Sailing from Mediterranean via Suez Canal to Seychelles

[Ric Burns]

Can anyone please give some advise on the feasibility of sailing the above route. Considering passage through the Suez canal and piracy beyond the canal to the Seychelles.
I ask this because I am considering purchasing a boat in the Mediterranean region and taking it to the Seychelles where I have a berth.
Any suggestions, concerns and comment will be welcome. Ric

[Blackie Swart]

Hi Ric - I just sailed with a crew from Richard's Bay to Durban yesterday. They had come from the Med, Egypt (expensive "clearing") and then Suez onto Seychelles, top of Madgas, Vilankulos then R/bay.
They said it was perfect, lot of military marine presence and no problem or reports at all.
There was an earlier thread topic on Piracy off Somalia with a bit of older info if I remember correctły.

[MarkJ]

"Clearing" I take means paying bribes.
If you start paying they will never let you stop until you are broke.
Each time through there (a few years ago now) when I say no they either just go away and do their job, or you wait an extra day. A day or 2 means nothing to me

[Blackie Swart]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

"Clearing" I take means paying bribes.
If you start paying they will never let you stop until you are broke.
Each time through there (a few years ago now) when I say no they either just go away and do their job, or you wait an extra day. A day or 2 means nothing to me

My point exactly - I did not want that to become the point of the thread but you got my drift .... Egypt is bad for that.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Blackie Swart

My point exactly - I did not want that to become the point of the thread but you got my drift .... Egypt is bad for that.

We haven't had a thread on that subject for a few years. I might start a new one on it because people are starting to use that route again.

It would be good to get the current knowledge and tricks to alleviate the problem.



Mark

[Ric Burns]

Thanks a lot. If you get any further information please pass it on.
I did post a thread yesterday which obviously didn't go through.
One question I have, on exiting the Red Sea do you have any advise on a route or recommend to try and avoid from Piracy etc. Still with the objective of getting to Seychelles.

[Blackie Swart]

The crew I was with are on route to Cape Town, so they'll be on the water for a while still.
I'll try get more of a comprehensive list of information from them and post it. They are not on the forum so it will be a bit of a relay of info etc.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Ric Burns

One question I have, on exiting the Red Sea do you have any advise on a route or recommend to try and avoid from Piracy etc. Still with the objective of getting to Seychelles.

The IRTC (Internationaly Recognised Transit Corridor ) is the ONLY route to take. Right I. The middle of the buffer zone. You can't be seen from either side and the navy is in the buffer zone.

[Ric Burns]

Thanks Marc,

That make absolute sense. I will plan to follow the buffer zone route until about 200 nm off the horn of Africa and then turn southwards towards Seychelles. Does that seem sensible?

Does one need to get any permission to use the buffer zone and, if so, do you know from whom?

Let me know when I have asked enough stupid questions.

Cheers and really appreciate your help
Ric

[emircedes]

instead of bribes (money), just buy a shitload of canned jam and use that to give out to pilots of Suezcanal and everywhere on the way.... Works for me.everytime

You dont need permission to use the bufferzone.... Just notify..

[barnakiel]

Doable. Once out of the peninsula you often have to sail a loooooong loop to get to the Seyschelles. Mind the unrest and piracy risks too.

My clients at times sail the opposite way, none yet sailed your planned route.

b.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Ric Burns

Thanks Marc,

That make absolute sense. I will plan to follow the buffer zone route until about 200 nm off the horn of Africa and then turn southwards towards Seychelles. Does that seem sensible?

Does one need to get any permission to use the buffer zone and, if so, do you know from whom?

Let me know when I have asked enough stupid questions.

Cheers and really appreciate your help
Ric

Sorry, I missed this.

Liaise with UKMTO if Commonwealth country and MSC-HOA who won't talk to you but Google both.
Its best to be pretty dull of info on the current situation before you go (I am not up to date)

[emircedes]

Over the last years them pirateboys kind of kopped on a bit... They kind of shifted their activities towards the West Coast of Africa where there are no patrols., .. Asfar i am concerned i have no problem sailing and doing deliveries via Suez canal/ Red Sea , Yemen etc... Its more the Westcoast of Africa that might produce a frown on my face.... not the coast of somalia and yemen or anywhere in that region..

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by emircedes

Over the last years them pirateboys kind of kopped on a bit... They kind of shifted their activities towards the West Coast of Africa where there are no patrols., .. Asfar i am concerned i have no problem sailing and doing deliveries via Suez canal/ Red Sea , Yemen etc... Its more the Westcoast of Africa that might produce a frown on my face.... not the coast of somalia and yemen or anywhere in that region..

But you haven't sailed the Gulf of Aden so what would you know?

[windwizard4]

Hello Ric, just read your posting on the Cruising Forum. I am planning to sail my yacht to South Africa in April via the Red Sea, Seychelles route. You seem to be about to do the same. May I ask when you will sail.

PF
email: oceansafari4@gmail.com