Ascension
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===Climate & Weather=== | ===Climate & Weather=== | ||
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Submit the climate details and sources of weather forecasting here. | Submit the climate details and sources of weather forecasting here. | ||
+ | |||
+ | *Weather info sources | ||
+ | ** | ||
+ | ** | ||
===Charts=== | ===Charts=== | ||
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Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area. | Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area. | ||
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===Local Radio Nets=== | ===Local Radio Nets=== | ||
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Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here. | Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here. | ||
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===Immigration & Customs=== | ===Immigration & Customs=== | ||
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Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here. | Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here. | ||
- | + | '''Immigration'''<br> | |
+ | Details? | ||
+ | '''Customs'''<br> | ||
+ | Details? | ||
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+ | ===Visas=== | ||
Submit information about what visitor's visas are available and where they are obtained. | Submit information about what visitor's visas are available and where they are obtained. | ||
===Health & Security=== | ===Health & Security=== | ||
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Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here. | Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here. | ||
===Ports & Popular Stops=== | ===Ports & Popular Stops=== | ||
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Submit Ports and stop-overs | Submit Ports and stop-overs | ||
===Offshore Islands=== | ===Offshore Islands=== | ||
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Details? | Details? | ||
===Cruiser's Friends=== | ===Cruiser's Friends=== | ||
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Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family". | Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family". | ||
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+ | ===Onward passage=== | ||
+ | Passage passage notes | ||
===References & Publications=== | ===References & Publications=== | ||
*[http://www.cruisingconnections.co.za/books.htm Cape to Caribbean Cruising Notes] by Tony Herrick | *[http://www.cruisingconnections.co.za/books.htm Cape to Caribbean Cruising Notes] by Tony Herrick | ||
+ | * | ||
===Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions=== | ===Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions=== | ||
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Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum | Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum | ||
+ | * | ||
+ | * | ||
===External Links=== | ===External Links=== | ||
- | + | Submit useful website links for the region | |
+ | * | ||
+ | * | ||
- | + | ===Personal Notes=== | |
+ | Personal experiences? | ||
<center>[[Passage_8|BACK]]</center> | <center>[[Passage_8|BACK]]</center> | ||
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Revision as of 12:11, 5 January 2008
Ascension Island
Background
The landing on the pier head is notoriously tricky. The concrete landing is slippery and even with the help of ropes to hang onto; jumping off the dinghy must be well timed with the swells. In December the swell arrives, caused by storms 2000 miles to the north, and these often crash over the pier head, making landing impossible. Ascension is 35 miles square and is situated in the middle of the South Atlantic with St. Helena the nearest neighbor. It is not as isolated as St. Helena, being linked to the UK by flights on RAF Tristar and is also served by the RMS St. Helena.
There is only one supermarket in town and it carries most things, but at a higher price than on St Helena, except for alcohol which is cheaper.
For petrol and diesel you must buy coupons at this shop, then hitch to the only petrol station on the island. It is a few miles out of town and does not handle cash at all. The post office is opposite the shop and right next to the Saints club where you can order a cold beer and a snack meal at lunchtime. The Exile club used to be naval barracks, but now boasts a bar and restaurant with the best view in town from the balcony overlooking the pier head and anchorage.
Visit Comfortless Cove that was used as a quarantine area by ships whose crew was suffering with fever. Food and water was brought from town and placed nearby for the victims. Today you can see the cemetery on the rocks, but the white beach is a popular swimming cove. English Bay is the most popular beach as it provides safe swimming on an island full of beaches with dangerous undertows. Nearby, the BBC's "golfball" and antennae farm dominate the scene. It is here that the power station and desalination plant produces most of the islands power and fresh water.
There are very few facilities as such for visiting yachts, but all necessary facilities exist, an important on being fax and telephones. These enable yachts to order equipment and have it flown in. Showers are available at the swimming pool near the pier head. There are some large cranes on the pier head which can lift 30-ton boats if necessary and if the weather permitted. The local folks are very friendly and will fix or replace anything they can. All you have to do is ask and someone will do something about your problem, if possible. This is a fascinating and most unusual island, perhaps not the easiest to get to, but a worthwhile stepping-stone across the Atlantic Ocean.
Note: Clearance Bay is an open bay, but any yacht wishing to stop here should enter from the east, as there is a reef which extends from the west. This reef has a marker at its northern extremity and you have to clear this if approaching from the west. A floating pipeline extends almost from Long Beach across the middle of the bay. It is easy to see during the day as boobies sit and roost along its length. But at night it has no lights.
Climate & Weather
Submit the climate details and sources of weather forecasting here.
- Weather info sources
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Cruising yachtsmen will find dealing with the authorities much easier than expected. Staying over is not a problem provided you have full travel insurance. All yachts are subject to a curfew. If you wish to be ashore after 7pm until 11pm you must have a local "sponsor" who must complete an official form at the police station. All official business including clearance is done at the police station.
Immigration & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Immigration
Details?
Customs
Details?
Visas
Submit information about what visitor's visas are available and where they are obtained.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Ports & Popular Stops
Submit Ports and stop-overs
Offshore Islands
Details?
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
Onward passage
Passage passage notes
References & Publications
- Cape to Caribbean Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.