21.15 Howard James arrives at The Wharf to assure Trackers are switched on and working/ Seen to be displaying Correct stating Location. This is done between communication with Howard on Saint Helena and Esmari Located in South Africa
22.00  Few St Helena locals start to arrive in order to see Angus start
22.15  Boat support arrive and start to unpack vehicles /Make their way to the moorings and prepare
22.30 More people arrive creating a good atmosphere/ Expecting Angus any time now.
22.45  Angus Mcppherson arrives/Wearing a South African Speedo which has his English Channel printed on along with a small stone that has been sewn into a pocket. Angus has a large sized Cross painted on his back with permanent marker. He has Sunblock and large amounts of Vaseline around proposed chafe areas. He is glistening in the lights around the Landing steps. Angus is finally quiet, I ask if he is ok, He says yes and that the time has arrived to flip the focus. It was very clear to see the Challenge was real and he was respecting whatever lied ahead. Caren (Wife) was also quite focused and applying lubricant also seemed slightly nervous. Graham who was to be on the boat was close by but not intruding on Angus space Bonnie was taking images and was excited for Angus and the whole team.
22.50 Seahawk pulls up on landing steps with Enchanted Isle in the background
22.52 Caren, Gramham and Howard board Seahawk and make our way 15 – 20 meters from the landing steps.
22.55 Howard James Shouts to Angus Ok? Angus thumbs up/possibly says a prayer and swings his arms.
22.58 Howard shouts to Angus, Angus raises Arm/ Howard shouts 3 2 1 and Angus jumps in , officially starting his swim, making his way from the landing steps to the left side of the boat in which he will swim for the entirety of the circumnavigation.
23.06 First stroke rate count 48 spm swimming around 2 meters from Seahawk/Calm waters and dark. Caren and Graham synchronising times and agreeing on first feed timing.
23.13 Pass Ruperts which has a cargo ship berthed. The ship was bought in earlier today than expected due to good weather-Open Water Africa were informed of all movements relating to the ship prior.
23.25 Caren and Graham prepare first feed with 5 minute warning to Angus-A small child’s fishing net strengthened with Duct tape will be the equipment utilised to pass Angus feeds.
23.30 FEED- 200ml Tailwinds Carb loader- Caren asks about lights on boat-Angus replies ‘PERFECT’
23.36 Enchanted Isle out on the left of Seahawk around 50 meters, Shining lights on potential Lobster pots For seahawk to divert from.
23.43 Lobster pots visual and all made aware
23.47 Caren shouts to Angus to stay closer, even more so as we steer and navigate around lobster pots.
23.58 Caren/Graham call Angus into feed/ Caren tells angus to stay focused on the boat not to get to close but not to get too far. Angus informs Caren he is doing his best.
00.00 FEED- 200ml Tail Winds carb loader-
00.01 Wind gusts 15kmh
00.10 Stroke rate 48 spm
00.15 Angus struggles to maintain a good distance from boat- when he comes close, due to swimming on left side he gets the swell bouncing back of the boat , ideal water placement is around 3 meters from boat  however he has a tendency to swim 5 to 6 meters away before coming back in- Zig Zag almost. Wind Gusts 20kmh then disappears.
00.20 Angus comes in close /Caren screams, stay away from the boat-Angus stops and asks what’s ups and continues to say Caren, ‘I’m not going to touch the boat, don’t worry.’ Angus asks when his next feed is. This all takes around 10 seconds.
00.30 FEED 200ml Tailwind Carbloader- Angus throws bottle over other side of boat- Jamie Essex retrieves – Angus apologises.
00.45 Angus seems to have found good water placement /as we say that he diverts. Rain starts slightly-rain jackets are being put on.
00.55 Grahams prepares Angus Tailwind Recovery protein- A full bottle is made providing the option for Angus to drink as much as he likes.
01.00 Angus drinks a round 250ml of protein / Asks for a Gel in his next feed-Informs Howard he just taking it steady and if that is ok. Howard replies ‘of course’.
01.07 Stroke rate 48spm
01.08 Water 24 degrees Centigrade
01.20 Wind 7kmh
01.22 As wind dies, A gust of 22kmh comes- Angus in good water placement-Caren/Graham showing support
