Tristan da Cunha : Profile

Facts

• Tristan da Cunha is part of the British Overseas Territory called St. Helena & Dependencies. Along with Ascension, it is under the authority of the Governor of St Helena but powers are delegated to a resident Administrator. Other islands nearby are the small, uninhabited Inaccessible, Nightingale, Middle and Stoltenhoff Islands. A weather station is located on Gough Island and manned by a few personnel.

• Tristan da Cunha is almost circular, the core of a volcano with steep cliffs plunging into the sea. On the north-west corner is a small habitable plateau, and the settlement of Edinburgh.

• The anchorage is completely unprotected and a heavy swell is constant, worst in a north-westerly. The small boat harbour has only about 3 ft (91 cm) of water and a heavy surge from the constant swell. Yachts can rarely stay for very long, even if they want to. Yet in spite of all the difficulties, every year this remote community is visited by a few intrepid yachts.

• The islanders are very adept at all kinds of repairs and have helped yachts in the past. The Government workshop may be able to help with repairs.

Weather

The climate is temperate, with moderate rainfall and high humidity. The wind is strong most days, and gales are frequent all year round.

Main Ports

Edinburgh *

*Indicates a port of entry.

Related Reports

South Atlantic Circuit (10 Feb 2006)

World Cruising Handbook – Corrections May to December 2003 (19 Nov 2004)