http://www.bwsailing.com^19ated a favorable heading to Saint
Helena in the South Atlantic trade
winds. The angle allows a fast
reach with a two- or even three-
sail rig, for a quick and comfort-
able passage. Saint Helena found
itself of practical value for all
shipping navigating this region
in earlier times, as well as the
more modern cruising yacht, by
offering fresh water, fresh meat,
provisions and repairs. However,
from its first discovery until to-
day, the primary factor that justi-
fies continuing UK investment is
its strategic value.
We found Saint Helena no
disappointment, as it has changed
little from the descriptions given
in those early Hiscock days. This
may be a fragile state of affairs
however, as the new airport waswell under construction (and now
open at the time of writing) dur-
ing Kiwi Roa’s visit – which may
be expected to drag the isolated
Helenians finally away from the
age of sail and steam, and into the
modern one of tourism.
Landfall was made during
the night at Sugar Loaf Point, the
northern extremity of the island,
which emerged gradually from