Sail Ho!
Was the traditional cry when a sailing vessel was sighted off Tristan and the prospect of trade created excitement in the village. Today Tristan is a popular port of call for the few intrepid yacht crews that brave South Atlantic waters. This page highlights recent vists by yachts.
If you are thinking about yachting to Tristan, please read the Information for Visiting Ships and Yachts first. You will be made very welcome, but you should not just arrive without prior notice.
Visit of the Yacht Ursa
Report and photo from Kelly Green
The Yacht Ursa arriving off the settlement
On 1st April 2025, Andy, Tristan’s dedicated radio operator, received an email from a friend of the skipper of the yacht Ursa, carrying news that had everyone listening closely.
The message explained that on March 25th, all communication with David, the skipper, had been lost. After 24 hours of radio silence, MRCC Uruguay was alerted. Thankfully, a passing bulk carrier, Corella Arrow, was able to establish contact and confirm that David and Ursa were safe and well. His satellite communications had failed, but he was continuing his journey toward Tristan da Cunha.
His estimated time of arrival was given as April 2nd, likely in the morning—weather permitting.
That evening, we also received a heartfelt message from David’s partner, echoing the same information and in her words "trying not to make a fuss" ( who could blame her!) All local teams immediately stood by, ready to assist, and our community kept a collective watch toward the horizon.
April 2nd dawned stormy and grey. The sea was restless, and visibility was poor. Still, everyone kept hopeful eyes on the ocean. Late in the morning, just before lunch, the outline of a small white yacht, Ursa, was spotted bobbing back and forth in the waves. Relief swept through the island. She had made it.
Andy tried repeatedly to contact David by radio, but there was no response. We feared all his communication systems, including the VHF, might have failed. The Search and Rescue team made the decision to launch the RIB. Leon, Head of Search and Rescue, went out with a spare VHF and GPS, prepared for any need.
Just as the RIB launched, Andy finally made contact over VHF. David was safe and well. Andy was able to get vital information, including instructions for activating a new SIM card for his satellite phone, (this was then to be passed on to his partner in the UK). He also shared the island’s Wi-Fi code—an unexpected gift of connection. Within minutes, David was back in touch with his loved ones from aboard his boat. We can only imagine the joy that brought to his family and friends around the world.
After a few hours of reconnecting and sharing updates, David radioed to say his journey would continue. He expected to arrive in Cape Town in about two weeks.
As he sailed away, there was a deeply touching farewell between him and Andy — a moment of gratitude, respect, and shared humanity. David expressed his heartfelt thanks for the support and kindness shown by the island, a sentiment that was warmly returned.
We were all reminded that even in the remotest corners of the ocean, compassion and community still reach the furthest sails.
We would welcome feedback on the visit of the Ursa using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Visitors' Feedback |
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| Feedback from visitors to Tristan da Cunha. 28-Mar-2025 |
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Visit of the Superyacht SY Asteria
Report by Kelly Green with additional photos from Philip Kendall
On the morning of Monday, 10th March 2025, the island of Tristan da Cunha awoke to the breathtaking sight of the superyacht SY Asteria gracing its waters. It was a glorious start to the day, but having departed later then scheduled from St Helena, the vessel had just one day to explore Tristan. The guests had an ambitious request - to visit all three outer islands.
SY Asteria at anchor off the settlement
Despite the time constraints, the island community worked seamlessly to ensure an efficient and enjoyable visit. Radio communications were smooth from the outset, and the immigration RIB was ready before 08:00 to transport the immigration team and bring the three guests ashore. The operation was swift and well-coordinated. At the harbour, Head of Tourism Kelly Green was ready to escort the visitors on their planned activities.
Guests coming into harbour in the Immigration RIB
The principal guest, Patrick Maselis, who is president of the Club de Monte-Carlo de l'Elite de la Philatélie and a former president of the Royal Philatelic Society London, had an impressive 1,200 postcards to post at the Post Office, ensuring that lucky recipients worldwide would receive a postcard from the remotest inhabited island on Earth. Once this was completed, Kelly guided the guests on a Potato Patches tour, where they had the opportunity to pick fresh lettuce and newly dug potatoes as requested by the yacht's chef.
Guests at the Post Office & Tourism Centre with a commemoration plaque of their expedition for the community
Next, the group visited the Thatched House Museum, a glimpse into the island's history and traditional way of life. Also taking place at the Post Office and Tourism centre was a plaque exchange between our Islands Adminstrator Philip Kendall and the Captain.
Plaque exchange with the captain
Meanwhile, the conservation team was hard at work preparing for the guests' outer island visits. A small RIB was loaded onto Asteria to facilitate landing on Inaccessible Island, while the large conservation RIB set off to assist. The conservation team also took on the task of catching fresh lobster for dinner.
By 11:30, Kelly and the guests were back at the harbour, ready for their outer island adventure. Kelly and Trevor accompanied the ship on this journey. As a special honour, Patrick Maselis invited them to join the guests for a five-course meal on the yacht's aft deck.
