Route: St Helena Island, clockwise circumnavigation

Distance: 48km (29.8 mi) – distance swam

Time: 17:13:28

Start (UCT +00:00): February 27, 2026, 00:01

Start & Finish Location: Landing Steps, The Wharf, Jamestown, St Helena Island   
15°55'13.9800"S 5°43'3.9720"W

Finish (UCT +00:00):February 27, 2026, 17:14 pm

Average Water Temperature: ≈24°C

Average Air Temperature: ≈24°C

Highest Wind:21km/h East South East

Lowest wind:   0km/h

Category: Unassisted Ultra Marathon Swim (skins)

Rules: Traditional Marathon Swimming Rules & Regulations

Honours: Overall Official First

Note: The official distance was set at 46km, not accounting for steering around unsafe/shallow water reef/rock formations.

Costume : Speedo V class

Goggles :   Speedo Biofuse

Hat: Silicone displaying sponsors

Lights: Green on Goggles / Blue on costume

Application:  Sudocrem / Sunblock Factor 50 / Ocean Grease

Planned feed: A variation of Sponsor products every 20 minutes throughout with water bottle on a rope, with a white light in the bottom

Sponsor Maltodextrin
Sponsor Liquid Energy Gel Plus cola
Sponsor Liquid Energy BCCA Lemon
Sponsor competitionSponsor Caffeine Caps Brufen when asked /required 

Why did you feel you wanted to take on St Helena?
I saw this swim as a big adventure, a challenging swim at most, a fantastic location. I felt it was privilege to even have an opportunity to attempt such a swim.

What did you incorporate / how did you prepare for your St Helena Swim?
A lot of swimming, I built up to 70km in one week along with visiting the gym two times a week.

How were you feeling about the swim?I was feeling very excited, obviously some nerves were taking hold but in general, excited. There were a few scenarios prior to leaving for St Helena however, I stayed optimistic.

How did the swim go, other than being successful. What were the highs and lows?

It was a hard swim both mentally and physically, it was just rough. The best part actually of the swim was its location itself.

How did you find the support boats/did they work for you?

The support boats and the individuals were amazing. I think they did a fantastic job especially as it hadn’t been achieved before.Is there anything in hindsight, you would have changed or introduced within training regime?

No, not really, what we do in training seems to payoff.

Is there anything that really sticks out relating to the swim ?

Super rough and amazing crew.

Would you recommend this swim to others and who would you recommend it for?

I know you are required to have swam the English Channel prior to attempting St Helena. But this is not the English Channel. Experienced swimmers should only contemplate taking St Helena on.

How was your overall stay on St Helena Island?

I loved it. 

Landing Steps, The Wharf, Jamestown, St Helena Island   
15°55'13.9800"S 5°43'3.9720"W

