Overview
Our journey begins in the vibrant heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar, where spice markets fill the air with scent, history whispers from Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, and sunsets glow over Shangani Beach. We sail to the nearby island of Kibandiko, also known as Changuu or Prison Island. The home to giant Aldabra tortoises gifted from the Seychelles and turquoise shallows. From Pemba’s coral-rich anchorages, we then head into open ocean. Leaving Tanzanian waters, the trade winds and currents guide us across the vast Indian Ocean. Seamounts rise from the deep, luring majestic pelagics, perfect for testing your fishing lines. Days blur into nights under starlit skies until, 900 nautical miles later, the lush peaks of the Seychelles rise on the horizon. If fortune and weather allow, we’ll drift among hidden gems, Bird, Denis, and Silhouette islands, before making landfall in the capital of Victoria. This passage offers the full rhythm of the sea, from gentle breezes to challenging close reaches. A true sailor’s dream. What kind of sailing to expect? A slow and relaxing start that will gently develop into a proper crossing with watch systems and night sailing. The water will be warm but the sea state can get a bit bumpy.
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
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 but 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!