The Marvellous Granites of Seychelles

The Seychelles are the only granitic oceanic islands in the World. Formed millions years ago, the size and shapes of some of these granites are truly mindboggling. TONY MATHIOT tells us about a few of them.

ANSE L’UNION GRANITE BOULDER (at Anse L’Union, La Digue)

Granite. Our glorious granite. Forty islands in the Seychelles archipelago are granitic. The fascination of the Seychelles lies not only in its resplendent greenery or in its pristine beaches or sunshine. The granite is awesome. Majestic. One admires and gasps. Yes, it’s PLUTONIC! But can one go dithyrambic over the granites of Seychelles without venturing into the recondite science of geology stratigraphy or Petrogeny?!

The granites of Seychelles date back to millions of years ago to the Mesozoic era… to the time of Gondwanaland, the time of the first amphibians, the first winged insects, the first dinosaurs.

Granite is an igneous rock that formed by solidification from a molten state (igneous comes from the Latin word ignis: to inflame). It is made up mainly of crystals of quartz, feldspar and mica. And it was formed deep in the earth. And while the magma, that is, the molten matter, was forming, fragments of materials called xenoliths were trapped in the magma before it crystalised – yes, like dust of glitter in a bath of hot treacle!

Since granite was formed deep beneath the earth’s crust, it is because the rocks lying on top of it have been worn away or because it has been pushed upwards by movements of the rocks long ago.

Yes, long ago. And now when one beholds this grandest scenery of granite covering over one acre of land, here on the west coast of La Digue, it is almost stupefying to realize that we are the only oceanic granite islands in the world.



ROS KOSON (at Anse Louis)

On the beautiful west coast of Mahé, one finds this marvelous monstrosity! A veritable natural wonder! Yes, this is Ros Koson (Pig rock) aptly named because it certainly resembles a crouching snarling hog in profile. One can distinctively make out the sunken eyes, the cartilaginous snout over the mouth baring the teeth in a rictus of rage. Definitely one of our most common ungulate mammals!

Of course with so much granite around, it is not uncommon nor unusual to come across boulders or shapes of some recognizable representation.

But upon seeing this particular ‘pig’ up there, one is naturally inclined to wonder just how long has it been perched up there on that giant boulder?

We’ve been told by scientists that once upon a time, meaning so many millions of years ago when all continents were joined that Seychelles, a tiny fragment of the earths crust halfway between Africa and India became isolated during the so-called continental drift… could that rock have landed up there on that boulder during the upheaval and then over the centuries it was shaped into a pig by the ravages of time? Fascinating!

One thing for sure. This is one pet porky that future inhabitants of Anse Louis will certainly inherit and learn to like!.


ROS LESKALYE (ROCK STEPS) (at Port Launay)

The resplendence of Port Launay in North Western Mahé is breathtaking. Here along the boulder-strewn coast the waves of the Indian Ocean come to nudge themselves against the rocks after having spent their rage further away. But amidst this sublime scenery there is a particular feature that certainly can be baffling to the lonely peasant who happens to venture along this part on an afternoon when looking for limpets (bernik).
These steps are mind-boggling. Almost like a gateway to the backwoods used by undersea aliens! Fascinating! Well, geology IS fascinating.
This rather unusual feature is known as a dyke. It is typically the result of igneous intrusion: a long mass of igneous rock that cuts across the structure of adjacent rock. This happens when magma or molten rock move upwards by injecting into cracks at higher levels in the earth’s crust, forcing the sides apart. Magma solidifies in the crack to form a dyke, and in the case here at Port Launay, the dyke do look like a row of steps.

MIRAY DEMON (at Anse Déjeuner)
Miray demon? (the devils wall?) Why on earth would he build a wall here on earth in Paradise?!

Yes, this is certainly a mind-boggling sight. One gets the impression that these different sizes and shapes of granite boulders have been gingerly arranged to rest on top of one another to make a crude wall.

Well, some inhabitant of Anse Déjeuner must have appreciated the extraordinary strength of the devil and gave this bizarre heap of boulders an appropriate appellation!

In fact, once upon a time, a long long time ago, this was one single huge boulder. The ravages of time which spanned thousands of years, created fissures and clefts in it and gradually it was divided into separate pieces of rock which have more less remained in place like interlocking pieces of a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. That’s the mystery of the devil’s wall… For sure, those boulders will never be taken to the crushing plant located a mile away to be turned into aggregate!

