Life on Saint Helena is inextricably linked to the sea, and it was from the coast that settlement developed inland. In the early days its main importance, other than that of naval strategic use, was as the stopover of sailing ships for the provisioning and repair of ship and crew.
Jamestown harbour
Kiwi Roa picked up one of the red buoys, designated for heavier vessels over 25 tonnes, and shackled on a chain strop for added security over and above the rope tether provided which was already showing chaff from the previous user. A lighter mooring lying downwind was close enough to run a long line to, keeping the bow to swell – if not wind – most of the time.
Visiting yachts reside in this mooring field to the southwest of James Bay, a dinghy ride of some distance from the harbour and often precarious in nature.
An efficient and cheap ferry service operates in the Bay, running yacht and commercial personnel to and from their vessels.
The island’s major supply route consists of one ship, the second dedicated passenger and cargo ship put to the task since regular passenger liner shipping between South Africa and Britain dried up in the mid 20th century.
Technically a “Royal Mail Ship”, and amongst the last of her kind, the St Helena typically does a round trip from Cape Town on a three week schedule and is currently the only ticket on or off the island for residents.
The final section of the island’s supply route for inbound or outward freight is completed by local self-propelled lighter and service vessels.
Passengers, ships’ crews, and local stevedores are collected by ferry launches, the oldest of which is reputedly over a century in age.
The ship anchors well out for safety and the reduced swell in deeper water. Goods are off-loaded and brought to the seaside offloading area called the Landing by self-propelled barge for craning ashore. This system can be carried out even in rough swell conditions, and has worked well over the island’s history.
The mixed fleet of International cruising yachts is very seasonal and is always in a state of flux.
