Sure Travel Journey Vol 4.1 Summer 2018 | Page 21

© HAUSSMANN up a salad to go with the fish you caught earlier; the one that you’ve got grilling on the braai off the stern rail. When you tire of the idyllic swaying of the coconut grove across the water you can simply haul anchor, raise the sails and slip away to another location. There’s nothing to stop you from finding a calmer snorkelling spot, a new hiking trail or a quieter anchorage. Even though blue ocean sailing can be a difficult and potentially dangerous exercise, cruising grounds like the Seychelles make exploring considerably simpler. The tropical winds are predictable and the sheltered islands are so well charted that there’s relatively little for a sailor to worry about. Save for the odd fishing net in the prop, of course. PLANNER Q TRAVEL LEAVE THE BEACH BEHIND: Vallée de Mai on the island of Praslin is not to be missed. One of two World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles, this ancient forest is home to hundreds of the island’s famous coco de mer palms. If you’re lucky you’ll also spot the elusive black parrots endemic to the Seychelles. On La Digue island stop in at the historic L’Union Estate for its vanilla plantations and Aldabra giant tortoises, while on Mahé the colourful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is great for souvenir shopping. “ TASTE SEYCHELLES: Book a table ON A SAILBOAT YOU’RE SELF-SUFFICIENT ...YOU CAN SIMPLY HAUL ANCHOR, RAISE THE SAILS AND SLIP AWAY TO ANOTHER LOCATION. THERE’S NOTHING TO STOP YOU at Marie-Antoinette Restaurant, just outside Victoria, where a seven-course © HAUSSMANN Above: Island style. Below: Claire, taking in the sights. Main image: Idyllic moments like these make sailing worthwhile. set menu delivers classic Creole dishes from chicken curry to aubergine fritters, battered parrotfish and a true local delicacy: fruit bat curry. WHEN TO GO: The weather is warm and humid year-round. April-May and October-November offer the calmest months between the trade winds. BOOK IT: Sure Travel’s partner The Holiday Factory specialises in affordable island holidays in the Seychelles. Or splash out on the all-villa five-star Beachcomber Seychelles Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, set on an exclusive private island. Your Sure Travel consultant can also recommend yachting adventures. Call your consultant today, or visit www.suretravel.co.za / 0861 47 48 49. “ through deep bags looking for the aspirin. (Actually that’s a bad example, as the aspirin was always next to the morning coffee – but you get my drift.) On a sailboat you’re self-sufficient. You can open the fridge, grab a beer and whip © HAUSSMANN MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 21