Without sounding trite or like a guide book, why would you not want to sail the Seychelles? It’s like what many people dream of in a sailing holiday: clear, WARM, azure water dotted with white sand islands complete with palm trees and private rocky coves. This is probably the kind of place most people wouldn’t mind being shipwrecked. Bring your snorkel or diving kit and keep an eye out for exotic animals of the sea, and air, including giant turtles and impressively sized sting rays, and bring your shovel, this is pirate country.

With 115 islands there are plenty of route choices and you can stay on the ‘yachting party port’ circuit or go off on your own, depending on your pleasure. The more cultivated islands are in the centre of the group, around the main islands of Mahe and Praslin. Underneath the sand these are granite islands and a couple of them have proper peaks poking out, very Tracey Island. A few of the islands further out are coral atolls, but Denis and Bird are also coral and close to the main group. The capital is Victoria on Mahe and some people will be happy just to potter around there, parking around Mahe’s bays and beaches, this is a safe beginner’s jaunt and Mahe is known for good restaurants and white sandy beaches. Beau Vallon on Mahe is another worth while port to visit.

On Mahe’s east is a marine park and from there it’s northeast to Cousin, Cousine and Praslin of the raunchy coconuts and much photographed beaches. There is plenty of sailing infrastructure here, and also on the slightly less touristy and popular La Digue.

If you want to play pirates in the Caribbean, the outer islands have more ocean to cover between them and you’re more likely to find some of the treasure that’s supposed to be lying buried here. The Amirantes are the next closest group to the main group, a pretty line of coral atolls, lots of them are deserted and have blue lagoons, if that’s your island fantasy.

Pretty much on top of the equator, the seasons pass with the trade winds, so even experienced sailors looking for a bit of excitement will be pleased, and their wives and families kept happier than if they attempted Cape Horn. Just joking.

Written by  Kenneth Hope.

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