Position Reports

Position: 13º 42.702’ S 47º 54.0’ E Spent two nights at Honey River. It was a lovely anchorage. All is well

Position: 13º 30.798’ S 47º 58.002’ E We made a quick stop at the lemur island to see two new kinds of lemurs, what a treat. All is well.

Position: 13º 32.202’ S 47º 59.988’ E Today we went back to Tany Kely for a last visit with our turtle friends. The kids all went on a solo expedition to the lighthouse and we adults enjoyed a rare moment of peace and quiet. Now we are back in Russian Bay for the last time before heading south. We decided to take a rest day here after our two hour day sail turned into 6.5 hrs. All is well.

Position: 13º 24.0’ S 48º 13.212’ E It’s always nice to return to a place that feels familiar. This is a mostly work stop for us, but I’m sure we will find some time to unwind too. Once we are done here, it will be mostly southbound until we cross to S. Africa. All is well.

Position: 13º 28.998’ S 48º 14.25’ E We made a day anchorage on Tany-Kely. Anyone who has said that there is no good snorkeling in Madagascar, hasn’t been here. This rivaled (though perhaps did not exceed) our Lizard Island snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. I was gifted an unexpected deep free-dive with a sea turtle (a long held yen of mine), and everyone seemed pleased with the effort. The price has just gone up from 10,000Ar to 20,000Ar. Not sure if it’s seasonal, but it was worth it. ...

Position: 13º 24.792’ S 48º 20.292’ E Lokbe - Nosy Be: This anchorage was a bit of a lark. We were only 5 nm away, which was a bit too close to feel like a real effort, but it was reputed to have a great guided nature walk. We were not disappointed. The anchorage was more settled than Nosy Komba, despite being more exposed. The tour was easily set up; after asking around at two villages, we were directed to Freddy, in a third village. It just so happened that Freddy was adrift (fixing his outboard) at the time of our last direction, so we were told to talk to “that guy.” After a nice chat, and a friendly tow, Freddy agreed to give our two families (Convivia and Yemaya) a tour of the old growth forest for 10,000Ary/person. It was money well spent. I will post photos of the experience on Forgeover.com, and you can let us know if you would have been able to find the chameleons without help. I couldn’t have, for sure. All is well.

Position: 13º 26.472’ S 48º 21.042’ E At Nosy Komba. The early shore party reports a very interesting village with houses built into the rocks, fantastic local art and crafts and a funky welcoming atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to the lemur tour today. All is well!

Position: 13º 43.5’ S 48º 11.328’ E Another ideal day sail bright us to the anchorage at Nosy Manolo (Munoko). The anchorage is quiet and picturesque but there was a weird tidal slop in the middle of the night. We are taking about a beach barbeque tonight. All is well.

Position: 13º 34.512’ S 48º 5.748’ E We had a relaxing daysail from Russian Bay to Nosy Kisimany today. The wind was behind us the whole way at about 10 knots and our newly cleaned bottom facilitated 7 knots with dinghy in tow. I was pretty excited about this because we had just switched the 153% genoa out for the much more efficient 110%. The 153 gave us about 4 knots VMG on our way to Russian Bay (granted there was an unfavorable current and our bottom growth was insane). ...

Position: 13º 32.13’ S 47º 59.868’ E Back in Russian Bay after a productive and enjoyable week in Crater Bay. Looking forward to some chilling out without all the trips to town, errands, and chores. Time to change the oil, tighten the rigging, and clean the hull. ;) All is well.

Position: 13º 32.13’ S 47º 59.868’ E Back in Russian Bay after a productive and enjoyable week in Crater Bay. Looking forward to some chilling out without all the trips to town, errands, and chores. Time to change the oil, tighten the rigging, and clean the hull. ;) All is well.

Position: 13º 32.13’ S 47º 59.868’ E Back in Russian Bay after a productive and enjoyable week in Crater Bay. Looking forward to some chilling out without all the trips to town, errands, and chores. Time to change the oil, tighten the rigging, and clean the hull. ;) All is well.

Position: 13º 24.006’ S 48º 13.194’ E We had a great hike to the the Mozambique Channel today, followed by a little punch at the watering hole in Russian Bay. Then we set sail for Nosy Be (Crater Bay). Tonight we will hunker down here and then go into town for reprovisioning. All is Well.

Position: 13º 32.19’ S 48º 0.198’ E In Russian Bay for the Regata. Amazing light wind sail today (when the wind finally graced us). Put the 153 on for the first time since The South Pacific. Looking forward to meeting some boats we have been hearing about for years. All is well

Position: 13º 15.756’ S 48º 14.334’ E Made it to Nosy Be. It was an almost perfect day sail complete with whales (perhaps too close) and sun, and toes dipped off the gunnwhale. We will celebrate Olive’ 9th birthday here tomorrow in the company of our long lost friends! All is well.