Open Oceans St Helena - Applications now open

Saint Helena Government renews support for Open Oceans

We are delighted to announce that The St Helena Government (SHG) has renewed their support for the Open Oceans Fund, a unique partnership with Wavysail that offers life-changing sailing opportunities for Saints and those with strong ties to the island. Following the success of previous grant recipients, Josh Herne, and Loui Youde applications are now officially open for the next funded voyage departing in October 2025.

About Open Oceans

We set up the Open Oceans Fund to provide fully funded grants to those people who would otherwise not have the means, or the confidence to join an ocean adventure. Our aim is to make sailing more inclusive and to encourage anyone with an adventurous spirit to experience the magic of the wild, open ocean.

We have been regular visitors to St Helena island since we started Wavysail and our yacht, "Aurora" will be a familiar sight to many islanders - we have always loved the island and already work closely with many local businesses as well as the St Helena government. Therefore, this partnership is very special to us too - it is our way of giving something back to the community that has made us so welcome.

Open Ocean: St Helena Trip Details

The recipient will join our October expedition, departing Cape Town on October 27th. The first days are a "Prep" week in Cape Town, where they will get to meet the skipper and other crew members and prepare for the trip ahead.

They will then sail with us as a regular member of the crew, under the care of skipper, Dave (wavy) Immelman and our first mate  - both of whom are highly experienced sailors. This is a major ocean trip but we do not set any minimum requirements in terms of previous sailing experience since we will ensure the recipient is fully prepared and looked after. We will advise of all kit to pack and provide all safety equipment needed.

Departing Cape Town, we first route up the African coast to Lüderitz in Namibia, where you'll get used to life on board. We stay a day in Lüderitz where you'll have the chance to visit Kolmanskop. We then head across to St Helena itself - it's a true ocean passage that takes about 12 days. The recipient will be a full member of the crew, sailing through the night and day, enjoying the open ocean and the gentle rhythm of life on board.

Open Oceans: Apply Today!

You can nominate yourself, or somebody you feel will benefit from the experience. Nominations are open until the end of August and we will inform the recipient at the start of September.

To apply for the St Helena open oceans grant, apply here: Apply here for St Helena Open Oceans

The grant is open to any "saint" currently living on the island or person connected to St Helena island. You must be 18years old by the time of departure to join. To read more about the Open Oceans Fund and for full conditions, you can see our website here: find out more about the Open Oceans fund

or contact info@wavysail.com