Article first appeared on Virtual Seychelles. Original article can be found here: http://www.virtualseychelles.sc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=842:the-marvellous-granites-of-seychelles&catid=51:additions

 

Scuba Diving in the Seychelles

Perhaps one of the most alluring characteristics of the Seychelles is the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean which surround the islands. The stunning topography of expansive reefs, walls, pinnacles, drop offs, wrecks and canyons make for one of the most diverse marine environments around, teeming with both fish and coral life.

Coral bleaching in the Seychelles in 1998

In 1998, the coral reefs of the Seychelles were affected by the El Nino Southern Oscillation. The exact cause for this event is unknown but it is thought global warming was primarily to blame. The changes in the atmosphere caused an increase in sea temperatures, resulting in significant consequences for the surrounding coral and marine life. The warmer waters caused the coral to repel the bright algae (which gives the coral its vivid colours) from their tissues, thus causing them to take on a pale and white appearance (hence the commonly used term “coral bleaching”). The inner reefs were hit harder than the outer reefs, however the granitic nature of the reefs meant they were not as badly affected as first feared, and 11 years on from the event there has been a remarkable recovery and the diving generally remains excellent.

When to go scuba-diving in the Seychelles

With dive sites ranging in depth from 8m to 30m there are options for both beginners and experienced divers to enjoy. It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles – however waters are calmest during the months of March, April and May and September, October and November. During these months visibility can reach a staggering 30m and with water temperatures reaching 29oc it makes for a very pleasant and relaxed diving experience. The calmer waters also mean dive boats can reach the more remote sites, where encounters with mega fauna such as sharks and manta rays are common – these sites are particularly good for experienced divers.

During the months June, July and August the south-east monsoon brings stronger winds making access to the more remote dive sites difficult and unreliable. Cooler waters are blown in and temperatures drop to around 25oc. These cooler waters are filled with nutrient rich plankton so visibility can be significantly reduced; however these nutrients encourage the appearance of whale sharks, which can reach an incredible 10m in length. Local dive shops offer specific whale shark programmes during these months, so the chance to snorkel or even dive with these magnificent creatures is very high.

Marine life

Around the inner reefs, marine life you can expect to see among others includes – angelfish, butterflyfish, octopus, lionfish, nudibranchs and mantis shrimp. Slightly further out, napoleon and humphead wrasses, schools of humphead parrotfish, stingrays, reef sharks and green and hawksbill turtles are common.

Sailfish, silvertip, oceanic whitetip and nurse sharks, manta rays and whale sharks are more common around the remoter outer islands – you may even be able to spot the occasional hammerhead shark if you're lucky!

Where to go diving in the Seychelles

When you are a guest with us, we will have all the equipment on board and take you to the best spots. We will of course have the relevant dive masters/instructors available to you as well.

Other local dive schools are also available on the various islands.

Some photos of what to expect

 

 

Many thanks to http://www.expertafrica.com/seychelles/info/diving-in-the-seychelles 

Seychelles Annual Boat Show 2012

A cocktail launch in the magical oceanic décor of the Konobar Lounge,Angelfish, Bayside Marina saw the first Seychelles boat show set sail.

 

From the 10^th to the 15^th September three yachts were on show for all...

Nkalindau, the superb floating catamaran of 60 feet, really showed what an ideal sailing holiday one could have.

uShaka, got all the fishing enthusiasts dreaming of their next fishing expedition…

Sea stream, one of the listed brokerage yachts proved that luxury in its finest could be possible out at sea!

A combination of the romance of the sea with the charm of the world’s ultimate unique islands and your dream is complete. Seychelles Yacht charters helps you perfect that dream! Our choice of ocean going yachts are the best on offer in the Seychelles, complete with a five star service team that makes it happen…

Once you have selected your choice of vessel you embark on what we guarantee will be the trip of a lifetime. The many islands of what is described as the jewel of the Indian Ocean will not disappoint you…

The crystal clear ocean make for ideal fishing grounds and let us not forget the snorkelling or diving. We reveal the very best of paradise to you.  The boat Show got us all dreaming about our next perfect vacation…

 

Below are some photos of the scenes at the boat show. For more, please visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.434906209878725.87363.199937300042285&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.434906209878725.87363.199937300042285&type=1 

