 Jamestown : Profile
Visiting yachts should anchor in front of the main settlement at Jamestown, east of the local small boats in 17-21 metres (GPS 15.55.975 S, 5.43.174 W).
Do not anchor too far east as there is a telephone cable on the seabed – notice and indications to this effect are painted on the rock overlooking the anchorage.
If going ashore, there is a private ferry service operated by Mr Yon. Call "ferry service" on ch. 16 between 0600 and 1900hrs. Have fenders ready on the side towards quay. It costs £1.50/person/round-trip.
The Port Captain, Barry Williams, is very helpful and a mine of local information. He is the best person to ask for local advice on repairs.
According to the Port Captain around 200 yachts called at the island in 2004, and as a result facilities for visiting yachts are being constantly improved although the deep anchorage and absence of proper moorings discourage longer stays.
The entire area in The Anchorage with a depth less than 16m is occupied by the local fishing and lighter fleet that are moored with floating lines that interconnect the boats and various buoys. Any vessel that draws more than several cm or that cannot safely pass over floating lines needs to stay well outside the area. If you arrive during daylight, the ferry will normally come out to help direct you to the shallower spots with good holding off the landing steps.
WARNING: All vessels anchor in James Bay, but the holding is very poor. Ensure your anchor is well set before going ashore and check the position of your vessel on a regular basis. Many a vessel has had to be collected on the horizon after it had dragged anchor.
If offered the use of a mooring, be very cautious as their condition is very uncertain. One broke recently, resulting in the total loss of the yacht.
Landing on the slippery quay can be quite hazardous if a swell is running, which often the case. Occasionally it may be impossible to land.
Next to the blue yacht club building, on the quayside, are showers and a double sink for laundry.
Update December 2011 from Michael Dean of St Helen Tourism Development Executive
All yachts planning a stopover at Jamestown, St Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean are advised that the mooring buoys shown in the St Helena Island Yachting Guide are temporarily out of action.
It is regretted that, until further notice, all yachts must use their own anchor.
It is also recommended that anchoring should take place west of the position shown in the Yachting Guide.
Yachts are advised that, due to the depth of the harbour, it is recommended that the amount of chain or cable required for safe anchoring should be at least 3 times the depth of water.
Further information can be obtained through St Helena Tourism
at enquiries@tourism.gov.sh
Last updated December 2011.
St Helena Yacht Club
The Yacht Club on the island does not open on a daily basis.
Unfortunately it does not have the resources yet to operate as
a fully serviceable yacht club.
Website http://sthelenayachtclub.weebly.com
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