Seychelles Parasailing...

”I was standing on the magnificent spread of beach at Beau Vallon Bay, dressed in shorts and life jacket and strapped into a tight-fitting parasailing harness. Directly behind me lay a bright-red parasail neatly laid out on a tarpaulin. The instructor clipped the parasail to my harness and continued his pre-flight instructions. “Hold the harness handles tightly in your palms and lift your hands shoulder-height with elbows facing forward.” This is similar to the way you hold the toggles on a parachute. “Watch the boat. It’s going to edge forward to take up slack in the towrope. The moment the rope tightens the boat will accelerate and all you have to do is run like mad.” The 115-horsepower Yamaha outboard clicked into gear and the sleek red-and-blue speedboat moved forward. I gazed across the thin tract of sparkling sand separating the fringing line of palm and takamaka trees from the turquoise tropical water. The towrope slowly snaked off the beach and disappeared into the water. We were ready for take-off. The speedboat had edged at least 50 metres from the beach, and the towrope, with its 1 350-kilogram breaking strain, tightened, tugging sharply on my harness.“Now!” the instructor yelled. I rushed forward and sprinted down the beach. Just before treading on wet sand I felt myself being lifted above the shallow shoreline . . . and I was airborne!”

 These are the words of Patrick Wagner, a journalist from Getaway magazine who was lucky enough enjoy the incredible experience of parasailing at Beau Vallon Bay on Mahe Island, Seychelles. With wind racing round your ears, legs dangling in space and torso supported by a comfortable harness, you float over paradise. The feeling of freedom is what makes parasailing so exciting. The sheer beauty of Beau Vallon Bay from the air, the glowing turquoise water and the lush vegetation down below will make this experience one you will never forget. Once airborne, your only job is to just sit back and relax, soak up this beautiful scenery, and take a few photos if you wish. You will also be able to too see other islands in the distance, and the perspective one gains from viewing this tropical paradise from up above is not to be taken lightly! 
 

 The main concern people have when considering parasailing, is the safety aspect, however the crews who operate this sport have many years experience behind them. You don’t even need to be able to swim to take part in this activity, and age is also a non-factor… with the oldest participant having been a ripe 92 years old!

If parasailing is not your thing however but you still enjoy motorized water sports, water skiing, jet skiing, and other activities are also offered at Beau Vallon Bay.

 

 

 Beau Vallon Bay is located in the north-east of Mahe, and in order to protect and maintain the beauty of Seychelles, as well as the safety of beach goers, motorized water sports in the Seychelles is restricted to this area. Please contact us if you’d like to set up a visit to Beau Vallon Bay. www.seychellesyachtcharter.com

 

 

The SYC Beach Clean-Up

Seychelles Yacht Charter recently collaborated with the Ministry of Education, Environmental department of EKO schools, Seychelles Tourism Board’s event promotions, Star Seychelles, Seychelles National Youth council, Landscape and waste management, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy to work on a Beach Clean-up campaign/programme.

The 1st ever Beach Clean-up was held on the 8th of June 2013, which coincided with World Oceans day as well.
The aim of the campaign was to create awareness of the importance of keeping our beaches clean, and safe. Seeing that Seychelles has some of the world most beautiful beaches it’s only fitting that a yacht charter company arrange and co-ordinate such an event.

The day started at 9am and ended at noon the same day.

Beaches that were cleaned: Grand Anse Beach, Anse Royale Beach,Beauvallon, Belombre beaches, North East Point Beach, Port Glaud, Port Launay and Cap Ternay.

A total of 307, children, teachers and parents assisted with the beach clean-up. Hotels around the beaches and schools provided lunches.

Seychelles Yacht Charter would like to thank each and every individual, organisation and company who assisted with the program, without your assistance this would not have been possible.

For more info, visit the the Seychelles national website at http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=31777 and below are some pics from the day.

Let keep our pristine beaches clean!

 

 

Rock Climbing in the Seychelles

Why would anyone want to climb a rock? What is the appeal of climbing up a cliff-face? Well, rock climbing is more than just another outdoor sport and another excuse to accumulate an entire closet worth of gear. It is a way to learn more than you ever thought possible about who you are and how you respond to challenges. It is a great teacher for a willing learner in both fitness and mental toughness. When one combines these aspects with the beauty and amazing sights of the Seychelles, it is a winning combination!

