2017 SUEZ CANAL TRANSIT

[WorldYachting]

G'day gang,

I am delivering a 75 foot (22.8m) catamaran through the Suez Canal to Djibouti then across to Galle finally ending up in Phuket.

I have gone through all the threads and items posted here as well as on Noonsite and a lot of the information for the Suez Canal passage is old and in my mind of no use.

Is there anyone out there who can give an up to date account of the agent they used, the fees paid and anything else that is relevant which would benefit not just omyself but also update information for others.

Most of the articles I have read are on 'normal' yachts making the passage ie monohulls 35-50 feet (10-15m), this is a large catamaran.

I have been quoted 2000 to 2500 pounds sterling for transit fees plus agents fee of course depending on the measurer as this is the first time the yacht has been through the canal.

Thanks in advance to everyone who hopefully reply and continues this thread.

Everyone, have a great day

Graham

[double u]

...our experiences are not current (87, 93 & 99, all northbound) & conditions MIGHT have changed...but basically I'd want my next "encounter" with the Suez canal to be with me at the bombsights of an Israeli bomber...

[WorldYachting]

22nd June 2017
I know what you mean, well not as strong as that. I went North to South back in 1988.

Apart from the 'patience' required to get through the Canal, we were then escorted out of Port Sudan under the nozzle of a machine gun on the bow of a warship.

The adventure doesn't end there I am afraid, we then sank in the Gulf of Aden and rescued by an American warship, dumped in Somalia and promptly arrested, spending 4 days under house arrest before finally being repatriated by the British Government.

I said then I would never do another delivery through the Suez and Red Sea and here we are nearly twenty years later, (and 20 years older) doing another delivery, this time to Phuket.

Graham
World Yachting

[WorldYachting]

22nd June 2017
I made a mistake with my original posting. The quote was for 2000 -2500 US dollars not pounds sterling.
Graham
World Yachting

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Graham.

[WorldYachting]

Sorry pal your reply has completely lost me in its meaning as well as I don't understand its relevance if any to the original posting.
Graham

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by WorldYachting

Sorry pal your reply has completely lost me in its meaning as well as I don't understand its relevance if any to the original posting.
Graham

He's saying welcome to cruisers forum. It's a simple idea really.

[MarkJ]

I did it in 2010 thailand - GOA to Turkey and i would never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever do it again.

If you are doing it as a paid job you are nuts.

If its your own boat you are nuts.

If you think its safer now because less large ships have been hijacked recently the test is risking your life and your extended families total wealth.
These are big risks to weigh.

[taxwizz]

Write a nice "Goodbye" letter before you set sail.

[Arthur Garfield]

Safety versus Distance-Atlantic crossing-Panama canal(more expensive)-trans Pacific-Phuket.
All trades all the way-No Brainer.
What do you love more?safety or distance.


All the Best

[BobFord]

I don't think that the blogs so far are what you are needing, Graham. However, all I can offer is the experience of 2 transits , some years ago . The passage is much easier if you accept that baksheesh is a normal way of life. Take plenty of Marlbro' and Johnnie Walker and don't be too generous! Avoid anything that can compromise you - drugs ,guns ,porno, any talk of Israel,American flag, etc. Never complain about being ripped off.Tell your "pilots??" that there is a bonus for a hassle free transit.When you are clear at Suez - go like hell !! Best wishes. Bob

[Paul L]

Here's a blog from a passage done this year in April
https://turtlemail.blogspot.com/2017...t-of-suez.html

[ameehan]

Bring plenty of Marlboros.

[WorldYachting]

Many thanks for your replies.

I know what everyone means when hey say they would never do it again, I said that too and hence the reason I put in a hefty delivery fee. I know what you are going to say, is your (and the crews) life worth a mere few thousand.

The adventure appeals, she is a fast cat too which will be exciting to drive.

I know about the 'gifts', I know about the heat, I know I shouldn't be doing it, (after all I am 73 years old) but, but, but.

I will check out the blog if I haven't already read it. I will load up with Malborough (Red or the light ones...I am a non smoker??) and one bottle off JW for the Big man himself, the Port Captain. I gave him shampoo last time as I had blond sun bleached hair and guaranteed his would be the same.

No one has mentioned Canal fees which was the whole point of the post.

Safe sailing everyone

[captmikem]

Originally Posted by ameehan

Bring plenty of Marlboros.

This is an understatement, bring more than plenty.

You will find the charges are how much they think they can get out of you, and always negotiable. And even though they demand cases of marlboros, tell them you only have a few packs, they will be happy with that. only show or give them small bills, (seems like a lot more). The pilot will continually demand his tip, tell him it is very generous but you will only give it to him when he disembarks, and then seal it in an envelope wrapped in a lot of paper. The inspectors who measure you are often not on the take and are actually nice folks. But you may get a bad one who demands everything, hide all your bribe materials. Used to be the Prince was the only agent, and everyone claimed they were the Prince of the Red Sea. But now there are more, if you see a US, Brit, or most any EU ship, talk to them on the VHF and see who they use for an agent.

Have fun!

M