The Asteria's aft deck
The first stop was Nightingale Island, where the conservation RIB arrived to transfer the guests and Kelly ashore. The island's wildlife was spectacular - the landing rock was teeming with rockhopper penguins, fur seals, and Tristan thrushes. The guides led the visitors to the island's signpost, and a short five-minute walk westward brought them to a wondrous sight - albatross and shearwater chicks.
The Asteria's guests at the Nightingale Island sign.
Time was now pressing on, and Inaccessible Island was still on the itinerary. The conservation RIB went ahead to prepare for landing. By 17:10 , Asteria arrived, and the conservation team swiftly facilitated a brief 20-minute landing, allowing the guests to take in the scenery and capture a few photos. With the conservation team needing to return to Tristan before dark, the schedule remained tight.
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| Albatross and Shearwater chicks on Nightingale Island. | |
With their final visit completed, the guests were returned to Asteria, which immediately set course for Cape Town. Meanwhile, the conservation team navigated back to Tristan da Cunha, completing a truly rewarding and successful day.
A huge well done to everyone involved for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork in making the guests' wishes come true. The visit of SY Asteria showcased the island's warm hospitality, stunning wildlife, and seamless coordination - leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to experience it.
If you were on the SY Asteria, we'd appreciate your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
Visit of the ketch SV Nicolisa, January 2025
Report from Kelly Green with photos from Tristan Glass and Philip Kendall
Over the past few weeks, the yacht Nicolisa had been lingering near the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. A single man was on board, the yacht's owner and skipper, was navigating without an AIS system and relying only on a handheld radio. This made tracking his movements and intentions to land quite challenging. At one point, we thought he had departed as the weather turned rough.
The ketch SV Nicolisa. Photo: Tristan Glass
However, on Wednesday 15th January 2025, while I was enjoying a calm, hot, but misty day off with my children at Runaway Beach, the Nicolisa reappeared through the fog. With no engine and barely any wind, the yacht crept along at a snail's pace. Fortunately, island boats - the fisheries vessel Wave Dancer and the conservation boat Arctic Tern - were out working that day. The Wave Dancer, assisted by the Arctic Tern, towed the yacht to anchor near the settlement.
This picture shows the foggy conditions when the Nicolisa was being towed to the anchorage. Photo: Tristan Glass
As the skipper attempted to drop anchor, it slipped from his hands and sank to the ocean floor. Thankfully, the kind crew of the Wave Dancer had a spare anchor, which they generously provided. To make his evening more comfortable, the conservation team also gifted him some fresh lobster tails.
The view from shore of Nicolisa being towed by Wave Dancer with Arctic Tern in attendance. Photo: Philip Kendall
The following day, the skipper radioed to say he planned to come ashore. After the necessary protocols were completed, I went down to the harbour to greet him. To my amazement, he was rowing to shore despite calm seas and winds gusting at 30 knots! As he arrived, the heavens opened, and it poured with rain. Fouché, a staff member from Ovenstone's factory, and I helped him pull his small boat onto the harbour.
The skipper was cheerful despite the weather. As we walked up to finalize his immigration paperwork, he shared that he had been at sea for 74 days and hadn't set foot on land since leaving Milford Haven, Wales. He passed through the Canary Islands, but did not land, and he hadn't been heard of since leaving Lanzarote in the Canary Islands on the 1st November 2024. His friends became so worried that they put out an International Marine Safety Alert for him on the 10th January.
Hearing about his voyage, I couldn't help but admire his bravery. After completing formalities, I took him to the shop, where he purchased fresh baked goods. Later, he made the most of the Starlink connection to contact family and friends.
As the wind began to pick up, I suggested he return to his yacht. Before he left, I packed him some fresh rolls, homegrown potatoes, and slices of gammon for supper.
Later, when we headed down to the harbour, it was clear that the swells had increased along with the wind. Fortunately, the Conservation team was in the harbour testing their new little RIB. I was relieved to see them, as I didn't think the skipper would have been able to row back to his yacht in those conditions. We filled his water cans, and the Conservation RIB kindly towed him safely back to his vessel.
The skipper rowing back out of the harbour to the Nicolisa. Photo: Kelly Green
On Saturday morning, while preparing for a family BBQ, I spotted him rowing ashore again - an incredible sight considering the distance he had to cover! Knowing he couldn't come ashore on Friday and shops would be closed over the weekend, he had radioed me his shopping list. I collected his supplies and helped him with some online forms. He spent the rest of the day connecting with family and friends. By 2:00pm, he was ready to set off again. I sent him off with a gift of freshly baked bread, beef, and a few other treats.
The following day, Sunday 19th January, he stayed aboard his yacht. After the departure of the MFV Edinburgh, he also sailed off, bound for Saldanha Bay. Before leaving, he promised to WhatsApp me upon his arrival, as I'd grown invested in his journey.
The skipper was a fascinating and kind individual, and we wish him all the best on his travels. We hope to welcome him back to Tristan da Cunha.