Tanzania · 15 April - 1 May 2028
Zanzibar to Madagascar
16 days Sailing East Africa's Wild Blue Route
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Overview
Leave the spice-scented lanes of Stone Town behind and point the bow south-west into one of the Indian Ocean's great blue-water passages. Aboard Synergy, our crewed 40ft Fontaine Pajot Lavessi catamaran, this 16-day voyage covers roughly 1,000 nautical miles from the Zanzibar Archipelago to the wild northern coast of Madagascar. It's downwind sailing, remote island anchorages, night passages under a canopy of stars, and some of the least-visited waters on earth. Departing Stone Town, we explore Zanzibar's less-visited northern coast before clearing into open ocean. Trade winds on the beam and a favourable 1–2 knot current make for fast, exhilarating passages. Possible stops along the way include: Pemba Island which is a UNESCO-recognised marine environment with world-class diving in the Pemba Channel, clove plantations, and very few tourists; remote sand-bar anchorages near Fanjove Island, known for nesting green and hawksbill turtles; the volcanic Comoro Islands, with their ancient Swahili medinas and ylang-ylang-covered hillsides; Nosy Iranja, Madagascar — twin islands linked by a white-sand causeway at low tide, with nesting sea turtles and gin-clear water; and Nosy Be, our arrival point, where whale sharks cruise offshore seasonally and fishermen trade fresh lobster from their pirogues. No prior offshore sailing experience is required, but with our experienced Skipper, Paul for guidance this a fantastic combination of hands-on sailing, helming, trimming, night watches and navigation combined with relaxing fishing, reading, and enjoying everthing the Indian Ocean has to share..
Highlights
Exploring Historical Stone Town
Wandering Stone Town feels like stepping into a dream with alleys scented with spices and intricately carved doors whispering history. Amidst this vibrant tapestry lies the childhood home of Freddie Mercury, a quiet tribute to a legendary voice. Stone Town pulses with soul, rhythm, and timeless charm.
Corals and Gentle Giants
Just off Zanzibar’s coast, lies Kibandiko (also known as Changuu or Prison Island), which offers a serene escape, where giant Aldabra tortoises roam and sea turtles glide through turquoise shallows. Sailing north, Pemba’s secluded anchorages welcome you with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, for some of the Indian Ocean’s most breathtaking snorkeling right off the boat.
Every Point of Sail
This journey offers the full spectrum of sailing, calm breezes to more demanding conditions, with steady beam reaches and tighter close-hauled stretches. Each day presents new conditions, making it an ideal passage for those seeking variety, challenge, and the rewarding rhythm of life under sail.
Skippers
Emily Caruso
Emily grew up in Somerset, England and has spent the last 18 years sailing professionally, leading crews on unforgettable ocean adventures. From skippering Gipsy Moth IV—Sir Francis Chichester’s legendary round-the-world yacht—to training Clipper Round The World crews, Emily has a wealth of experience navigating the world’s most incredible and remote destinations.
With an MCA Master 200 unlimited ticket and an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor qualification, Emily has shared her expertise with thousands of sailors, from novices to seasoned adventurers. Her fervent belief in making sailing accessible, enjoyable, and truly transformative is at the core of her work.
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
Gallery
You'll Be Staying Here
Synergy
Synergy is a Fontaine Pajot Lavessi 40 Catamaran. Spacious, comfortable and well equipped for 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. 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. 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!