The Seychelles in March

[Gisle]

Hi

I'm going back to the Seychelles for some cruising in March. Anyone else from this forum going there at that time?



Anchored off Anse Lazio, Praslin



Ilé Cocos



Sunset at Anse Lazio



Moored in La Passe harbour, La Digue



In a bay north on Mahe Island


I can't wait to get there ...

[delmarrey]

Does this mean you're keeping your fine vessel?

[Gisle]

delmarrey once whispered in the wind:
Does this mean you're keeping your fine vessel?

Hi Delmarrey

I'd love to keep the cat, but since I'm not going cruising around the World, like I planned when I bought the yacht, I guess I'm better off with a smaller vessel - in nordic waters.

We'll see what the plan will be after some tropical sailing

[redtwin]

Hello, would you look at sailing to New Zealand at all. We are looking for a slightly bigger cat after selling our smaller Prout31. Have seen other cats in NZ but nothing we like or some overpriced ones. We do prefer Prouts but do like some FPs after seeing a Venezia.

[Lightfin]

Gisle,

If you're the one who took the photos you post, you could have another career as a photographer! Not to patronize, but the well lighted, vivid colors, scene selections, etc. are outstanding!!

Bob

[mgarcia]

I live in Mahe and sail the area. Some of the best cruising in the world, I would say. I'm currently abroad but should be back to Seychelles in a week or so. Let me know if you need help with anything.

regards,

Marco S7SY
S/V Valentina

[jerritt]

Am planning to bareboat a cat in the Seychelles in 2009 and would really
appreciate your thoughts on the best time for some good sailing, favorable winds, snorkeling, etc.

Thank you.

jerritt

[mgarcia]

Unfortunately, the best time for sailing and fishing, snorkeling or just hanging out at the beaches are not the same. Best time for sailing is during the southeast monsoon from about May to September (peak in july-august). This is the dry season here, with good, strong (15 to 40 knots) and stable winds. Normally there are no storms during these months. The plateau where Seychelles Islands are located is relatively shallow (about 60 m average); the strong winds keep the water stirred and turbidity is higher, so snorkeling, diving, swimming, etc. are not that great (not bad either, just not as good as they can be). Beaches, especially those facing the south are also rougher. The rest of the year (October-March) is the rainy season with the so-called Northwest monsoon. Winds are soft and shifty most of the time (so you should be prepared to do a lot of motoring if necessary), and with smaller storms once in a while (we are right on the equator, so no big storms ever get here). This is the best time for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Water is exceptionally clear and seas are calmer. You can also basically anchor anywhere, but with the southeast monsoon you are limited to protected anchorages (those facing north or inside the lagoons). That should give you short of a general idea, and I think it basically nails down to what your main interests are. If sailing, come during the southeast. If snorkeling/diving/fishing is what you enjoy the most, come during the northwest. You might be able to get the best (or the worst) of both if you come right in between monsoons, my best experiences sailing/diving and fishing here have been around May/June. I have had the best ever dives in December-January. In your case, since you’ll be here for a limited amount of time, you also have to consider that coming during the rainy season might get you here during a rainy week, not uncommon.

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to help.

Marco S7SY
S/V Valentina