For most people who are unaware of the Seychelles islands, rock-climbing in a tropical paradise would sound like a very strange idea. Whilst watersports are certainly the most popular of the sporting activities visitors for partake in, rock-climbing has become increasingly popular on the islands due to the magnificent granite rock faces present all over these beautiful islands. 
 

 Granite is an igneous rock, the basic building block of all of the earth’s land surfaces and mountains. It is a fairly coarse-grained rock with high contents of quartz and feldspars that is generally very hard and resistant to erosion. It has been described as one of the best rock types to climb due to its texture (the roughness allows good grip) and strength (allows confidence that the rock will not give way). Because of its hardness, granite often forms large rock masses which are weathered by wind, rain, snow, and ice into mountains, cliffs, and domes. This rock is the basis of the Seychelles islands, so opportunity and location is plentiful for the experienced climber. For the inexperienced climber, there are groups and companies who provide training, safety and guided climbs for those wanting to experience something new.

A rock-climbing, ziplining, and abseiling facility has been established at Port Launay. Employing a beautiful 18 meter high natural granite rock face, a rock climbing facility has been developed whereby everyone, from beginner to accomplished, can experience the exhilaration of this sport in a safe and comfortable environment. Ziplining across the tree tops is also offered at this facility and is a wonderful experience in its own right, especially for those with kids.

 

 

Of course this facility is not the only place where you can enjoy rock-climbing, there are many more challenging locations around the islands. Seychelles Yacht Charter can make all the necessary arrangements for your holiday and activities. Contact us via www.seychellesyachtcharter.com 

 

Events in the Seychelles, June 2013

In the first week of every month, we will be doing an ‘events blog’ so you all can know what is happening in the Seychelles. Here are the events for the month of June 2013:

Event:
Cultural Bazars

Date:
Throughout June 2013

Location:
Various locations throughout Mahe

Organizer:
District Administrator (Tel: +248 2 78 34 13)

About the event:
A unique cultural and shopping experience where you can meet the Seychellois people, enjoy Creole music, and have a taste of the island style way of life.

Bazar Labrinn is a legendary bazar specializing in fruit, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample traditional foods and drink, all the while enjoying an authentic Seychellois ambience. 

Bazar Ovan Taking place in the southern part of Mahe, this bazar offers a great opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience a true celebration of the vibrant Creole culture, all set to the backdrop of Seychellois Creole music.

Victoria Bazar provides an ambience true to the Seychellois Creole lifestyle, where anything from arts and crafts to exotic culinary delicacies and beverages can be purchased. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without local musicians providing the soundtrack!

 

 

Event:
National Expo 2013

Date:
16 – 18 June 2013

Location:
Sports Complex, Roche Caiman, Mahe


Organizer:
Mr. Michel Vielle (Tel: +248 2 56 39 93 / 2 81 10 80)

About the event:
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Seychelles National Day, the National expo will showcase the major economic activities which shape the island nation, with a focus on the process of national development.

Whilst enjoying impressive cultural and sporting experiences, members of the public will have access to a full spectrum of local goods and services provided by various private and public businesses and organizations, which are all committed to the future of Seychelles.

Activities will include:

• Agricultural and Horticultural – A scaled-down version of the annual show with a focus on the sale of agricultural and horticultural products
• Tourism – Exhibits from all sectors of the industry including hotel associations, individual hotels, DMC’s, airlines, SCAA, charter operators, car hires and others
• Commerce – Importers and traders as well as large and small local manufacturers
• Bazar Victoria – A combination of the best elements of local Bazar Victoria and Bazar Labrin
• Cultural manifestation – Groups of performing artists both local and international providing music, dancing and other forms of cultural activities
• Sports – Different sporting activities will be organized which will include the participation of foreign teams with World Cup matches screened on big screen at the venue
• Food court – Local as well as international cuisine will be available
• Leisure Activities – There will be different activities for all visitors, e.g. boat rides, helicopter rides, glass bottom boat, games and fun for children. There will also be a child-minding service.

In addition to these events, Seychelles Yacht Charter is hosting a ‘beach clean up’ day on the 8th of June, in conjunction with World Oceans Day. However, we will provide more information on that in a separate blog!



