Sailing the scented island - Part 1

Nosy Bemeans "big island" in theMalagasy language. The island was calledAssadaduring the early colonial era of the seventeenth century. Since then Nosy Be has been given several nicknames over the centuries, including "Nosy Manitra" (the scented island).

Here is my story

One would think that getting to Madagascar is easy, when looking at the map it is just a short skip and jump away and you should be there. Unfortunately Air Madagascar makes it a real mission and when travelling to the island you must understand that there will be unforeseen delays. We have been told that SAA is a lot more reliable however be prepared to pay a whole lot more for flying with South African Airways.

The dream to sail in this undiscovered paradise was one I had wanted to do for many years and it was really easy to find an affordable yacht. We booked on Vanille, through 'theglobesailor' website and I entrusted my travel agent with the task of finding the cheapest airfares. I began packing my brood for an African Island adventure.

We were all set to enjoy a seven-day sail around the island of Nosy Be. Our crew met us at the airport and we hopped quickly to a European Supermarket 'Shampion' to buy a few things for dinner, which we would prepare on board our Yacht. I was pleasantly surprised that we could purchase anything from Perrier water to delectable soft French cheeses. The shop was well stocked and everything we needed was readily available.

We woke up bright and early on our first morning on board, our primary task for the day was a 'major shop' to stock up for the trip ahead. Our taxi was waiting on the shore and in just a few hours we were back on board, ready for the adventure. Our yacht was a 41-foot Clipper with three cabins. Space down below was limited but we all had separate rooms and our captain and his sidekick slept on deck or if it rained in the lounge of the main cabin.

In the mornings, after breakfast, the charts would come out and we would plot our course and sail to places where we could snorkel and swim. The water was warm and crystal clear and in most places we were the only people around. It was so soothing to put the sails up and let the wind take us. The dreamy sound of the wind, kept us in wonderful spirits and even though my teenage sons found the lack of power, bbm and Internet connection very irritating in the beginning, soon their books were out and their days were spent lying around the deck, in a shady quiet space devouring their novels.

Madagascar was not without challenges. It is one of the most expensive destinations we have visited in a long time. The language barrier provided many comical misunderstandings and as most people cannot speak English, simple communication was difficult.

However be assured that the frustrations do not last long on Nosy Be, soon a beautiful landscape takes your mind off speaking or even trying to communicate, aaah island life. This is how it is on the island and I guess this is how it will be for a lot longer. Part two next week. Sailing on.