00:01 - Dina starts swim, makes way to Seahawk Odyssey. ZL instructs feeds every 20 minutes to all onboard.
00:07 - Sea rescue checks radio communication with Enchanted Isle and Seahawk.
00:13 - Sea breeze: 1.5 km/h.
00:16 - First stroke count: 60 strokes/minute.
00:21 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin.00:30 - ZL blows kisses to Dina. Calm atmosphere on Seahawk, flat ocean, dark apart from pontoon lights.
00:43 - Feed: warm water, Maltodextrin. ZL talks briefly to DL.
00:55 - Seahawk asks Enchanted Isle to go ahead and advise on Lobster pots. Dark, small moon not visible.
01:00 - Feed: Liquid Energy Gel-BCCA, 200ml warm water. DL urinates. ZL requests warmer water.
01:10 - Enchanted Isle pulls alongside, hands over warm water, ZL requests hotter next time.
01:15 - Enchanted Isle brings hot water flask. ZL is over the moon and hugs the flask and squeals with delight
01:20 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin. DL ok and happy. ZL encourages.
01:41 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin. DL urinates. Jamie Essex: "Saint Helena mermaid".
02:00 - Feed: 200ml Liquid Energy gel-BCCA, Lemon + 3 caffeine tablets. DL feels good.
02:10 - Jamie Yon checks in, all ok on board, each individual states they are good.
02:22 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin. DL urinates. Light swell.
02:30 - Slight swell for those standing require moving with motion, DL urinates. Flying fish near Seahawk, visible in spotlight.
02:35 - Enchanted Isle provides lighting for Lobster pots/rock formations ahead.
02:47 - School of dolphins ahead, dark but visible.
03:01 - Feed: 200ml Liquid Energy Gel BCCA Lemon, warm water. DL urinates, happy0
3:20 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water
03:41 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water
03:45 - Pontoon lights fail, HJ sets up green Adventure lights for DL's swim zone., lights mark front, middle, back. ZL sits in middle
04:05 - Peaceful atmosphere, no wind.04:21 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water. No conversation.
04:41 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water. No conversation.
05:00 - Calm waters, waiting for sunrise.
05:01 - Feed: 200ml Liquid Energy Gel BCCA Lemon, warm water. Gentle breeze, swell.
05:40 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water. DL takes 75ml, urinates.
05:45 - Sunrise, island rock face visible, slight swell
05:55 - Enchanted Isle offers hot water/coffee, declined.06:03 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin (DL takes 100ml). HJ erects Alpha flag.
06:20 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, Competition, warm water.
06:43 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, Liquid Gel BCCA Lemon.
07:03 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin. ZL shouts "BRAVO BRAVO". Mandatory Sea Rescue comms call.
07:15 - Johnny Herne Kayaks over joins DL, Seahawk individuals laugh and cheer.
07:23 - DL switches to dark lenses, ZL Cheers and supports. Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin.
07:27 - HJ asks about DL's longest swim, ~ Zl informs approx. 15 hours.
07:42 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin, Liquid Gel BCCA Lemon. DL urinates.
08:02 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin, 3 caffeine tablets. 100ml consumed.
08:15 - Halfway point reached (8h14), Sandy Buoys visible. Air temp 20°C.
08:22 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water, Sponsor competition. 100ml consumed.
08:50 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water, Liquid Energy cola. DL slightly frustrated, Speary Landmark progress seems slow.09:00 - Sandy Bay reached, DL brief stop to check location of Speary Island ahead.
09:05 - School of dolphins ~80m away.
09:15 - DL stops, stretches, coughs.
09:18 - Stroke rate check: holding 60 spm. Navigation update: Speary has shallow reef and rocks does not allow even a small boat to cut through, advised by Enchanted Isle to steer clear but avoid hard water as turning southwest.
09:20 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, warm water, Sponsor Competition.
09:44 - Feed: warm water, Maltodextrin. DL urinates.
10:01 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Liquid Gel BCCA lemon. DL and ZL chat in Croatian, DL coherent and well.
10:18 - Enchanted Isle scouts ahead for safe passage around Speary.
10:20 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin. ZL cheers "BRAVO BRAVO MACHINA".
10:40 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Liquid Energy BCCA lemon.11:02 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin. DL stretches.
11:19 - Easterly wind picks up, few white caps.
11:21 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin. DL stretches, ZL provides support.
11:30 - Large manta ray spotted behind Seahawk.
11:40 - Feed: warm water, Maltodextrin, Liquid Gel BCCA lemon. DL sighs, stretches, and continues.
11:50 - ZL cheers "BRAVO BRAVO MACHINA BRAVO".
12:00 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Liquid Gel Plus Cola, 3 Sponsor Caffeine pills. DL slightly frustrated, landmark progress seems slow.
12:30 - DL stops, reports 8-9 manta rays. Team reacts with excitement.
12:35 - Conditions flatten, perfect swimming conditions. DL urinates.
12:42 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin, Liquid energy gel lemon. Signs of chafing on neck.
12:50 - DL stops, flips onto back, stretches for 10 seconds.
13:05 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin, Brufen. DL urinates, ZL provides support.
13.23Feed Warm water/Maltodextrin ZL BRAVO BRAVO Support, DL acknowledges
13:30 - DL finds a second wind, stroke rate 65spm for short while. Brufen seems to help
13:43 - DL drops to 60spm.13:45 - Feed: 200ml warm water, Maltodextrin, Liquid Gel plus Cola.
14:03 - Feed: 200ml water, Maltodextrin, Liquid Gel BCCA Lemon.
14:15 - DL asks ZL distance remaining. ZL encourages, estimates ~8km left (per Jamie).
14:23 - Feed: 200ml Maltodextrin, water. DL urinates, asks distance, ZL encourages.
14:30 - ZL anxious, hands clasped, urging DL to maintain strong will.
14:44 - Feed: 200ml water, Liquid Gel, plus Cola15:00 - Feed: 200ml Maltrodextrin; DL urinates
15:22 - Feed: Water, Liquid Energy Gel cola; DL looks forward, takes a breath, appears focused and determined
15:31 - Jamestown Moorings visible in the distance
15:44 - Feed: 200ml water, maltodextrin; DL asks how much longer, remains focused but frustrated at Jamestown's distance
15:50 - DL pushes on, stroke rate 63 spm; Enchanted Isle takes inside position, DL swims between Seahawk and Enchanted Isle at a safe distance
15:55 - Feed: water, Liquid Energy Gel BCCA lemon (short, 10-second feed); DL determined
16:03 - Jamie informs DL of gathering at finish line via cell phone
16:05 - Howard asks about ice cream man, Mr Borb's, presence; Jamie replies, "Hope so"
16:20 - Feed: water, Liquid Energy Gel BCCA lemon; DL grunts
16:35 - Feed: Maltrodextrin water; DL uninterested, sips, discards, continues swimming
16:40 - Wind blowing 13km/h NE
16:45 - Stroke rate 64; DL digging deep
16:50 - Jamie Essex and Howard James place Saint Helena flag on light mast
16:56 - ZL excited, gets Croatian Flag out as DL approaches moorings
17:00 - Small boat with children follows at a safe distance, crew from Enchanted Isle and Seahawk shout encouragement
17:05 - Sea Rescue communicates to confirm passage is clear
17:05 - Crowd visible, chanting "DINA DINA"; Howard James emotional
17:07 - Small ferry boat holds position, doesn't obstruct
17:10 - Seahawk and Howard James agree it's safe for DL to swim to landing steps
17:14 - Dina Levačić places her hand on the side to confirm the swim has finished and then holds onto the tyre and awaits assistance.

