Seychelles
From CruisersWiki
The Seychelles
| Seychelles | |
 Seychelles Click to enlarge | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Victoria |
|---|---|
| Language: | Creole, English, French |
| Currency: | Seychelles Rupee |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The Seychelles islands are in the Indian Ocean 1000 miles due east of Kenya and the East Africa coast. They stretch between four and five degrees south and 55 to 56 degrees east. The country consists of an archipelago of over 100 islands, five or six islands being easily accessible. The entire archipelago is extremely spread out but the main granite islands are roughly 30 miles apart, making for easy cruising.
Cruising boats sail there year round, but the majority will come through on the trade wind route. Boats from the east will generally have come from Australia, Cocos Keeling, Indonesia or Chagos. Others will be coming down from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Most long-term cruisers will be in the middle of a circumnavigation heading west.
For many, the Seychelles is a turning point, either sailing north or south. The Seychelles have had a bit of a chequered past as far as yachties are concerned. Until several years ago the government was trying to discourage yachts from visiting. Their strategy was to charge 100 dollars per day just for being in the Seychelles and they controlled movement from anchorage to anchorage very tightly. Their plan worked and cruisers stopped going there. Lately the government has gone through several changes. Originally a French colony, the country was traded back and forth between Britain and France several times. In 1903 the Seychelles became an official British crown Colony. The country gained its independence in 1976 but in 1977 there was a coup d' etat and Albert Rene was installed as president. In the late 80's the economy was hurting. A large chunk of income was European tourism and the recession in Europe was affecting the Seychelles. Eventually, bowing to European pressure, the government changed to a multiparty system in 1992. Rene actually stayed in power after the elections, and European tension eased. For cruisers this meant an overall easing of regulations.
Some restrictions still do apply, but things have changed for the better. Boats are only allowed to anchor in specific anchorages on certain islands, but most of the places cruisers would want to go are on their list. They have a bizarre rule listed on all of the paperwork that states that you can anchor within three miles offshore. Not that any cruising yacht carries enough chain to anchor three miles off shore but it is allowed.
Yachting in the Seychelles has definitely changed over the last few years. The government has relaxed its attitude towards visiting yachts and is now actively encouraging the sailing community. The islands are not cheap, but are not outrageously expensive. People are sincere, friendly and quite happy to share their local customs and culture. The granite scenery of the islands is truly spectacular and memorable. (Sue Brodsky - article in SA Yachting July 1997)
Climate & Weather
Tropical and NOT in the "cyclone belt". The Indian Ocean tradewinds blow from the SE (rainy), 15 to 20 knots consistently May through October and the NW monsoon lasts from November to April.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Checking into the country is required in Mahe, so the first port of call is Victoria Harbour, the capital and main centre of the island. Arrival formalities are easy. In the inner harbour there are moorings but all belong to yacht club members. Quite a few local boats do charter work and can be gone for a few days at a time, so some cruisers use the moorings by arrangement.
Harbour Master
Port & Marine Services, New Port,
PO Box 47, Port Victoria, Mahe.
Tel: +248 22 47 01, Fax: +248 22 40 04
Email
Yachts must contact the Port Victoria Harbour Master at least 2 hours in advance on VHF channel 16 - he will direct you to the anchorage.
Immigration & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Visas
Submit information about what visitor's visas are available and where they are obtained.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas
Marine Charter Association
PO Box 469, Victoria, Mahé
Tel:+248 32 21 26, Fax:+248 22 46 79
Website
Email
Use of the clubhouse is available to members; fuel is available.
Seychelles Yacht Club
Tel:+248 32 23 62, Fax:+248 32 11 21
Visitors are welcome. The anchorage in front of the club is well protected. The club has a bar, restaurant and laundry. Fuel is available on an adjacent dock. The yacht club charges a monthly fee for the use of its facilities.
Wharf Hotel & Marina
P O Box 1350, Victoria, Mahe
Tel:+248 67 07 00, Fax:+248 60 17 00
Email
This new luxury hotel is located on the east coast of Mahe, midway between the International Airport and Port Victoria. The complex includes a 60 berth marina, shower facilities, slipway, electricity and water.
Islands
- Praslin Island
- Baie St Anne is a particularly beautiful anchorage with the hundreds of Coco de Mare palms on shore. Contact the "Pier Master" - Baie St Anne Jetty, Praslin on VHF Channel 16, 24 hours in advance if possible and again on arrival. Tel/fax +248 23 24 34. Fuel and water is available on the jetty.
- La Digue Island
- Also a beautiful mooring. Contact the "Pier Master" - La Passe Jetty, La Passe, La Digue, at least 24 hours in advance if possible, and again on arrival. - Tel/Fax +248 22 43 00. Fuel and water is available on the jetty.
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
(Spam will be deleted)
Submit useful website links for the region
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