Currious. Cape Good Hope vs. Suez?

[serpa4]

I don't own a boat, yet, nor live aboard. However, I wonder which is best way to travel from Madagascar/seychelles islands to Med? Both have disadvantages and advantages.
Seems like more exposure to pirates and other bad situations going past Somalia and through the canal. Is it worth the time and hazard exposure going around the Cape?

I'm just thinking aloud. Of course the situation will change yearly as countries have more or less debt, secure governments, oil trade, world politics, etc.

Do put too much thought to this question, just curious.

[Stu Jackson]

Yes, you do.

Without a boat it's not an issue.

In real life, either one can kill you.

The Red Sea approaches may be more sure to do so.

[mstrebe]

The danger around the cape is always the same. The danger in the Red Sea changes constantly, so no answer anybody gives now will mean anything by the time you go through.

[roverhi]

Where do you want to end up?? If it''s the Med., Suez Canal has its allure especially now that the Pirates are on a bit of a hiatus. If it's the Caribbean or the America's, the Cape makes more sense.

[Emerald Sea]

http://gcaptain.com/eu-naval-command...2#.VfPME0q6mrV



Steve
L450
SV Emerald Sea

[Kenomac]

It's not an either or choice, there's a third method that most use. Have the boat shipped and fly to your next destination. It's 2015, there's no reason to do things the difficult or dangerous way.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

It's not an either or choice, there's a third method that most use. Have the boat shipped and fly to your next destination. It's 2015, there's no reason to do things the difficult or dangerous way.

Ken,

That depends entirely on how big bucks the prospective vessel is. It is all very well for you, Dockhead, and Jedi to tell the lower bucks people how to do "it"; but it is a whole other set of circumstances if one is not as well heeled. Imo, though ymmv, that one ought to keep that in mind.

Ann

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Ken,

That depends entirely on how big bucks the prospective vessel is. It is all very well for you, Dockhead, and Jedi to tell the lower bucks people how to do "it"; but it is a whole other set of circumstances if one is not as well heeled. Imo, though ymmv, that one ought to keep that in mind.

Ann

No, not really. By the time you add up the expense for food, fuel, bribes, passage fees, wear and tear on the sails an rigging etc., then add in the element of danger and risk, the cost is about the same. Actually, the cost to ship a small boat is much less.

BTW, only the people on CF seem to think we are the "big bucks people." LOL when two registered nurses from Whoville, USA are considered to be "well heeled." The many thousands of boat owners here in the Med would be rolling with laughter reading this and then looking down at our dinky 54ft water toy boat from their private cruise ships.

[Wotname]

The cape route and physical challenges don't care about you, the weather and seas do whatever they want. You can plan somewhat to accomondate the risk. Once clear of the danger areas, you are home free.

The challenges of the suez is political and the risks IMO are much harder to quantify and accomondate. End up in front of a pirate gun, you maybe in trouble for years.

A personal choice I guess, but I'd rather tackle the elements than someone who wants to make me their next meal ticket.

[nhschneider]

This is a question that we struggled with for the entire year we spent in Thailand. How do we continue west? The Med has always been high on my list of places to cruise, however, there are inherent risks and/or costs with whichever route we take. These are the options we examined:

1. Sail around South Africa.
2. Sail to the Med via the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea.
3. Sail to the Med via the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea with hired 'Ship Security Officers' on board.
4. Load the boat on a freighter.
5. Hire a professional skipper to deliver the boat.

Option 5 didn't get much consideration although we did spend a lot of time 'discussing' Option 4, which was the choice my wife preferred. The quotes we got were as low as US$40,000 to as high as US$50,000, which was, in my opinion, too much.

We spent a lot of time on Option 3 and a boat with whom we had traveled with extensively chose that option (they were very disappointed that we didn't join them and have hardly spoken to us since we made the decision not to go that way). The cost of the SSOs was about US$7,000 which wasn't too bad but we didn't feel like we wanted to cruise under such intense anxiety. The fleet that did sail that way earlier in the year made it without incident.

Option 2 was never really considered though it was an option, for fools, perhaps.