Jamie Essex installs ladder over Seahawk's edge as the team moves to collect DL. Howard and Jamie carefully guide her, supporting her while she places her feet on the rungs, and assist her into the boat. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause, matching the support crew's anticipation for this official first. Once Dina's safely in, ZL wraps her in a towel, hugging and congratulating her.

Seahawk then transports DL to Enchanted Isle, allowing her to compose herself while the team assesses her condition. Emergency services are on standby until deemed unnecessary.

About 20 minutes later, Dina's dressed and ready to return to the landing steps to meet supporters. As she arrives, the crowd continues cheering; she acknowledges with a wave, placing her feet on the landing steps, Croatian flag in sight. Media outlets swarm, seeking insights from those involved.

Dina's being super pleasant and engaging, though she's looking a bit wobbly on her feet. She leans over the side, coughing up a bit of mucus - totally expected, given the swim. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit sick," she says.

After 20 minutes, Dina and ZL make their way through the crowd, then are driven to their accommodation where ZL will monitor DL. ZL has relevant contacts should they be necessary.

The Enchanted Isle and Seahawk Odessey support crew take their boats to moorings, then head back to the landing steps. They meet with locals, and the crew's praising Dina, "fantastic", "unbelievable", you hear them say. Spirits are sky-high, a sense of accomplishment washing over everyone. Dina has left a credible mark on the individuals that had never witnessed such a feat. 

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS (click on images)

Dina arrived on the island aware that the swim would be tough, but confident in her chances of success. She knew the factors involved in marathon swimming, weather, conditions, and the unpredictability of both prior and within the swim itself.

She met with the pilot crew, expressing her readiness to start the swim anytime, with a preference for a nighttime start and daytime finish. Dina actively suggested potential windows, studying weather apps focused on the island's wind patterns, and her input was welcomed.

SHG were happy with the approach and the comprehensiveness of all OWA paperwork and welcomed St Helena Swims to take place in 2026. With the same approach moving forward into 2027.

They reviewed OWA comprehensive Risk Assessment and credentials, highlighting the expertise in the sport and ocean knowledge.

Johnny Herne from Enchanted Isle proposed the window from 00.01 am Thursday morning, which was agreed throughout including SHG.

Late evening on the 26th, Howard James collected Dina and Željana from their accommodation and drove to The Wharf, landing steps, where they were scheduled to meet at 23:15 pm. The short journey was quiet, yet the air was thick with nervous excitement, what was about to commence felt truly unbelievable. Given the airport closures 10 days prior and the unofficial event that had preceded it. It was amazing we were here!

Ready packed for ease were made up bottles of feed that Željana would prepare for the foreseeable future.

The wharf was electric, buzzing with around 30 individuals, crew members and onlookers, who'd caught wind of the epic adventure about to unfold. Boats were being loaded, cameras pointed at Dina and Željana as Dina got greased up, not in the toilets, much to some peoples' surprise. I explained that's normal procedure, and while it was accepted, I'm not sure it was fully believed.

