Ocean outlook: Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Red Sea and South China Sea
by Noonsite 4 Feb 2024 05:48 UTC
South China Sea © noonsite.com
South China Sea
The new digital arrival card system in Malaysia has been in place since 1 January for all international arrivals by land, air and sea.
Cruiser Frank Weiand in Thailand warns visiting cruisers about the high National Park fees when cruising around Phuket. He says; "Rangers (and other Island inhabitants) are waiting for your arrival to cash in. A sailing day trip around some Islands and National Parks with a family of 4 people can easily end up with charges of at least 4000 THB (Lawa Yai 300 THB Per Person/ James Bond 400 THB per person / K.Hong 400 THB per person). Just to mention a few. This is approx. US$115."
Also in Thailand, Danish cruiser Mai Rasmussen reports on the difficulties when clearing into Pattaya. However, once cleared they say; "The nicest island we can recommend is Koh Mak. This is very quiet and a beautiful gem of the Thai Gulf with a really white sandy beach and rich coral. I personally spotted a 4 meter whale shark while snorkeling off the rock at Koh Rang National Park."
From Indonesia, Douglas McLean reports on Indonesia's confusing clearance procedures which necessitate hiring an agent familiar with the pitfalls. Douglas was unfortunately boarded at night by thieves in Sorong and robbed, the third boarding since he arrived in Indonesia.
Atlantic
With its strategic position close to the sailing routes between Europe, the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands, more and more yachts are taking the time to visit Morocco. Although the coastline and harbors offer limited cruising, the attractions ashore, great food, safe marinas and friendly locals, make a visit to Morocco worthwhile. SV Novara report on having had a great time there and "totally recommend it to other cruisers." Read more about their time in Tanger, Rabat Bouregreg and Agadir.
Regular Noonsite contributor Alison Gieschen and partner Dan, share information they wish they had known before setting sail for the Canary Islands to prepare for their Atlantic crossing.
Brazil has decided to postpone the new e-visa requirements for US, Canada and Australia nationals until 10 April 2024, after the busy tourist season.
The BRally is a "Sailing in Company" event in Brazil that promotes the inclusion of the Brazilian coast into the Circumnavigator's route. The organisers report that the number of foreign yachts visiting Brazil went from 15-20 boats in 2022, to over 160 in 2023. BRally starts every year around May, in Ubatuba and goes North. The Amazon portion of BRally starts in November in Soure, Marajó Island. There is no charge to take part. The BRally task force is a group of volunteer local sailors who give free help and advice to foreign yachts that want to visit Brazil and they have a number of WhatsApp groups for sailors to help share information.
In Salvador de Bahia, a popular clearing-in port for yachts coming to Brazil, the Terminal Nautico marina in the city centre is temporarily closed due to bad weather that hit last week and damaged the floating pontoons. Works are expected to start soon. There are other marinas outside the citry centre.
Caribbean Sea:
There have been several serious security reports from cruisers in the Caribbean these last few weeks, including an early morning rampage of theft, assault and burglary on occupied and unoccupied yachts in St. Martin, a single-hander attacked by pirates off Colombia and unwanted boarders in Saint Lucia. All security reports can be read here.
The Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas have introduced a drone permit fee of US$30 for recreational use by visitors. Requests made within 48 hours of arrival will be charged US$50 for expedited processing. To obtain a permit in advance visit here.
When clearing out of Antigua, SY Idril suggest Barbuda. While Codrington, Barbuda, may be a tricky port to anchor and get ashore, the frigate bird nesting area and friendly people make it worth the effort and for a westbound boat, it's faster than going back to Antigua to clear out.
The recent enforcement of port clearance by St. Martin Port Authority has sparked confusion amongst visiting yachts, who are unaware of the requirement to check -in with both Customs and the Port. Find out the exact entry requirements for St. Martin in this news item.
Henrik Stenbæksgaard reports on cruising Cuba (see comments - speech bubble icon). He reports his clearing in costs in Santiago were $105 per person and only took a couple of hours. To see more of the country they left their boat in Cienfuegos at a very reasonable rate and explored by bus and taxi. He says "Bring food, repair stuff, fishing gear and cash! We enjoyed our stay very much and plan to come back next year, I can only recommend."
Pressure group Irates of the Caribbean warn that hundreds of dogs suffer from poisoning on Carriacou (Grenada) every year. This is a growing problem, so always keep your dog on the lead when going ashore in Grenada and stay vigilant.
World Cruising Club are holding a Saint Lucia Rendezvous on the 14 April 2024 for all those who have taken part in a World Cruising Club rally, as well as potential ralliers and local cruisers. Welcome home the World ARC 2023-24 fleet and join fellow sailors for a social Sunday in Saint Lucia (plus there's 50% discount on berthing at IGY Rodney Bay Marina Friday-Sunday). Register here.
Mediterranean
There have been announcements indicating potential alterations in regulations concerning the entry of foreign vessels into Croatia and the issuance of vignettes (now called the Navigation Fee). These changes might be implemented by the summer of 2024, report Mandinus yacht agency.
The French authorities have said no to the proposed automatic visa/visa waiver to UK subjects who own 'secondary residences' in France. The CA had actively lobbied for this bill to embrace the cruising community too, which would have enabled stays in France for longer than 90 days without the need for a visa.
Red Sea
Port Clearance fees in Egypt are fluctuating yet again with Port Said seeing a huge increase this month from US$265 to US$900 plus. This means much higher costs for southbound yachts who have to clear in at Port Said for their Suez Canal transit.
The escalating situation in the southern Red Sea is of great concern to cruising yachts planning to use that route to head either to or from the Indian Ocean. We ask the moderator of the Red Sea Passage Facebook Group, a community for yachts transiting the Red Sea, what most yachts intending to transit are now doing.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com