Contact us at www.seychellesyachtcharter.com  

 

The Coral Reefs of Seychelles

The mention of coral reefs generally brings to mind warm climates, colorful fish and clear waters. However, the reef itself is actually a component of a larger ecosystem. The coral community is really a system that includes a collection of biological communities, representing one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. For this reason, coral reefs often are referred to as the "rainforests of the oceans.

A coral reef off the island of La Dique

 

What are coral reefs?

Corals are in fact are tiny animals which belong to the group cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Other cnidarians include hydras, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals are sessile animals, meaning they are not mobile but stay fixed in one place. They feed by reaching out with tentacles to catch prey such as small fish and planktonic animals.

Coral reefs provide habitats for a large variety of organisms. These organisms rely on corals as a source of food and shelter. Besides the corals themselves and their symbiotic algae, other creatures that call coral reefs home include various sponges; molluscs such as sea slugs, nudibranchs, oysters, and clams; crustaceans like crabs and shrimp; many kinds of sea worms; echinoderms like star fish and sea urchins; other cnidarians such as jellyfish and sea anemones; various types of fungi; sea turtles; and many species of fish.



Coral Reefs are home to many species of ocean life

The tropical rain forests of the ocean

 

How do coral reefs forms?

Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. As the corals grow and expand, reefs take on one of three major characteristic structures —fringing, barrier or atoll. Fringing reefs, which are the most common, project seaward directly from the shore, forming borders along the shoreline and surrounding islands. Barrier reefs also border shorelines, but at a greater distance. They are separated from their adjacent land mass by a lagoon of open, often deep water. If a fringing reef forms around a volcanic island that subsides completely below sea level while the coral continues to grow upward, an atoll forms. Atolls are usually circular or oval, with a central lagoon. Parts of the reef platform may emerge as one or more islands, and gaps in the reef provide access to the central lagoon.

 

A coral reef formation off Mahe



 

Threats to Coral Reefs

Human Contact: Touching Reefs, even slightly, can harm them. Boats and dropped anchors can cause severe damage to these fragile ecosystems. Frequent human contact kills the reefs over time.

Runoff Water: Silt from eroded soil in runoff water can block sunlight. Without sunlight, photosynthesis does not occur and reefs gradually die.

Sewage: Untreated or improperly treated sewage promotes the growth of algae, which harms coral reefs.

Cyanide Fishing: Some fishermen stun fish by squirting cyanide, a very toxic poison, into reef areas where fish seek refuge. The poison does not kill, but disorients the fish in the coral where they hide. The fisherman then rip apart the reefs with crowbars to capture the fish. In addition, cyanide kills coral polyps and the symbiotic algae and other small organisms necessary for healthy reefs. Cyanide fishing is common in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Fertilizers and Pollution: Fertilizer runoff, pesticides and other chemicals can poison reefs.

Blast Fishing: Shockwaves from blast fishing can destroy coral reefs.

Blast fishing can destroy coral reefs

Coral Reef Conservation in the Seychelles

Fortunately the Seychelles government realises the importance of coral reefs not only to tourism and the economic livelihood for locals, but also for the overall ecosystem of their waters. Many conservation programmes are in place, as well as strictly governed laws concerning the coral reefs. So it is certainly safe to say that the coral reefs of Seychelles are in good hands, and as such we can enjoy their beauty for many years to come!

 

Coral Reef Conservation

 

 

Some more Seychelles Coral Reefs...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

The Creole people of Seychelles are known as friendly, care-free, exotic people. However not many people actually know much about the culture and ancestry of these wonderful people. In the Seychelles, the word ‘Creole’ refers to those native to the country of whichever ancestry, making them an indeed exotic people.

The majority of the people living in the Seychelles are Creole, and are principally of Malagasy and African origin. However the modern Creole people also include those of mixed African, Malagassy, Indian, Chinese, French and even British origins.

History

The Seychelles were the last of the Indian Ocean islands to be settled, and the French arrived in and around 1770 with African and Malagasy slaves to work on sugar and coffee plantations. During the first two decades, the colony was faced with various difficulties, but a demographic boom began around the late 1780s when the economy changed from the mere exploitation of the natural resources to profitable agriculture (cotton, coffee, spices).

With the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the Seychelles came under the rule of the British. Although slave trade was at that point already illegal in all British colonies, the colonies authorities found it extremely difficult to enforce this law in the Seychelles and Mauritius, and as such the slave in the Indian Ocean began to flourish. It is estimated that between 1811 and 1827 about 60,000 slaves were exported from Madagascar and East Africa to Mauritius and to the Seychelles.