Dina prepared quickly, with a focused expression on her face. Željana and I boarded Seahawk Odessey, waiting to officially kick off the swim.

Dina Levačić's swim around Saint Helena was a testament to her mental toughness and focus. Throughout the 17-hour, 13-minute journey, she remained coherent and calm, even when faced with frustration at landmarks not getting closer. The bond between Dina and her mother, Žaljana, was palpable, with Željana providing unwavering support and encouragement. Dina's trust in her mother was evident in her calm demeanour, never questioning her mother's guidance.

Prior to the swim, the team had varying expectations of the time it would take, with Dina hoping to complete it in around 14 hours. The decision to start at midnight, in pitch-black conditions, was a bold one, but Dina showed remarkable resilience, adjusting to the darkness and maintaining a steady stroke rate of 60 SPM, occasionally increasing to 65 SPM when frustrated.

Željana's support was instrumental, sitting in the same spot for the entire duration, only standing up to access the cool box. A calm and focused individual helped to reassure Dina, and their conversations in Croatian were clearly a source of comfort and encouragement. Having the resources for Enchanted Isle to go ahead and scout safe passage around obstacles like Speary and the Long Ledge provided an added layer of assurance, allowing Dina to focus on her swim while the team navigated the challenging waters.

The team's knowledge of the waters and expertise were crucial in guiding Dina through the swim. Seahawk and Enchanted Isle provided ample space for food, drink, and shelter from the elements, as well as facilitating communication and navigation. As someone familiar with Dina's swimming experience, it was reassuring to know she had the expertise to handle any obstacles that arose. However, it's worth noting that Saint Helena is a unique and challenging location, with currents that change quickly and frequently. Located deep in the South Atlantic, the island is exposed to the open ocean, making it a disorienting and demanding environment for even the most experienced swimmers.

It's not uncommon for experienced swimmers to maintain their stroke rate, but Dina's ability to hold steady at 60 SPM, even when faced with currents that were holding her back rather than pushing her forward, was remarkable. And when frustration did set in, her stroke rate didn't drop once, showcasing her incredible mental toughness and discipline. Her determination and focus were inspiring to watch, and her ability to adapt to the challenging conditions was a testament to her skill and experience.The support team's observations and feedback will be invaluable in reviewing the swim, and it's clear that Dina's achievement is a reflection to her hard work and dedication.

As an observer, I confirm that I witnessed the entirety of Dina Levačić's swim around St Helena Island and can vouch that it was conducted unassisted  in accordance with traditional rules of Marathon Swimming. All timing logs and tracker positions were accurate and recorded in real-time throughout the event. Any deviations or uncertainties related to the swim are noted in this document.

Howard James
Open Water Africa
March, 2, 2026

Howard James is the official Observer and Facilitator of the swim. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

With a background in marathon swimming since 2009, he's completed notable swims and held key positions in the Channel Swimming Association.

Some of his achievements and roles include:·      
English Channel Solo (x3)    
North Channel    
Lake Zurich       
Channel Swimming Association Board Member (2022-2025)    
Channel Swimming Association Observer (over 20 swims observed)     
Organiser of Lake Malawi/St Helena swims

He's passionate about maintaining trust in the sport and putting new bodies of water on the map.

Johnny Herne is the skipper and proprietor of Enchanted Isle, a tour operator with in-depth knowledge of the waters around St Helena. He is an approved St Helena Government tour operator and takes visitors on tours to see the island from a different angle and offers whale shark spotting trips. Johnny also works with marine biologists visiting the island and has a genuine passion for St Helena's environment.

His knowledge of the currents and landmarks means you're assured to be in safe hands. When he's not on the ocean, you'll find him seeking out trees, he loves being surrounded by greenery on the island. He's a true nature lover.

Enchanted Isle on Social Media | Boat Link FB – Click on Links

Jamie Yon and Jamie Essex are the dynamic duo behind Seahawk Odyssey, offering top-notch water support for scuba and free diving. As well as expert-led Whale Shark and fishing tours around the island. With their vast experience and infectious passion for the ocean, they’re a good reliable source for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.Both Jamie’s went through sea rescue training and directly worked for Sea Rescue before obtaining their own boat.

Seahawk Odessey on Social Media | Boat LINK FB – Click on Links

Željana Levačić, Dina's mother, has been her primary support throughout her swimming career.While having close family as support, can sometimes be unconventional in the sport, Željana's unwavering commitment, focus, and dedication make her an integral part of Dina's success. She's a true standout in swim support.