Egypt – Port Said

Referrer Page: Egypt/PortSaid

Charges for our 38 ft Rival yacht for a canal transit in November 2007 were as follows (in US $):

• Canal dues – 94
• Ministry of maritime transport charge – 128
• Quarantine – 8
• Port clearance – 20
• Insurance – 4
• Coastguard – 5
• Felix Agency fee – 75
• Customs fee (3 months) – 90
• Visa (per person) – 45

Suez – Port Tewfiq

Referrer Page: Egypt/Suez

Mooring fees at Suez Yacht Club in November 2007 (for a 38-foot yacht) were US$14 per night and US$70 per week. It is possible to go alongside at high tide (or if you have a shallow enough draft) to take on water.

Egypt – Port Ghalib

Referrer Page: Egypt/PortGhalib

In December 2007 we were charged US$ 40 to cover an agents fee for clearance out of Egypt.

Sudan – Port Suakin

Referrer Page: Sudan/PortSuakin

In January 2008 we paid for a 38ft Rival yacht (in US$):

• Agent Mohammed’s fee for organising clearances etc – 30
• Port fees – 20
• Customs fee – 20
• Shore pass (per person) – 30

Mohammed organises fuel and sweet water with jerrycan, laundry and gas refills. Brakish water is available for free. Local produce markets are good.

Eritrea – Massawa

Referrer Page: Eritrea/Massawa

It’s a good idea to have extra fendering with you when going ashore by dinghy as the quay walls are covered in sharp marine growth.

In January 2008 we were charged US$40 per person for a one month visa, plus 5 Nakfa (for the file they use to keep you on record!).

A permit is required to travel to the capital, Asmara. It costs 52 Nakpa (about US$3.50) in all and is available from the Ministry of Tourism building on Taulud Island.

No fuel (petrol or diesel) is available in Eritrea. Provisions are poor and expensive in Massawa, but better in Asmara. Freshwater is available by tanker or jerry (from a shop close to Mike’s cafe).

Eritrea – Assab

Referrer Page: Eritrea/Assab

There is an excellent, sheltered anchorage just east of Assab on the west side of Lahaleb Deset.

Yemen

Referrer Page: Yemen

The Yemen Coastguard are active along the coast between Bab el Mandeb and Aden. Don’t be surprised if they call you up on channel 16 asking who you are. They may also visit you if you stop in any of the anchorages west of Aden.

Yemen – Aden

Referrer Page: Yemen/Aden

In February 2008 a 3-month visa, necessary to visit the capital, Sanaa, cost US$35 per person. You need written permission from the harbourmaster, Captain Abdul Salaam, which he will grant on condition that someone is looking after your yacht while you are away.

Aden is a convenient place to stock up on US$ eg from the Saba Islamic Bank ATM and others in Maala.

Shipping spare parts to Aden is not easy but is possible. You need to use an agent. Try Dawood Shaikh, e-mail: dawoodshaikh@yemen.net.ye or IOSC@y.net.ye, Mobile: +967 77320898 or 733142789.

Yemen – Mukalla

Referrer Page: Yemen/Mukalla

If asked to provide a clearance certificate from your previous port, make sure you get a replacement when you leave.

Beware. The dinghy landing area is where the sewage outfall emerges!

Oman – Port Salalah (Mina Raysut)

Referrer Page: Oman/PortSalalah

There is a new, longer breakwater to the east and the container port has been extended.

The officials do not operate 24/7. If necessary it is ok to go ashore and visit the immigration and customs building, though it is quite a long walk. You are now expected to get visas (OR6 each) and pay a cruising fee (OR15 per yacht). You must present a clearance certificate from your previous port or face a fine of OR1500.

It is useful to have a hire car to get about and Mohammed provides them at OR11 per day.

The Oasis Club, situated just outside the port gates, is very welcoming to visiting yachties, providing great food, alcohol and wifi.

Rachel Chandler