |
Before departing on Monday 17th November, the ship completed a full circumnavigation of the island, giving everyone on board the chance to see Tristan and its dramatic coastline at its very best.
Gathering at the harbour prior to departure (Photo: Julia Gunther)
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| Charles Wickham and Simon Glass at the harbour (Photo: Philip Kendall) | Policemen Conrad Glass and Barry Thacker chat with a visitor (Photo: Philip Kendall) | Not being frisked! Visitor Chris Farrell being helped with his life vest. (Photo: Philip Kendall) |
Raft leaving the harbour for the SA Agulhas II (Photo: Julia Gunther)
With the ship on her way, the Tourism Team switched gears to prepare for their first cruise ship of the season, the SH Diana, due to arrive on Thursday 20th November.