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**estarzinger** · 01-03-2011, 04:57

We have a thread on the routing alternatives for going south via cape town.

I am curious from those there now what the feeling is about a completely near coastal trip up the India west coast and Pakistan and across to Oman at the narrowest point (I suspect cruising Iran would be 'difficult' but perhaps I am mistaken?), staying very close to shore the whole way, and then pick up the convoy corridor from there.

Is Pakistan 'friendly' enough to cruise? Has anyone done it?

Or could you sail quite near their coast but non-stop and not be hassled?

**Pete7** · 01-03-2011, 05:17

Iranian navy confiscated a yacht a year ago when it strayed into their waters from Bahrain. I think they got out a week later with the boat.

BBC News - Iranian navy detains five Britons on yacht in Gulf

Pete

**Pete7** · 01-03-2011, 05:36

Problem with this route is if you want to go on further past the horn of Africa you still have Oman and Yemen (a country that has had recent protests against its leadership) coasts to deal with. MarkJ was quite adamant about not sailing close to the Yemen coast line on here recently.

Whilst the costs of yacht transport aboard a purpose built ship seem high, a member quote $30k, I do wonder about all the other ships plying from India to Egypt or the med? and if a yacht could go chained down as ordinary deck cargo.

Peter

**estarzinger** · 01-03-2011, 05:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

you still have Oman and Yemen (a country that has had recent protests against its leadership) coasts to deal with.

Yes, but you do have the organized international convoy corridor for that part. There's obviously still a risk but people have been thinking about and applying resources to that section.

Its the Arabian sea that has become the problem this year and I was just thinking about the obvious action to go entirely coastal rather than crossing it.

I am certainly not saying I think this is "THE" solution. But I was curious what the status with the Pakistan coast was - I have not heard anything about it.

svBeBe · 04-03-2011, 22:05

The much-reduced TTT rally changed plans and intended to go to Pakistan. Word is that they found out it would cost them $450 each to clear in. Not sure if anyone decided it was worth it or if safe to go there. A number of boats sailed up to latitude 22 and then in an arc over to follow Oman coast down to Salalah. Some boats reported going as high as latitude 24 while staying at least 100 NM off the coast of Pakistan, then west to follow coast of Oman down to Salalah. IMHO, none of that is "safe" as the pirates continue to press farther northward. Plus, there have been 6 more attacks right off the coast of Oman since 27 Feb this year --- right on the route followed by the BWR boats.

Judy
S/V BeBe