Sailing solo across the South Atlantic - S4 E1 Cape Town to St. Helena
14 September 2025 · 23 min · 1K views · South Atlantic Ocean
What this video covers
A solo sailor departs Cape Town, South Africa, on February 23 for a 1,700-mile passage to St. Helena.2:33 The transit begins with a southeasterly wind and rough seas, during which the vessel strikes an unidentified object, causing the wind vane rudder to flip up as designed.3:55 The sailor manages the passage using a PredictWind ECMWF forecast to navigate shipping lanes and trade winds, eventually transitioning to wing-on-wing sailing.8:19 Upon arrival at Jamestown, St. Helena, the sailor anchors in deep water and utilizes a local ferry service to reach the wharf, noting that dinghy access is difficult.19:27 Shore-side activities include visiting the St. Helena museum, hiking the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, and renting a car to visit the Millennium Forest and Longwood House.18:12 The sailor departs St. Helena for Fernando de Noronha after a brief stay.23:00 Consistent trade winds and proper sail management are essential for maintaining progress on this long-distance offshore leg.
Boats in this video
More from Hugh Robertson Sailing
From Hugh Robertson Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.