01.30 FEED- 200ml Chocolate outrage gel and Tailwind carbloader. Short conversation states he is happy.  Request normal Carbloader next feed. Straight after feed swims away from Boat- Caren shouts at him.
Seems to be standard practise with Angus veering off.
01.50 Angus stroke rate 48spm/ Water temperature 24 degrees
02.00 FEED Tailwind carbloader / Graham announces he will use his headtorch strobe to bring in Angus should we deem he swims too far out. Angus request a drip drop for next feed.
02.15 Angus Swimming well in and out of the ideal water placement -no concerns as all eyes are on him.
02.30 FEED 200ml drip Drop/ Water/ 2 small piece of banana-Caren shouts to Angus “Boat, Boat ,Boat’ to bring him in- Angus says he struggling to see boat (although has green Adventure lights strategically placed . Angus is wearing dark goggles in night.
Angus request Drip Drop on next feed also.
02.50 Enchanted Isle about 60/70 meters away from Seahawk on portside. Can make out the outline of the island in the darkness. Approaching Airport as can see Red warning light ahead.
03.00 FEED- Drip Drop/ Water 200ml- Angus ask for Protein next feed
03.05 Graham strobes Angus to come in closer which Angus acknowledges.
03.20 enchanted Isle comes on the inside of us -Angus now has Enchanted isle to his right -Seahawk to his left.
03.22 We all get a glimpse of the moon only for it to disappear again.
03.30 FEED- 32GI Chews/Protein shake- Whole bottle made -around 200ml consumed
03.45 Enchanted Isle pulls alongside Seahawk where Caren disembarks Seahawk -Was expected for Caren to swap between the boats throughout.
03.50 Enchanted isle falls back behind allowing Spotlights on Angus and ahead
03.55 Swell coming in -Angus zigzagging slightly.
04.00 FEED- Protein- one or two mouthfuls consumed- Angus states he appreciates Enchanted Isle spot lights behind him providing light ahead.
04.10 Swell remains -Angus consistent 48 spm
04.30 FEED-Back on Tailwind Carb loader/ Vanilla Bean GUU gel-Drinks completely -Small pieces of banana- Angus ask how long been swimming , then answers himself
Acknowledges Sunrise inn 90 minutes. Wind along with swell minimal making conditions great and easier from 10/15 minutes ago.
04.35 Water Temperature 25 degrees centigrade
04.45 Caren remains on Enchanted Isle- All onboard Seahawk relaxed -Jamie Yon at the helm -All onboard have lights in hand in aim for Seahawk to be better lit. There are adventure lights, but I think with the swell they fall out of Angus focus sight at times. Gusts every now and again along with swell but nothing major. All eyes on Angus.
04.55 Graham starts to prepare feed
05.00 FEED – 200ml Tail Wind Carbloader Small piece of banana – Angus has a toilet break.
05.10 Enchanted Isle remains behind with spotlights on- Its very dark, cloud cover just not allowing moon to shine through. All awaiting sunrise -2 more feeds time.
05.30 FEED 200ml Water/Salted caramel GUU- Angus has toilet break.
05.40 Can see Sun just starting to rise on the horizon.
06.00 FEED- Protein Shake -full bottle provided-200ml Consumed-Angus coherent and talking- Long toilet break> Takes a moment to see the sun rising in the distance which makes Angus super happy /morale boost
06.30 FEED- 200ml Tailwind carb loader offered with 2 small sips being consumed-Angus happy with present conditions -Shouts ‘Hello my love’ to Caren who pulls up on Enchanted Isle
06.50 Temperature 24 degrees centigrade /Wind 8kmh
06.55 All quiet on Seahawk with Graham preparing Angus feed. Johnny and Coby sitting on roof of Enchanted Isle behind Seahawk.
07.00 FEED – 200ml Water /Strawberry Gu Gel- consumed most -not all/ In fantastic spirits, talking away.
07.05 Enchanted Isle pulls up alongside Seahawk with Coffee. Angus in Good spirts, Informed making progress-seems slightly reluctant to believe that information. Angus asks about the current, Graham says it’s all good. Once feed is over Graham suggests to Seahawk crew that ‘he not sure he wants the feed itself, but just to chat’ everyone chuckles to this comment in agreement.
07.45 Stoke Rate 44
07.50 Stroke Rate back to 46
08.00 FEED- 200ml Tailwind carb loader /Squish-Sweet Potatoe-110ml sachet. Angus has toilet break
