Hurghada Marina is up and running and makes an attractive stopover for yachts making their way north towards Suez. See www.hurghadamarina.com

The entrance is easy to spot, being just south of the ferry terminal and marked by green and red lighthouses, one on each breakwater. Call Hurghada Marina on Ch 71 for a berth. The staff will come out in a launch to guide you to your berth and help you to moor, Mediterranean style.

Once there, Manager Sherif Sami and his team will do everything they can to make your stay pleasant. In the surrounding area of Sakkala, there are a host of workshops, paint shops, engineering shops and chandleries, catering for the fishing fleet and the 1200 dive boats said to operate in those waters. Sherif and Hisham, his deputy, can find you the part or the service you require.

On-site is a small supermarket and a bank and three cafes were being completed when we left in mid-October 2007. However, within a mile are all the shops, food stalls, banks and restaurants you could want.

We had engine problems, now resolved. ALEISHA has been in the marina since May 2007 and has been well cared for during our absences.

One word of caution, however. DO NOT plan to check in to Egypt in Hurghada – at least until the Marina becomes a port of entry which is planned. Until then, check in at Port Ghalib, 120nm further south. There you will enjoy a simplified and much cheaper check-in procedure without the need to appoint a local agent.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Richard Moore

Check-in in Hurghada Marina was simple and easy. Hurghada – both Marinas are nice. But crossing the canal, king of red sea etc.. never again! Next time I will take the South Africa option.

Ekrem Inozu