Rodrigues

RODRIGUES SAILING NOTE 

SY Ketoro

May/June 2013

This island is surrounded by reef with Port Mathurin on the northern side.

When nearing the channel, call Port Control or Rodrigues Coastguard on VHF 16. All officials on this island are exceptionally helpful and pleasant, making the whole check-in process very easy.

The start of the channel may be found at 19:39.25S 063:24.9E.

Our Raymarine Navionics chart of the channel was not accurate. There are however excellent markers, and their locations are as follows (from outside and sailing into the port):

First set (channel entrance):               19:40.26S 063:25.56E and
                                                         19:40.30S 063:25.65E

Second set:                                       19:40.37S 063:25.40E and
                                                         19:40.42S 063:25.50E

Third set (after which turn to port):    19:40.50S 063:25.24E and
                                                         19:40.52S 063:25.32E

Once inside the port, you will be asked to berth against the concrete wharf, probably SB-on. There is also a basin in which you may anchor but the authorities prefer to access your boat from the wharf.

Authorities come on board (Immigration, Customs, coast guard, health, police and port control) individually and the only fee is 1686 rupees from health (this quantum seems to vary! It has to be paid at administration buildings the next day. In 2013 1US $ = 32 rupees). It appears that a sunday check-in incurs a fee of 2000 rupees. Plants, animals, weapons, spear guns must be declared; the latter will be taken in by customs and returned on your departure. Immigration requests 24 hours’ notice of your departure.

The wharf has huge aircraft tyres that are provided as fenders. These can leave black marks on the boat, and it is advisable to set up a system of fenders with plank on the outside to keep your boat off the tyre.

The island is lovely, local inhabitants very welcoming and provisioning fine. A large supply ship comes from Mauritius once a week, generally Friday or Saturday early morning with imported fruit / veg, meat and other great stocks (generally the stocks in the stores are low from about Wednesday!) To allow the ship to turn in the basin and  dock, yachts have to leave the wharf and exit the channel until the ship is alongside, then they return and go on anchor for the night. If anchored well on the west side they may remain there as the ship departs.

A supermarket is found within 300m of the dock and the small town provides a bakery (great baguettes daily), many small shops selling a great variety of goods, a market selling local produce and enough restaurants/cafes/snack bars and pubs to keep you happy. Baie Anglaises is within walking distance and scooters and cars may be hired in Port Mathurin for island touring.

Yacht repair and specialist supply is not available here, but the Port Captain will put you in touch with the appropriate people in Mauritius.