That left Option 1, which is what we have done. So far, the trip across the Indian Ocean has been pleasant enough and we had a spectacular time in the Maldives and Chagos. Our time in Madagascar was short but we were eager to get to South Africa before the winter weather settled in and we were able to sail from Baly Bay in Madagascar directly to South Africa in about 10 days.

Our boat is on the hard right now in Richards Bay and we still have almost 1,000 miles to get to Cape Town. Whereas the Cape of Good Hope and lands end for Africa, Cape Agulhas, have a nasty reputation for 'Southerly Busters', there's also excellent weather forecasting that enables one to harbor hop around without too much exposure. We expect to make that transit in December.

There are about 40 boats that we know of that are on a similar route to ours but we know of quite a few that chose to put their boats on freighters, although some who did complained bitterly about the experience. So far, we have no regrets as to our decision and in no way have we spent anywhere near US$40,000 on "food, fuel, bribes, passage fees, wear and tear on the sails an rigging etc". Actually, we're enjoying South Africa and even though we're having a great time visiting family and friends in Southern California right now, we're looking forward to getting back. Yes, the trip from South Africa to North America is long and it probably means we'll miss cruising the Med, but cruising (and life in general) is all about compromises.

Fair winds and calm seas.

[Smourt]

There is not many stops on the south coast of south Africa. The south coast is unforgiving! But the weather forecasts are good ajd a good weather net on SSB. Once in Cape Town it is an bikini sailing to the Caribbean, although I would recommend taking a stop in Ilha Grande in Brazil. We just spent 4 months there before the trip to Cape Town which took 29 days and was a pig! Never again.

South Africa is far safer than the news lets on...

[YPSILANTI]

Greetings, I'm a South African resident and have raced around the tip of Africa. Its very safe if you engage in some careful planning. The comments from nhschnider are extremely relevant, pertinent and accurate. In fact, I live in Richards Bay so a very warm welcome to you. You will find South Africa a warm, friendly and enjoyable destination. Cape Town is a truly wonderful city and the safe ports en route are numerous. Sailing up north IS NOT SAFE. Besides the pirates, which are still very prevalent, there is a war going on in Yemen. Choose the intelligent option and sail via South Africa. I too will sail to the med and I wont go North beyond Kenya. Regrettably. Regards Mike

[Bulawayo]

Some interesting view points. We sailed the Red Sea route earlier this year - some might call us fools but we have taken this route several times and listen to advice from people on the ground. Presently, there has not been a single incident in the last 15 months. That does not mean complacency though.
I am also surprised when people say South Africa is far safer than the news lets on. As locals we confidently can say its a lot less safe than the news lets on. Before this becomes a debate I can base this statement on information and incidents experienced and witnessed by family & friends. However, this must be tempered with where and what you do in SA. It can be safe if you stick to particular area's and in groups. One big benefit of SA is the ability to reprovision and refit at reasonable prices. As long as you are not keeping to a tight schedule the passage to Cape Town can also be completed in reasonable comfort. Also the opportunity to visit some stunning places should not be overlooked. Whilst in Knysna (20 years ago) we met the Pardeys and they had travelled into Botswana which is a wonderful country to visit.
The Red Sea route also has its benefits - with incredible scuba diving opportunities and the chance for some unusual inland trips. From Massawa it is an amazing trip to drive through to Asmara, or in Southern Egypt to take ghe chance to travel inland to some of the historical sites. We transited the Gulf of Aden in one trip and then always undertake the trip north towards the western shores of the Rad Sea usually coastal hopping from Massawa. Reprovisioning opportunities are limited but fuel is never an issue. Our experience with the Saudi's has also been very positive - they have treated us with respect, generosity and care.
Arriving inthe Eastern Med is a real bonus,
At the end of day, take on board the present security situation and make your best judgement without listening to anyone who labels you a fool for which ever route you elect for.

[Sand crab]

The west coast of Africa is now the hot spot for piracy and associated marine crimes. The problem is the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria. The Red Sea might be better like Bulawayo said. Check out the map.
https://icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting...ive-piracy-map

But the Singapore area is by far the worst.

[mausgras]

Its my impression that pirates on the Suez route are more interested in a $50 million tanker of oil than a private yacht where they would be lucky to get a $50 000 ransom and unlucky enough to bring down half the European navies. When was the last yottie hijacked?