After the abolition of slavery in 1835 the British Navy captured French ships still continuing in the slave trade and set the slaves "free" in the Seychelles. This led to a considerable further influx of East Africans in the 19th century.


Language

When the French colonists, who mainly came from Mauritius, settled the Seychelles in the 1770s, they and their slaves brought some kind of stabilized Mauritian Creole along with them. 

In 1976, the Seychelles became independent, and since 1978 Seychelles Creole has been one of the three official languages along with English and French. However Creole was the native language of about 95% of the population, and in 1982 it was introduced as a language of instruction in primary schools, and is used in television, radio, court, newspaper, etc. 


Current Population

Today Creoles are found throughout the Seychelles, numbering roughly 76,000, which is more than 70% of the entire Seychellois population, and are the dominant group in politics. Seychellois Creoles are proud of their African/Malagasy heritage and have set up a Creole institute in Mahé to help promote and to help others understand their culture.

French is the language of the Roman Catholic Church in the Seychelles Islands and almost all the inhabitants of Seychelles are Christian. More than 90 percent are Roman Catholic. Sunday masses are well attended, although Hinduism and Islam are also prevalent. Religious holidays are celebrated as religious and social events.



Cuisine

The Seychellois Creole cuisine combines a wide variety of cooking styles, including English, French, Chinese, and Indian. Creole cooking is rich, hot, spicy, and delicious! It blends fruit, fish, fresh vegetables, and basic ingredients include pork, chicken, fish, octopus, and shellfish. People also enjoy salads and fruit desserts of mango, papaya, breadfruit, and pineapple. Local delicacies include traditional dishes such as:

· Kari zourit (a creamy octopus curry)
· Tec tec soup (a small white shellfish collected from the beaches and made into a soup usually with pumpkin)
· Poisson sale (salted dried fish)
· Bouillon brede (spinach soup)

· A variety of chutneys (side dishes made by local fruit, fish and vegetables)
· Poisson grillé (grilled fish marinated in garlic, ginger, onions and chillies)

Locally made alcoholic beverages include palm wine (calou). Bacca is a powerful sugarcane liquor drunk on ceremonial occasions. And anyone who has visited the Seychelles will have sampled the very popular local beer, Sey Brew!

 

 

Music , Dance, and Art

The Seychellois music genre of Sega is known as Moutia, with African, European, and Asian influences present in Seychellois music, dance, literature, and visual art. African rhythms are apparent in the moutia and séga dances, and the sokoué dance resembles masked African dancing, with Dancers portraying birds, animals, and trees. The contredanse is a French import, with origins in the court of King Louis XIV (1638–1715). Traditionally, Seychellois performed their music on drums, violins, accordions, and the triangle. Nowadays, the acoustic guitar is usually used as well.

 

 

Accomplished storytellers and singers pass on Seychellois culture and social customs through fables, songs, and proverbs. Storytelling is at the center of the traditional moutia performance. The moutia began during the days of slavery. Two men told stories about the hard labours of the day. Women then joined in to dance, accompanied by singing and chanting. Modern performances still involve dancing to typical African rhythms. Performers often use satire to entertain and teach people of all ages.Seychelles’ artists exercise their skills across a broad spectrum and their works include everything from the small memorabilia you would expect to find in a tourism-driven economy through to magnificent collector’s items. The products include:

· Books
· Paintings
· Stained glass
· Coconut shell
· Husk products
· Works featuring seashells, coral and clothing
· Forms of jewellery-pearl, wood gold and silver
· Products such as bags, baskets, napkin rings, candle holders all made from recycled materials, coconut palms, fibres, bamboo, metal and pottery
· Vanilla and coconut oil/scents
· A tour around the principal islands will allow the visitor to savour the richness of artistic expression on display in many charming galleries and out-of-the-way studios 

 

 

Architecture 
Creole architecture is an important cultural aspect of Seychelles. The designs of some of the grand old houses are representative of an architecture adapted for comfortable living in the tropics. Steep roofs and many openings to catch the island breezes are characteristics of this. Modern architecture has attempted to assimilate traditional styles, giving more credit to the Creole architecture. There has also been a large French influence in the architecture.

