Jamestown, St. Helena

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory and one of the last relics of the colonies in the South Atlantic Ocean, 1200 miles (1900 km) west of Africa. Saint Helena is of volcanic origin, and its surface is rugged and mountainous, reaching an altitude of 2700 feet, 820 meters, in the High Hills in the southwest. The climate is moderate and healthful, and the mean annual temperature is somewhat over 70°F, 21°C. Potatoes and flax are the chief products. The entire island is 47 square miles, 122 square kilometers, with a population of roughly 6000 people; the main centers of population are Jamestown, the capital and chief port with a population of approximately 1500 people, Half Tree Hollow, and Longwood. The island has a Governor and the upper echelons of the administration mostly are expatriate British. An elected Executive Council (EXCO) and Legislative Council (LEGCO) represent the islanders although these bodies have little real influence on the running of the island. Saint Helena was discovered in 1502 by a Portuguese navigator, João de Nova; it was then uninhabited. In 1659 the English East India Company founded the first permanent settlement. The island was the place of exile for Napoleon (1815-1821), who died there in 1821, in the farmhouse of Longwood, near Jamestown. Saint Helena is one of the most isolated places in the world, located more than 1200 miles (2000 km) from the nearest major landmass. There is currently no airport on Saint Helena and travel to the island is by ship only. Saint Helena has some stunning scenery. The coastline of the island comprises of high vertical cliffs cut by steep-sided v-shaped valleys. The coastal areas are rugged and barren whereas the higher elevations in the center of the island have lush vegetation. A good network of (albeit narrow, winding, and steep) roads make much of the island reasonably accessible. However, the best views of Saint Helena are seen on foot; there are some magnificent walks and hikes to be had on the island.

The ship will anchor between Rupert’s Bay and James Bay. The most singular phenomenon connected with this part of the ocean is the setting in of very heavy continuous swells or rollers from north northwest that are most prevalent during the months of January and February when the waves break on the northwest coast with astonishing grandeur.