Three ships visit Tristan on the 19th March 2024
Report and photos from Kelly Green, with additional photos from Philip Kendall
Tuesday 19th March 2024 was very busy on Tristan, with visits by two cruise ships and a sailing ketch all on the same day.
National Geographic Explorer
It was again a very early start on the 19th March with the cruise ship National Geographic Explorer calling Tristan Radio at 5:30am. By 6:30am she was just off the harbour, and by 7:00am she was given clearance to send in her scouting boat. Shortly afterwards, the immigration team headed off to the ship and in no time the passengers were coming ashore.
The National Geographic Explorer off Tristan
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't playing nice, and the sky opened and it bucketed down. This did not however wash the smiles off people's faces or in fact deter them from going on their Volcano Hike and Settlement Walk. After the morning tours were completed, everyone gathered back at the Post Office and Tourism Centre for a hot cuppa and lobster tart.
National Geographic Explorer passengers entering the harbour in zodiacs
Not only were there visitors on the National Geographic Explorer, but a group of scientists were able to install temperature loggers.
At 10:00am the Tristan passengers that are travelling to Cape Town with the ship were taken onboard by the vessels zodiacs and got all settled in. The following people went on board: Islanders: Steve, Sasha, Sophie & Jake Swain, Trevor & Tristan Glass, Kieran Glass, and Shannon Swain; Non-islander: Andy Schofield (RSPB).
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| Administrator Philip Kendall on the National Geographic Explorer with Captain Peik Aalto. | |
It felt chilly in the morning but that didn't last long. At 11:45am the passengers returned back to the vessel for a lunch. With them was Administrator Philip and Wife Louise, who thoroughly enjoyed their time and lunch onboard.
Afternoon operations were due to begin at 1:30pm, although the wind picked up slightly. But all was well and the planned tours went ahead an hour later. This involved taxi tours to the Potato Patches and another settlement tour.
Were you on the National Geographic Explorer? Tell us your thoughts using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
SV Tecla
As people were coming ashore, we caught site of the sailing vessel Tecla coming from the east of the island. She had arrived at Tristan the previous night but headed to the lee at Stony Beach, which they said was lovely! Most of them jumped in for a dip in the South Atlantic Ocean.
National Geographic Explorer and SV Tecla at anchor off the settlement
The Tecla's own dingy brought eleven of them ashore to have a look around and stock up on supplies. Some even took a taxi to take a look at the Potato Patches and holiday homes. As the wind was due to pick up, they didn't have long on shore, but they the expressed how much they loved it and how friendly everyone was.
Tecla visitors pass the signs
At the same time we waved farewell to the final members from the National Geographic Explorer at 5:30pm. They too expressed what a lovely day they had had, and we wished both vessels safe, smooth and pleasant onward journeys.
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| Visitors from the Tecla (left) and the National Geographic Explorer wave goodbye as they head back | |
The Dutch registered Tecla is a vintage ketch first built as an unmotorised herring drifter in 1915. She has been refitted for expedition sailing cruises, mostly in polar regions, and is run as family business.
You can read Tecla captain Gijs Sluik's own account of their visit to Tristan in the Tecla log. Apparently, winds very nearly prevented them from making it to the Edinburgh anchorage.
If you were on the Tecla, we'd appreciate receiving your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
SH Vega
That's not all! Due to visit Tristan island on the 20th March, the cruise ship SH Vega decided to head over from Nightingale Island early on the 19th.
SH Vega arriving off the settlement
Again, the reason was the weather forecast not looking good. In addition to her cruise visit, she had Tristan passengers and supplies to pick up. She duly arrived outside the harbour at 6:15pm, and goods and Tristan passengers were exchanged. These passengers were: Islanders: Lorraine Repetto and Jill Repetto, and Non-islander: Robert Urquhart (Police Officer). Unfortunately, the SH Vega did not stay to land passengers due to a medical issue onboard, and she departed straight to Cape Town.