The St Helena Open Oceans Fund, a partnership between the St Helena Government (SHG) and ocean adventure company Wavysail, has announced the recipients of its latest grants for an upcoming sailing journey between Cape Town and St Helena. The initiative aims to provide members of the St Helena community with open-ocean yachting experiences that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
For this third voyage cycle, two individuals have been selected. Cerys Joshua will take part in the first leg, traveling from Cape Town to Jamestown and departing on October 31, 2025. Isabella Scott has been chosen for the return journey from Jamestown back to Cape Town.
The grant covers all costs associated with participating in the yacht voyage, which typically amounts to several thousand pounds. Recipients also have the option to stay up to three nights in accommodation booked by Wavysail in Cape Town.
Cerys Joshua expressed her enthusiasm: “Despite the bad weather and flight delays, I’m really looking forward to such an amazing adventure with the Wavysail crew. One thing that I’m really excited about, is the potential to see some really cool wildlife, and epic sunrises and sunsets! I’d like to thank the Open Oceans Fund and St Helena Government, for such an amazing opportunity.”
Isabella Scott added: “I would like to thank Wavysail and SHG. I am very grateful to be chosen for this sponsorship and look forward to learning and gaining experience in sailing from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The fund was established in 2023 as a result of ongoing collaboration between SHG and Wavysail. It is open not only to current residents of St Helena but also members of its diaspora who are at least 18 years old by departure date. Applications can be submitted directly or by nomination.
More information about applying for future voyages can be found at https://bit.ly/3N83r66.
Grant recipients are responsible for their own travel arrangements to departure points as well as any off-boat expenses such as hotels or meals. Full terms are available online at www.wavysail.com/OpenOceans.