Madagascar

Sailing in Madagascar

Navigating Madagascar's waters is fast becoming a must-do for sailing aficionados. With a reputation for biodiversity, arresting landscapes, and inviting Indian Ocean waters, Madagascar presents a sailing journey that intertwines adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Geographical Position and Sailing Areas

Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, is situated off Africa's southeastern coast. With an extensive coastline of over 4,828 km, enveloped by the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, it sets a perfect stage for sailing. Sailors have the chance to explore a plethora of smaller islands around the main landmass, like the enchanting Nosy Be, celebrated for its untouched beaches and abundant wildlife.

Climatic Conditions and Sailing Season

Madagascar boasts a tropical climate, divided into the dry season (May to October) and the wet season (November to April). The ideal sailing period is from May to December when the sea is serene, and wind conditions are optimal. The prevailing winds during this time are the southeast trade winds, creating excellent sailing conditions.

Navigation Difficulty and Sailing Conditions

Navigating Madagascar's waters, while generally safe, does present some challenges. The presence of coral reefs and changes in weather conditions necessitate intermediate sailing skills. Knowledge of local tidal patterns and ocean currents is also vital for a safe sailing journey.

A Paradigm Shift in Attitude

In the past, Madagascar didn't witness a substantial influx of yachts, primarily due to the local authorities' skeptical attitudes towards yachtsmen. However, with the growing tourism industry, the perspective towards transient yachts has changed dramatically, leading to improved yachting services and friendlier formalities for visiting the island.

 

Madagascar's Strategic Advantage

Due to the piracy issues around the Red Sea route from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, many yachts now prefer sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. This change in yachting routes has significantly increased the number of yachts passing through Madagascar on their way to Seychelles, a trend recognized and welcomed by Madagascar's authorities.

Key Ports and Anchorages

Madagascar's prime yachting hubs are found on its northern tip. The north-eastern coast harbors Antsiranana, formerly known as Diego Suarez, known for its picturesque natural bay and cosmopolitan vibe. In contrast, on the north-western coast, the Nosy Hara National Park is building a small marina with a yacht repair zone. Further down the north-western coast lies Nosy Be, Madagascar's scenic island and a thriving tourist resort. Other notable stops include Nosy Boraha (Ile Sainte Marie), close to Toamasina, the country's primary commercial harbor on the eastern coast, and a strategic stopover for yachts circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope. Taolanaro, formerly Fort Dauphin, at the island's south-eastern tip, marks the location of the first French settlement in the seventeenth century.

Yacht Repair Services

Good repair services for yachts can be found in Mahajanga on the western coast, a base used by many foreign shrimp boats. With the increased yachting traffic in Madagascar, Nosy Be and Nosy Hara have also begun offering yacht repair services.

Yacht Chartering

For many years, Dream Yacht Charter operated a base in Madagascar, offering bareboat charters. However, due to low demand, the base was closed. Nevertheless, options for crewed yacht chartering remain available.

Top Sailing Destinations in Madagascar

Nosy Be:

Known as 'the fragrant island,' Nosy Be tops the list of sailing destinations in Madagascar, offering stunning beaches, diverse coral reefs, and an engaging local culture.