 

 

 

History of Seychelles

Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814. During this period Seychelles came to know the enlightened policies of administrators such as Pierre Poivre, the brilliant politicking of Governor Queau de Quinssy and, of course, the terrible repercussions of the French Revolution. Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of some 7,000 by the year 1825. Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital, the exile of numerous and colourful troublemakers from the Empire, the devastation caused by the famous Avalanche of 1862 and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery. Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the commonwealth. Following a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert René, on December 4, 1991, President René announced a return to the multiparty system of government, 1993 saw the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections held under a new constitution in which President René was victorious. President René also won the 1998 and 2003 elections before transferring the Presidency to James Alix Michel in June 2004. Timeline: A chronology of key events: 1502 - Portugal's Vasco da Gama explores the Seychelles. 1768 - French planters and their slaves begin settling in the Seychelles. 1794 - Britain annexes the Seychelles, which are then administered from Mauritius. 1903 - Seychelles become a separate British colony. 1948 - First elections to a legislative council take place. 1964 - First political parties are formed: France Albert Rene's socialist Seychelles People's United Party and James Mancham's pro-business Seychelles Democratic Party. 1966, 1970 - The Seychelles Democratic Party wins legislative elections. 1976 - Seychelles become independent and are governed by a coalition, with James Mancham as president and France Rene as prime minister. 1977 - Rene's supporters stage a coup against Mancham ostensibly without Rene's knowledge; Rene installed as president. 1978 - Rene enacts a new constitution, turning the Seychelles into a one-party state. 1981 - South African-based mercenaries try but fail to restore Mancham to power. 1982 - Army mutiny thwarted. 1991 - President Rene restores multiparty democracy. 1993, 1998 - Rene re-elected in multiparty ballots. 1998 - Rene's Seychelles Progressive People's Front wins 30 out of 34 seats in parliamentary elections. 2001 September - President Rene wins another term in office with 54% of the votes, beating opposition candidate Wavel Ramkalawan who won 45% of the votes. 2002 December - President Rene's Seychelles Progressive People's Front wins parliamentary elections, but the opposition Seychelles National Party increases its presence from one to 11 seats. 2003 July - Economic reforms are introduced under which Seychelles will pull out of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and close three diplomatic missions. 2004 April - President Rene steps down, replaced by former vice president James Michel. 2006 July - President Michel wins presidential race. 2006 October - Parliament bans political or religious organisations from running radio stations, sparking a rare outbreak of unrest. 2007 May - The ruling SPPF wins early elections. They were brought forward after opposition MPs boycotted parliament over moves to ban political parties from owning radio stations.  Sources: http://www.seychelles.travel/en/about_seychelles/history.php              http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14094191

Piracy in the Seychelles

In recent years, the question has arisen amongst visitors to the Seychelles, especially those whose intention it was to spend time sailing, as to what the direct risk of piracy is to them. These questions are often answered with a simple “you’ll be fine” from tour operators and travel agents alike. However, this is not enough information, especially for those who are travelling with families. People do not want to willingly and knowlingly put their loved ones at risk, and as such, the concerns over piracy have a had direct impact on the tourism industry in the Seychelles.

To understand the threat of piracy to a holidaymaker, one needs to understand the Seychelles as a geographic location and economic location, as well as how and where the pirates operate. Officially called the Republic of the Seychelles, it comprises of 115 islands, 43 granitic and 72 coralline, scattered over an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.374 million Km² (EEZ). It lies 5 degrees south of the Equator and as such enjoys a tropical climate, and is hot and humid throughout the year with very little seasonal change.

 

Below is an illustration of the Seychelles EEZ (in blue, 1.374 million Km²)

Pirates Modus Operandi and Impact on Seychelles

Pirates are usually armed with light weapons for ease of transport, as well as communication and navigation devices. Vessels attacked off Somalia are randomly selected, and are not specifically targeted for any reason other than how easily they can be boarded. Pirates simply patrol an area, wait for a target of opportunity, and attempt to board.

In February 2009, the first Seychelles flagged vessel was hijacked, and was followed by another vessel in April. Ten Seychellois were taken hostage. Within weeks following the two incidents, there was a sudden increase in attacks within the Seychelles EEZ.  In 2009, 10 vessels were hijacked within the EEZ.

