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South Atlantic Crossing & Services Guide
The South Atlantic crossing — Cape Town to Brazil — is one of cruising's classic trade-wind passages. Reliable winds, manageable seas, and two of the remotest inhabited islands on the planet (St Helena and Ascension) as midway stops. Service infrastructure is thin throughout, so cruisers prepare at the endpoints.
Route and stops
| Stop | Distance from previous | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | — | Full SA services; major prep |
| St Helena (James Bay) | ~1,700 nm | Mooring, basic provisioning |
| Ascension (if open) | ~700 nm | Restricted; check current rules |
| Fernando de Noronha | ~1,400 nm from St Helena direct | Brazilian island; entry possible |
| Salvador or Recife | ~250 nm | Brazilian customs entry |
Services
- Cape Town: Full pre-crossing prep — rigging, sails, watermaker, electronics, provisioning.
- St Helena: Mooring, customs, water, basic supplies. Emergency repair only.
- Ascension: Closed/restricted to most yachts currently.
- Fernando de Noronha: Brazilian island; customs entry, basic services.
- Salvador / Recife: Full Brazilian services.
Costs roughly
| Item | Common range (USD) |
|---|---|
| St Helena harbour | $50–100 |
| Fernando de Noronha fees | $200–500 |
| Brazilian agent / clearance | $300–600 |
| Total crossing fees | $1,000–2,500 |
Frequently asked questions
Route?
Cape Town → St Helena → (Ascension if open) → Fernando de Noronha → Salvador.
St Helena services?
Mooring, customs, basic provisioning. No yard.
Ascension?
Restricted. Check current rules.
Cost?
$1,000–2,500 in fees plus provisioning.
Timing?
December–March SE trades.