Heading West from Sicily. North Africa?

[simonpickard]

Hello all,

We've just about completed our crazy tour of the med (which we had 10x more time but there you go). We need to start thinking about heading back West to Gib before heading south to join up with the ARC rally in Nov.

Had a quick look and there doesn't seem to be much info on doing this via North Africa? Tunis, then where? Can you day hop this, or overnight, or is it a case of just bombing down the coast in 4-5 days?

Can't seem to find any info on Marinas on that coast. Anyone with any experience would be great to hear from.

Thanks in advance,
Simon

[simonpickard]

No one? Doesn't anyone travel this way then?



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[haiqu]

Dunno, but it looks like an interesting run full of mysterious places. I'd probably go into Algiers, Oran, Tangier and Casablanca myself but have no idea what you'd find there. Probably lots of strange people like Peter Lorre.

Keep us posted, we need to know this stuff!

[GordMay]

If the Cruisers Wiki doesn’t provide enough detailed information, perhaps you could contribute what you learn as you traverse the area.
➥ Mediterranean Map - a Cruising Guide on the World Cruising and Sailing Wiki

Enjoy your cruise!

[simonpickard]

Will do. I just need to know if it's a safe option first but am finding nothing so far.

It's like this coast is a dead area for sailors. I know a few delivery guys who seem to leave Tunis and 4-6 days arrive in Gib but there must be harbours down that coast I would have thought?



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www.sailing-interlude.com

[Paul L]

Noonsite.com — Noonsite seems to have info on the Med ports along your path.

[simonpickard]

Good start on noonsite..

Algiers

The best advice from a consul based in Algeria, is do not try and enter Algiers port - you are likely to be arrested!

Last updated August 2008



Please visit my blog:
www.sailing-interlude.com

[Pete7]

Seems you are in company with Monte:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...st-132113.html

Also worth q quick read:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...co-123650.html

[Pete7]

a stop over before you get to Gib perhaps?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...oco-81370.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYXWD0MYIyk

[David B]

I suggest you pick up a copy of North Africa Pilot - published by Imray - lots of useful information in there. We sailed from Sardinia to Tunisia, entering via Sidi Bou Said. Interesting place with a definite exotic feel to it, but very tight entrance with sand halfway across. We draw 2.1M and got through, but you have to be careful.
Do not - I repeat, Do Not go or be there on a weekend - especially a Sunday. The locals from Tunis congregate around the marina entrance (where you will probably be placed) and cause mayhem. We had to guard our boat dawn to well past dusk from mad diving boys and men who flooded the cockpit, then not happy with that tried using our boat as a diving platform. When my First Mate tried to shoo them off (I was ashore doing the formalities with the graft-hungry officials), one of them threatened to cast the lines off. Then later in the evening more trouble from families (when the women are allowed out it seems) who were coming aboard for photo opportunities.
We cleared out early, just wanting to be done with the place, which is a shame. If we had arrived during the week, I am sure our experience would have been different. Kelibia is a busy, commercial fishing port who do not officially welcome yachts, or have any real room for them, but at the end of a long day in a Force 9 (yes we really did want to get away from SBS !) we found the place to be a total contrast with ever so helpful and caring locals and officials (and no hint of wanting graft). Further down the coast (East) is Port Yasmine - highly recommended (where we currently are, and where a lot of superyachts call in for cheap fuel and to re-set their EU 'tax clock').

Although we have yet to visit, we hear Monastir is also good.

Give fishing boats a wide berth, and do not cross their stern - they can be trawling very, very long nets day and night

As to other countries on that coast, Morocco is apparently also good.
hope that helps.

David