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Hidden Treasure in the Seychelles: The Legend of La Buse

At some point, every child pretended to be a pirate, dressed up as a pirate, played pirate treasure hunts, watched pirate movies, and told pirate jokes. How do you know if you're a pirate? You just arrrrr... Lame I know, but even as adults attending fancy dress parties, a common theme seems to be pirates.

But why the fascination with these thieves and hijackers of the sea of years gone by? Is it the free open air, care-free, do as you please lifestyle? The rum? The songs? The accent? Or perhaps, the reason the legend of these pirates has never died is the most obvious.... treasure. There are numerous stories of hidden or lost pirate treasure that has never been found. In the 1600's, pirates would sometimes bury their treasure on remote islands in order to keep it safe from other pirates, or prevent it from weighing down their ship. Of course these pirates would then have maps and cryptic clues in order to find the treasure... we've all seen the movies, we all know the stories.

Here in the Seychelles, many stories of hidden pirate treasure abound. In the 1600's before the Seychelles Islands were inhabited, pirates would pass through the islands and it is believed that treasure could be buried all. Evidence of pirates has been found. At Bel Ombre beach on Mahe Island, stones were found with carvings of snakes, dogs and horses, a figure of a young woman, and the head of a man. After excavations, two coffins were discovered containing the remains of two people, identified as pirates by the gold ring in their left ear. This remained a popular tourist destination until recently, but it is no longer operational.

One of the most popular and intriguing stories of a pirates hidden treasure in the Seychelles is that of Olivier Levasseur. He lived from 1680-1730, and was nicknamed La Buse or La Bouche (The Buzzard), due to the speed with which he threw himself on and ultimately overcame his enemies. In 1716, he joined the Benjamin Hornigold pirate company. After a year with the company and a year of successful looting, the Hornigold party split, and Olivier decided to try his luck on the African coast. He continued in this area until his capture and hanging for the crimes of piracy on the island of Reunion in 1730.



The grave of Olivier Levasseur

 

 

The Treasure....

 

"My treasure is buried here... find it who may." These were the words shouted to the crowd gathered at the foot of the gallows on the Isle de Bourbon (Reunion), as the noose tightened around the neck of the notorious French pirate Olivier Levasseur.

 

The legend goes that when he was hung, Levasseur had a necklace around his neck containing a cryptogram of 12 lines, and was supposed to have thrown it into the crowd whilst exclaiming: "Find my treasure, he who may understand it!" What became of this necklace is unknown, but to this day a number of treasure hunters continue to search for this treasure, estimated to be worth anything from a few million Euros to over 100 million Euros. In 1923, a Mrs. Savoy found documents describing Levasseur's treasure at a southern island in the Seychelles. There were some coordinates and text in a mysterious alphabet, which led to the previously mentioned discovery at Bel Hombre beach, which went on to become a popular tourist site. However, no treasure was found and Mrs. Savoy realised the cryptogram was much more difficult to solve than previously anticipated. In the words of a treasure hunter... "Deciphering it could be carried out only starting from the Clavicles of Solomon, two letters, a will and documents compiled in rebus or at least in initiatory writing which could be put in relation to maconnic symbolism. These documents explicitly affirmed the existence of a treasure localised on an island in the Indian Ocean. However the name of this island was not mentioned anywhere." Make of that what you will!

 

In 1947, Reginald Cruise-Wilkins, discovered a connection with the twelve operations of Hercules. Various tasks representing the Twelve Labours of Hercules had to be completed in a strict order to get to the treasure. The treasure chamber is located somewhere underground, and must be carefully approached in order to avoid falling victim to its many challenges. It is protected by the tides, which require damming to hold it back, and is to be approached from the north. A stairwell cut into rocks will give you access, and proceeds into tunnels under the beach. Until 1970, he searched and dug all over Mahe. He found some old guns, coins, and pirate sarcophagi, but nothing of any value. He died in 1977 before he broke the last piece of code...

 

Fact, fiction or legend? I suppose there is a good chance we'll never know. That's what makes it so intriguing. If there are any potential treasure hunters or cryptic code-breakers out there, below is the cryptogram described above. In the words of Olivier Levasseur: "Find my treasure, he who may understand it!"

 The cryptogram of Olivier Levasseur

 

The alphabet of Olivier Levasseur