Richardsbay to Nosy Be

Andre Jansen

Astrolabe Passage Log: Richards Bay to Nosy Be, Madagascar 6 June 2026 – 16 June 2026 At 08:00 on 6 June 2026, I departed Richards Bay, South Africa, as crew aboard Astrolabe, a 50-foot Leopard catamaran, bound for Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar. The voyage was led by our skipper, Gary, with Chris and myself making up the crew. Over the next ten days, we would sail more than 1,350 nautical miles across the Mozambique Channel, navigating changing weather systems, ocean currents, and some of the most remote waters in the southwest Indian Ocean. After clearing Richards Bay, we crossed the Agulhas Current before shaping a course northward into the Mozambique Channel. The first days were spent settling into our watch routine and adapting to life offshore. With land disappearing astern, our world quickly became the sea, the sky, and the steady movement of the boat beneath us. Our route took us toward Europa Island, one of the most isolated landmarks in the channel. The miles rolled by as we stood watches through the day and night, trimming sails, monitoring weather, checking systems, and keeping Astrolabe moving efficiently. Offshore life settled into a comfortable rhythm, punctuated by spectacular sunrises, glowing sunsets, brilliant night skies, and the occasional visit from marine life. From Europa Island we continued north toward Juan de Nova Island. Conditions varied throughout the passage, ranging from light winds and gentle seas to periods of stronger breeze and choppy conditions that tested both crew and vessel. Each day brought new lessons in seamanship, navigation, weather interpretation, and teamwork. The strength of the voyage lay in the crew dynamic. Under Gary's calm and experienced leadership, Chris and I gained invaluable offshore experience. Every watch provided an opportunity to learn, whether it was sail handling, route planning, weather strategy, vessel systems, or simply the art of living comfortably at sea for extended periods. As Madagascar slowly emerged from the horizon, we approached one of the final milestones of the passage—rounding Cap Saint-André. After many days in open water, the sight of land and the knowledge that Nosy Be was within reach brought a renewed sense of excitement and accomplishment. The final stretch toward Nosy Be delivered beautiful tropical sailing conditions as we made our way toward Hell-Ville. At 13:30 on 16 June 2026, after 10 days, 5 hours and 30 minutes at sea, we safely entered the harbour and completed an unforgettable ocean passage. Covering more than 1,350 nautical miles, this voyage was far more than a delivery passage. It was a true offshore adventure filled with learning, teamwork, resilience, and moments of awe. Sailing aboard Astrolabe through the Mozambique Channel, visiting some of the most remote waters in the region, and arriving safely in Madagascar remains one of the most rewarding sailing experiences of my life. Vessel: Astrolabe Type: Leopard 50 Catamaran Skipper: Gary Crew: Chris and myself Departure: Richards Bay, South Africa – 6 June 2026, 08:00 Arrival: Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar – 16 June 2026, 13:30 Passage Duration: 10 Days, 5 Hours, 30 Minutes Distance Sailed: 1,350+ Nautical Miles Route: Richards Bay → Europa Island → Juan de Nova Island → Cap Saint-André → Nosy Be, Madagascar "A great passage is measured not only by the miles sailed, but by the knowledge gained, the friendships forged, and the memories carried home."