FOLLOWING an article some weeks ago alleging that Seychellois skippers free-lancing for yachting companies were being paid peanuts, this newspaper has learnt that at least two of them have increased their rates.
These are Sunsail-Moorings, based at the Wharf Marina, and Angel Fish, based at Roche Caiman, which are now both paying skippers R100 more daily; that is R600 for inner island cruises.
There are some 25 Seychellois skippers and a few have told the Weekly that there is unfortunately no 'entente' between them to put a solid case to the yachting companies, who on average receive 150 to 200 euros daily for skippers. Some with no valid certificates are known to take yachts to the Amirantes and everybody, including the port authorities, remains quiet about it, including the issue of salary.
Sailing holidays have fast become an established part of the Seychelles tourism product, with operators reporting a satisfactory level of business. After all,
From just Sunsail and VPM (Voile Passion Mer) a few years ago, these have grown to half a dozen. The additions being Dream yachts, based at Praslin, Angel Fish and Marine Cat, based at Eden Island.
Even the former Principal Secretary for Transport, Gerard Lafortune, has some yachts and seems to have struck gold!
Bare-boat charters or rental without crew may only sail within 60 miles off Mahe, which is as far as Denis or Bird islands. Food and other necessities are supplied by the chartering companies, for which the clients pay separately. Also not included are landing fees at various islands. Some are pretty hefty; up to $50 per visitor.
Bare-boat charters cost between the equivalent of R18,000 on a mono-hull with accommodation for six and R37,000 on a luxury catamaran.
Visitors wishing to venture as far as the Amirantes, such as Desroches, Alphonse, and
This usually means a skipper and hostess who will be responsible for cooking on board, in which case food is also included in the rates quoted, but not alcoholic beverages. These total at between R40,000 and R56,000 a week on a catamaran.
Visitors may also choose to rent cabins on scheduled cruises for which a minimum of six bookings are required. During the week-long excursions, costing the equivalent of R 7,000 and R8,000 a head, the yachts stop at Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse, Aride and Ile Coco.
Yachting is also very popular in the Caribbean, the South Pacific and the Mediterranean, notably around
However, climatic conditions in Seychelles, because of the absence of cyclones, is perfect for visitors seeking the thrill provided by sailing. The yachting companies over here have the added advantage to operate for well over 30 weeks in the year compared to around 25 in the
The yacht charter companies operate under numerous concessions. They, however, dismiss criticisms that the business is contributing little to the local economy, saying it's a new niche market, which means more visitors. They claim that a number of the visitors also spend some nights at hotels. It is rumoured that people in high places have financial interest in the yachting business in