08.20 Enchanted Isle remains on our left side, we can see Speary ahead in the distance, we know Sandy Buoys are coming up (halfway point) Angus remains consistent.
08.30 FEED 200ml Tailwind Carb loader with Vanilla bean Gu. Angus states his left shoulder is a bit tight from not being able to lift high over swell.
09.00 FEED -Full bottle of protein shake provided- Half was consumed. Happy to be in Sandy Bay in 10hours-Meaning on par with predictions for 20hrs, Concerned the second half will be slower. Graham suggests not to worry and remain focused. Asks For Anti-inflammatory for next feed.
09.30 FEED 200ml Tailwind Carb Loader-100ml consumer along with Anit inflammatory. Angus counting the hours while chewing on a 32GI chew. Informs shoulder remains tight. Stroke rate dropped slightly to 45, Acknowledging been in water 10 hours-no concerns as in very good spirits.
09.40 Johnny makes his way over to Angus on his kayak. Stay s next to swimmer for a short while laughing and joking with Seahawk crew.
10.00 FEED -200ml Tailwind Carb Loader-Vanilla Bean Gu
10.15 Wind and swell dropped significantly /not fully flat, nevertheless. Looking to see if support crew have any Vaseline on board in order o come up with a plan to apply. No Vaseline on board. Vapour rub was suggested which Howard James declined as thought would sting the raw parts.
10.21 Stroke rate 46 spm and Johnny still present in kayak.
10.30 FEED 110ml Woolworths Baby food -Strawberry/banana /200ml Tailwind carb loader -100ml consumed. Angus has toilet break. Told to focus On Speary Island for now and we deal with the rest after.
10.33 Angus back swimming after feed, he did not mention his shoulder or the chafe-Assuming Anti-inflammatory has kicked in.
10.45 A conversation is had on Seahawk to bring forward Angus feed by 10 minutes in order to provide him instruction to stay close to focus on staying with the boat as we go through Speary. We can’t afford for him to swim too far out as would take much longer to get back on track/Also rocks to navigate.
10.52 FEED Protein /full bottle given with around quarter consumed. Angus more interested in telling everyone to film this part of the swim for his pleasure later.
11.15 Angus making his way through Speary, everyone is filming this fantastic part of the swim. Angus seems very happy
11.30 FEED 200ml-Carb Loader-consumed100ml. Informed the hard work has been achieved, still away to go but all stokes lead to the finish.
12.00 FEED 200ml Carb Loader with Vanilla bean Gu- Anti -Inflammatory
12.20 44 Spm
12.24 Continuing to bring Angus closer to the boat enable for us to try cut over the current and get us into friendly water.
12.30 FEED 32GI Race Pro carb protein Cappuccino Gel/200ml Tailwind carb loader. Angus has Toilet break. Angus says he might only finish this swim with one shoulder and ask how far we have swum past Speary. We make light acknowledgement of shoulder and say not to worry about the Rock, it’s very big. He is in good spirits but you can see he struggles with his left arm at times.
13.00 FEED Full bottle of protein forwarded to Angus which he refused and asked for a Red Bull which he seemed to really enjoy.
13.15 All onboard Seahawk have a can of coke/ Angus back to 48spm , stoke drag is noticeable from left arm. Seems Angus is prepared to ignore the pain and look for ways to mitigate it by drills.
13.20 Howard has a chat with Graham, suggesting we ask Caren to come back on board. Reason being although Angus swimming well, would like to utilise tools we have such as his wife to see if there is anything we missing and if he is ok Angus is quite excitable and jovial most of the time, we want to make sure he is not covering up some pain.
13.25 Angus says Shark between a stroke and then says 3 on his nest breathe, moves closer to boat.
13.30 FEED Protein Chocolate full bottle forwarded with half being consumed. Angus takes a toilet break. Angus suggests there were 3 sharks deeper down. Remains in super spirits. It’s truly remarkable that he has shown no signs of negativity at all.
14.00 FEED- 200ml Tailwind carb loader -100ml consumed with 3 pieces of sliced peach
14.22 Speary Island is now out of sight, with Egg Island in sight. Conditions are near perfect like the very start but in daylight.