The expansion of the pirates was most certainly a concern for the Seychelles government, as it had an immediate impact on the tourism and fishing industries. The 2 sectors represent 65% of the country’s GDP, 36% of its labour force, and generates most of the foreign exchange earnings of the country. In 2009 alone, the tourism industry experienced an 8 million Euro loss that was directly attributed to piracy, while the fishing industry suffered similar losses of 4.1 million Euro. Piracy has mainly disrupted the tuna industry, leading to loss of employment, earnings, and shortage of tuna to the canning factory (tuna exportation has declined by 30%).  Approximately 6500 people (8% of the population) in Seychelles depend directly or indirectly on the fisheries sector for their livelihood. In total four local fishing vessels have been hijacked since 2010, however three were rescued by the military intervention of the Coast Guard.

 

Pirates in Action

 Seychelles Response to Piracy

Following the first piracy attack in Seychelles, the president established a High Level Committee on Piracy to derive a policy and plan and organise a response to piracy.  In addition, a Comprehensive Maritime Security Plan to combat maritime threats has been drafted and adopted.

A New prison has been built with the support of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to cater for pirates, and the Penal Code was amended in 2010 and has incorporated article 101 to 107 of United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The maximum sentence for the crime of piracy is now 30 years and a fine of SR 1million.  Seychelles have also signed various military agreements with a number of foreign partners such as the US, EU, NAVFOR, UAE, India, France, UK, Spain, and Denmark to get assistance in the fight against piracy.

The Seychelles Coast Guard has also been doing a sterling job. With their limited assets to cover an extensive EEZ of approximately 1.3 million square kilometres, they have intercepted and arrested hundreds of suspected pirates. They also work closely with other international partners, having warships and aircraft operating in the region for a common cause, the fight against piracy.

Seychelles Coast Guard

What is the threat of piracy to Seychelles Yacht Charter?

You might read this and say, all good and well, but what is the actual threat to me as a client of Seychelles Yacht Charter? That is the response I was hoping for.

Did you know that you are 100 times more likely to be mugged in your own hometown than you are in Beirut? That’s because you don’t live in Beirut. It sounds pretty obvious and logical doesn’t it... but the same sort of logic must be applied when considering the threat of piracy directly to yourself as our guest or even as a visitor to the Seychelles. Yes, piracy is a threat and a problem within the Seychelles EEZ, however that covers 1.374 million Km² of water, and attacks only occur many many miles from the main islands. If you are a fishing or commercial vessel sailing from the coast of Africa to the Seychelles, you could be at risk... If you are a leisure guest enjoying the islands around Seychelles, you are not at risk, simple as that. You see, the pirates would never venture too close to the main islands as there is far too much traffic and there is no way they would be able to successfully hijack a boat. Pirates are easy to spot via aerial surveillance, and they will be spotted and arrested long before they come anywhere near the waters we are legally allowed to operate in. We are only allowed to venture a maximum of 60 nautical miles from the main island of Mahe, and we rarely exceed 22 nautical miles. Only on deep sea fishing expeditions do we venture further, however we still stay well within the barriers set by the government of Seychelles.

With us, your safety is our utmost concern, and we can assure you that all steps are taken to guarantee that long before we leave the shore.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further concerns or questions on this subject or any other.

*Stats, figures, and facts are based on a presentation by Lt. Michael Rossette, Deputy Chief of Staff, Seychelles People’s Defence Force.

 

 

From Monday 10th to Saturday 15th September, Seychelles Yacht Charter will be hosting the first ever outdoor boat show in the Seychelles.

It will be hosted at the Konobar Bayside Marina and will feature 3 beautiful vessels, namely Nkalindau, uShaka, and Seastream. Nkalindau is a Eleuthera 60 Fountaine Pajot which is a 5 Star Luxury Catamaran.  uShaka is a Riviera 43 which is an adventurous fishing yacht, and Seastream is a luxury Ferretti motor yacht.

The idea behind the event is to raise awareness not only for Seychelles Yacht Charter as a company, but also the yacht charter and brokerage business in the Seychelles as a whole. Entrance is free of charge and will afford members of the public the opportunity to board these incredible vessels in their natural environment... the water! Unlike at indoor boat shows, these are fully operational and functional commercial boats that a far cry from your standard fishing boats and catamarans. Visitors will be able to wonder around freely or guided, and experience the luxury accommodation, lounging and dining areas, and the various decks. For the more avid sailors or fishermen who might be interested in the more ‘technical’ aspects of the boats, the crew will be on hand to answer questions you might have.

