September/October 2004 - Mauritius
 Facts
A volcanic outcrop of the land bridge that once connected
Africa and Asia, Mauritius lies about 500 miles east of Madagascar.
Part of the Mascarene archipelago, Mauritius also includes
the islands of Rodrigues, Agalega, and the Cargados Carajos
archipelago.
Yachts calling in Mauritius are usually on passage westwards
across the Indian Ocean and in a hurry to leave before mid-November
due to the number of early cyclones that have hit the island
in the past. Yet a few who have spent time cruising the Indian
Ocean have enjoyed the beauty of this high island and the
exotic mixture of its culture and peoples.
The waterfront in Port Louis has been dramatically transformed
in recent years by Caudan Development, who turned the once
dirty harbour into an attractive complex, with shopping centres,
restaurants, hotel and a new marina.
Grand Baie on the north-west coast is the favourite anchorage
with a friendly yacht club and good basic facilities.
Some cruisers also break their passage at the smaller island
of Rodrigues, which is a pleasant stop due to easier formalities
and friendly islanders. The inner harbour in Mathurin Bay
is very well protected and the yacht can be left there while
exploring the interior, particularly the caves on the windward
side of the island.
Occasionally yachts stop at the Cargados Carajos Shoals,
a large reef area lying some 200 miles north-east of Mauritius.
Although one is supposed to obtain prior permission to stop,
this rule does not seem to be strictly enforced. However,
one should ask permission from local fishermen to anchor off
one of the four islands they occasionally inhabit. Over fifty
islets and cays make up this small archipelago which abounds
in marine life. The chart of this area is badly out of date
and it is reported that the lighthouse, which is marked as
being on Ile du Sud, is in fact on Ile Coco. Eyeball navigation
is essential throughout this reef-infested area.
(Source: Noonsite) |