14.25 FEED-Drip drop electrolyte 200ml Water small piece of Banana. Angus continue to be high spirits/ Suggests he will have enough energy for his wife later this evening and that he would like to-do a video message to his grandchildren on his next feed. He states his shoulder is painful but not enough for him to not to finish the swim. Angus has Toilet break
15.00 FEED- 200ml Tailwind Carb Loader -100ml consumed- Race energy Gel cappuccino 32GI product. Caren videos Angus while he records a message to his Grandchildren. It’s truly phenomenal that he has the energy and feels he has the time to tell them he loves them and that they can do anything they put their mind too.
15.15 Angus 46 spm Al are relaxed on both vessels and just letting /watching Angus make progress.
15.30 FEED- 200ml Drip drop/Water- 2 jelly sweets. Lots of quick kisses to his wife from the water. Angus has Toilet break
15.40 Atmosphere very relaxed, just can hear the slaps of the water from Angus strokes.
16.00 FEED 200ml Tail wind Carb loader – Small piece banana. Angus has Toilet break. Angus informs us he has been swimming 17hrs
16.15 Conversation on Seahawk about the swim itself, who it is marketed at, and will it become a major one, all agreed it’s a fantastic swim but one that requires focus. All generally impressed with how Angus has dealt with the entirety of his swim.
16.30 FEED 200ml Tailwinds Carb loader- 2 small pieces of peaches -2 Gu energy chews. Angus is slightly quitter than previous feeds but not silent.
16.45 Caren tells Graham he is funny in his pink top, He has been wearing it for a while now, but she only seems to comment now which seems to keep her amused.
16.57 FEED Rockline GU Strawberry/ Guava in 200ml Tailwind Carb Loader
Caren asks Angus to look ahead where you can see Jamestown in the distance, Angus asks how far to no answer but Don’t worry distance each stroke brings you closer.
17.15 All extremely chilled, The water is fantastic and everyone just watching Angus.
17.20 Caren and Graham start tidying up and getting excited as they assume 30 minutes till the end. Jamie Essex suggests quietly we not that close yet.
17.30 FEED Red Bull denied, asks for Squish Butternut baby food 110ml
17.45 Howard James informs Caren that although we have Emergency services on standby on landing the swim, that Angus should be monitored throughout the night with irregular breathing/disorientation/general wellbeing .
17.55 Graham and Caren shout out to Angus if he would like anything? He shouts back ‘Coke’. Graham tries to explain this could be the last stop and that he possibly 40 minutes from landing the swim. Angus ask him to repeat, acknowledges the coke is Lekker cold and then carries on. Angus as always happy.
18.22 Graham and Caren acknowledge that Angus said he will just go through to the finish without stopping. Enchanted isle erect the South African flag on the port side of the vessel and come on the inside of Seahawk, where Angus makes an abrupt turn to swim between the two vessels, without any prompting.
18.30 Caren showing Angus a cell phone with his son screaming support, Not Sure if Angus can see but Caren says its Daniel and Angus waves and shouts ‘Love you’ This swim is really something else and it’s amazing to see the love/ determination and support from so many.
18.40 Angus stops for a quick Toilet break around 15 seconds.  We are just about to approach the moorings and navigate around them towards the landing steps where a crowd has gathered. Everyone is excited and Graham is standing up looking overwhelmed and having a moment. Howard James says that he can cry if he wants to. Caren makes a joke. The sun is setting; the water is idyllic with just the sounds of Angus stroke slapping the water. It has been a long day full of focus and determination truly something to be part off.
18.50 Mathew Guides Angus in towards the Landing steps/ Angus still want to swim on course, Mathew doing his best to guide him in without hitting him with the kayak. Caren shouts, just hit him with it joking. You can hear the crowd with sounds of Angus name being shouted. It fabulous.
18.55 Mathew continues to guide him in; Enchanted Isle stays back with Seahawk small distance away from Angus and Mathew.
1900 Angus Lands the swim to an almighty accolade and cheers.

