Crossing their final ocean, today Chika-Lu and Nexus were the first of the 2014/15 World ARC fleet to arrive on the quaint island of St Helena. Located in the South Atlantic, they have sailed approximately 1700nm to reach this remote British colony from Cape Town, South Africa.
Originally discovered in 1502 by the Portuguese navigator João da Nova, St Helena is Britain’s second oldest colony which held strategic importance for ships sailing from the Far East to Europe. It was seen as a place of refuge for liberated African slaves and since 1815 was used as a location of exile, most notably for Napoleon Bonaparte where he died in 1821.
The first half of the fleets South Atlantic crossing has made for slow progress, making leg 15 of their circumnavigation a relaxed passage, crossing the prime meridian - 000 degrees. The well-established St Helena High has resulted in light winds allowing the fleet to witness a complete contrast to their Indian Ocean experience of rolling, windy and bumpy conditions. The downside of hearing the drone of their engines seems to have been countered by the ever impressive sea life that has been observed during the last year of sailing the worlds oceans.
“The 7:00 PM net is hosted by Tim from Ghost. During the net I find out that Polaris saw some whales today, Ghost caught a 30 pound Abalone fish, and Saphir had to alter course to avoid a collision with a blue or fin whale sleeping on the surface, missing it by only a boat length or 40 feet.” – Brian Fox, American Spirit II
Over the next week, World ARC crews will be well looked after by St Helena Tourism and the St Helena Yacht Club who are hosting the fleet for a welcome dinner on Thursday evening. With a few days to enjoy the island, re-provision and relax, crews will be making the most of their time before setting sail to Salvador, Brazil.