Overview
Departing Nosy Be, we glide south to Russian Bay, where fishermen may paddle out with fresh lobster, an unforgettable welcome from Madagascar’s wild coast. A short hop to the stunning Nosy Iranja sets the stage for our 600 nautical mile downwind run. With a strong east-west current and broad reach winds, billfish strike hard, drawn to the rush of the current. If conditions allow, we may extend our course to the remote Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and true marvel of the Indian Ocean. Skirting north of Mayotte and the Comoros, we make landfall on the African coast at Mtwara, tucking into sheltered Mikindani. There, you can explore Livingstone’s House before continuing along a coast of dramatic drop-offs, from 10 to 600 meters just offshore. Hop between islands, including Mafia, renowned for snorkeling with whale sharks, before closing the circle of this 1,800 nautical mile journey back in storied Zanzibar. What kind of sailing to expect? Nice warm conditions, with down wind, down current conditions. The current can get up to 2-3knots and can make the crossing fast. Then as we head north to Zanzibar, we hug the coast so as to stay out of the north south current. Beach hopping will be a must.
Highlights
Coastal Traditions
Russian Bay is a secluded haven, tranquil, lush, and rich with life. Anchored in its calm waters, you’ll explore this protected inlet, lined with mangroves and untouched by time. If fortune smiles, friendly locals may invite you along to catch lobsters, a staple of the Malagasy culture and a vital source of livelihood.
Anchored in History
Sailing north of Mayotte and the Comoros, we make landfall on the Tanzanian coastal district of Mtwara. Sheltered in the peaceful Mikindani Bay, history lingers in the salt air. A visit to Livingstone’s House offers a glimpse into a bygone era, perhaps best reflected over a hearty, unexpected full English breakfast.
Return to Zanzibar
After tracing Tanzania’s coastline past hidden coves and powdery beaches, we sail into historic Stone Town. Landfall here blends coastal charm with the hum of East Africa’s heartbeat, an unforgettable close to a voyage shaped by wind, water, and wonder.
Skippers
Paul Preen
Paul is an RYA Sail Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor and Examiner (YMI Sail), an accomplished Sailor, both Power and Sail, RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Commercially Endorsed.
He has a lifetime of experience in yachting, and deep knowledge of the Indian Ocean, having lived on its shores most of his life.
He has sailed, owned and operated various sailing yachts from small 35ft Catamarans to a 100ft Schooner in various locations around the world. His true passion is instructing, be it Competition Crew through to Yachtmaster Offshore.
What's Included
What's Included
All food and drink (non-alcoholic) on board
Safety equipment including life-jackets.
All mooring and port entry fees for the boat.
Overnight accommodation onboard, your own bunk and bedding
What's Not Included
• Meals Ashore
• Entrance fees to visitor centres or distilleries
• Sailing & Travel Insurance
Accommodation
Single Berth
Your own comfortable berth with plenty of storage space
Gallery
You'll Be Staying Here
Synergy
Synergy is a Fontaine Pajot Lavessi 40 Catamaran. Spacious, comfortable and well equipped for fishing, snorkelling and relaxed socialising with a large cockpit and an extended platform off the stern. She is a very easy handled yacht and copes well sailing offshore.
In Synergy we cover ground comfortably at a good average speed of around 6knts which leaves plenty of time for exploring ashore or enjoying remote anchorages. Synergy is very well equipped for offshore sailing and carries a selection of offshore fishing equipment. Bring your own light tackle equipment if you dare to take on the variety of pelagic's that tease you off the wide stable foredeck. Her sturdy tender provides easy comfortable means to exploring the anchorages you will visit.
We have 4 sleeping cabins, two in each hull with a shared shower/heads per hull. One cabin is for the Skipper and first mate. The three guest cabins are large doubles but can be converted into twin cabins by dividing the bunks by lee cloths if preferred. Bedding is provided. On board comfort is a priority and the layout offers privacy.
FAQs
Do I need to be experienced in sailing?
We design the trips for a wide range of experience which means that even if you’ve not sailed, our experienced Skippers will ensure you have a fantastic time.
The longer legs will suit “mile builders” who already have some sailing qualifications, and we can spend time supporting you with everything from helming to sail trimming or passage planning as you wish!
Before you join, we’ll ask about your previous sailing experience and what you want to get out of the trip. That way, we’ll tailor the tour to your specific needs.
What's the cancellation policy?
The group size is kept very small on our trips which gives you a real ‘masterclass’ with our highly experienced Skippers. However, that means each place is valuable and we need full groups.
We ask for a 10% deposit to secure your berth, with the balance being due 6 weeks before departure.
If you cancel your place over 8 weeks out, the deposit is fully refundable. Between 6-8 weeks, we will retain the deposit.
If you cancel 6 weeks or less, the full price will be payable.
What should I bring?
We’ll share a kit-list which will be adapted to the trip you’re taking.
All bed linen is provided as well as safety equipment. You will need some decent deck shoes (or sailing boots), otherwise it’s layers of clothing adapted to the conditions you’re likely to encounter.
Bring a camera. If you want to bring a drone, let us know beforehand and bear in mind drones tend not to be waterproof and are carried / used at your own risk!
How adventurous is it?
We want everyone to get the most out of their time on board – so we’ll work around your wants.
However, our trips are designed for you to take an active role – that means, for example, we’ll take turns in cooking (all the menus are planned already and step by step instructions given, so you don’t need to be a masterchef!)
You can get tips and instruction on all aspects of sailing from our Skippers and get as involved as you want, grinding, trimming, helming and learning. On the other hand, there’s also plenty of time to relax and just take in the beautiful ocean scenery. It’s your trip!