Snacks and beverages will be available compliments of the Konobar Restaurant, and various promotional and informational material will be available through Lynn Gower, who will be our representative on-site during the course of the event. Lynn can also assist with any bookings and rates enquiries.

There will be a short opening ceremony on Monday 10^th September followed by a site visit aboard all vessels. This will be attended by various members of Seychelles press, Seychelles Tourism Board, and representatives from local hotels, travel agencies, dive centres, local boat charters, private tour guides, company directors, as well as various diplomatic embassies.

The remaining days until Saturday 15^th September will be open to the public to visit and enjoy. Should you be on Mahe, please do stop by and come and spend some time with us!

Nkalindau

uShaka



 

Seastream



Welcome!

Greetings and welcome to our blog!

We decided to start this blog in order to share more of the fun, technical and interesting sides of our business with you. This is by no means a replacement to our website www.seychellesyachtcharter.com, but rather over here, anyone interested in our business, yachting, fishing, and the Seychelles in general will get an opportunity to experience life onboard our boats and in the Seychelles.  We’ll regularly hear stories of fun and adventure from our crew, we’ll provide tips on the Seychelles, and hopefully in time we’ll even share some of the more technical aspects to sailing in the beautiful Seychelles!

As the blogmaster, I have been lucky enough to visit the Seychelles and spent time aboard our luxury catamaran, Nkalindau. It is truly a magical place, and from the moment you set foot on the main island of Mahe, you feel as if you have arrived home. The locals are carefree and friendly, and the crew will make you feel like you are part of the family whilst catering to your every need and desire. Whether you like water sports, hiking, beautiful scenery and still-life, checking out the local cuisine, the vibrant night life, or maybe you just prefer soaking sum Vitamin D in the year-round summer that the Seychelles enjoys, they’ll have you covered!

For any business enquiries or to find out more about the company, please visit our official website www.seychellesyachtcharter.com.

Below are some short introductions by our fleet manager and skipper of Nkalindau, Gareth, as well as our skipper of uShaka and local expert, Francis.

Hi! my name is Gareth Dovey.

My name is Gareth Dovey. I have been the Captain of SY Nkalindau since April 2010 and fleet manager of Seychelles Yacht Charter since December 2011.

Having started on Nkalindau when she was brand new in France, I sailed her down the Atlantic to Cape Town and on to the Seychelles with 3 crew.

Having spent 2years in the beautiful Seychelles I have felt privileged to be able to discover paradise with Seychelles Yacht Charter and have been able to share these experiences and expose clients to the wonder of these remote Indian Ocean islands.

Having expanded our fleet in December 2011 I took the helm as fleet manager as well as the captain on Nkalindau. Seychelles Yacht Charter is growing and with the vision we work by, will become a leader in the Seychelles Charter industry in the very near future.

Gareth steering the ship!

Hi!

My name is Francis Marie. I was born and raised in the Seychelles. I’m currently working with Seychelles Yacht Charter as skipper of our luxury fishing boat, uShaka. I’m a yacht master qualified skipper (RYA /MCA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE 200gt).

uShaka is a new Riviera 43 which was added to the fleet early this year. I began my career at the company with the arrival of the first boat, Eleuthera 60ft Fountain Pajot, or as we call it, Nkalindau. I started as a cook/crew and moved on to be a skipper of uShaka. I was also 1^st mate on delivery of the yacht from La Rochelle in France to Seychelles, a journey that took over 2 months!

uShaka the name of the sport fishing boat I skipper stands for the king of the sea. She is a beautiful boat. She is one of the best Sport-fishing boats here in Seychelles.

We offer a very high standard of service  in our company, and as a skipper, I like to ensure that standard is always met! I’m very lucky to have worked for the company for almost 2 years now and will be so happy to be with the company as it grows. I look forward to speaking to you more and maybe even meeting one day!

Here's Fransie showing us how it's done!

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our blog! Please share with your friends, colleagues, and family, and dont be shy to subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page. Please do check out our YouTube account (also featured on the right hand side of this page) as well for some great videos on the Seychelles and our fleet!

Till next time... Orevwar!