Seahawk approaches the landing steps. Jamie Essex puts out the ladder, and they help Angus onboard. Angus sits on the pontoon, turns to the crowd, and thanks everyone for watching. The Seahawk heads back to Enchanted Isle so Angus can get changed and collect his thoughts. Howard James takes a moment in thanking the crowd for their patience, and says Angus will be back in about 10 minutes.Angus returns to the landing steps, and the crowd erupts in cheers and applause. He thanks them and gives a nod to the heavens, crediting the heavenly Father for supporting him during the swim. More cheers! Congrats pour in from the crew while they unload the boat's gear. Howard James checks in with Angus, asking if he's okay and reminding Caren the emergency services are on standby if needed. Angus gives a solid "No, I'm completely fine." Howard gives the thumbs up to stand down the emergency crew.

 

DOCUMENTS

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Weather Forecast

FOREWARD

Angus burst onto the scene like a jack-in-the-box, infectious energy and enthusiasm winning over everyone on the island. Having already built a following thanks to Howard James's shout-out, he declared his mission: to become the first male to attempt the St Helena swim.

His unorthodox approach had some raising eyebrows. Who arrives at a high-stakes swim bubbling with excitement, not solemn focus? But Angus was polite, engaging, and at times, almost too relaxed. At the meeting with swim support crews and SHG emergency planning, he said he was fully aware of the task ahead, drawing on lessons from his English Channel and numerous Robben Island swims.

Angus knew he hadn't reached his desired mileage in the build-up, admitting success would rely more on the mental game than physical prowess. He relied on the local support crews' knowledge, focusing on his stroke and pace. SHG welcomed the approach, and a window was agreed upon: 11 pm start, to be confirmed post-weather review.

Angus arrived at the wharf, where a crowd had formed to see him take on this huge goal. The local Baptist pastor, with whom Angus and his team had united, was there to see him off. This time, Angus was quiet, possibly nervous, a different Angus, and Caren, than we'd grown used to. It was endearing to see him take this moment seriously.

OBSERVER REPORT

Angus's swim around St Helena was a testament to his unbreakable spirit and mental toughness. Throughout the 20-hour journey, he remained incredibly chirpy and positive, never once showing negativity. When he hit the halfway mark at 10 hours, Angus was okay with it, as he had planned for a 20-hour swim in his mind. He stayed unbelievably upbeat throughout, even taking time to do a video call to his grandchildren, who were beaming with pride on the other end of the line.

Angus's support team, who shared a bond with him through their church, worked seamlessly together, sticking to their plan and earning Angus's complete trust. Despite Angus's tendency to divert from the boat, which frustrated the team at times, he always acknowledged the signs to swim closer before diverting again. In the dark, this was mainly due to his dark goggles, a schoolboy error perhaps, but one he chose to utilise, relying on his instincts and the teams’ guidance.

The swell throughout the night was a significant challenge, with Angus finding himself in a "washing machine" at points, but with two support boats and many eyes, he was always safe. Angus had to swim on the left side of the boat as he only breathes to the right, which worked fine, but switching sides would have been beneficial at times. As dawn broke, his shoulder started to ache, and his left arm dragged, but he used drills, trusting his coach's guidance, to reduce the pain. He took anti-inflammatories only twice, preferring to rely on his mental toughness to push through the discomfort.

Angus suffered from severe chafing, which he attributed to skin folds, and despite looking rough, it didn't hinder his progress. His determination and focus were inspiring and witnessing him complete the swim was nothing short of amazing. Angus's swim grabbed everyone's hearts throughout Enchanted Isle and Seahawk Odessey, it was clear everyone was behind Angus to become successful.

As Angus touched the landing steps and returned to them after a brief wellbeing check and getting dressed, he was more than happy to talk to the crowd and thank them, as well as thanking the Lord, as he always does. The team’s trust in Angus and his abilities was clear, and in the end, it was a truly remarkable achievement.

The support team’s strategy and expertise played a crucial role in guiding Angus through the challenging conditions. Their knowledge of the waters and ability to navigate obstacles allowed Angus to focus on his swim. Angus's ability to adapt to the conditions and stay focused was a testament to his skill and determination. Overall, Angus's swim was an incredible achievement, showcasing his mental toughness and determination. One that the whole team are proud to be a part of, and one he and his grandchildren can talk about for years to come.

OBERSER STATEMENT

As an observer, I confirm that I witnessed the entirety of Angus McPherson’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 20, 2026

OBSERVER

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.

PILOT & SUPPORT CREW

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

SWIMMER SUPPORT CREW

Graham Warren, a long-time friend whom Angus chose to share the adventure with, was Angus's primary support throughout his St Helena swim. New to supporting a swimmer, Graham's aim was to keep Angus on track, gently guiding him back to the planned feeding regime when he diverted. He consistently provided positive feedback in a calm and gentle manner, making him an asset to the team. For a first-time swim supporter, Graham did exceptionally well. Caren McPherson, Angus's wife, was on the boat at the start and rejoined around the halfway point. She was particularly effective at regaining Angus's attention when he drifted from the boat, and her approach complemented Graham's support nicely.