About Us
Crew
The 4-person crew consists of 4 experienced Vezo sailors from the west coast of the Mozambique Channel, among whom Prien is both a sailor and head chef who will be pleased to assist and accompany you in all your activities. They are forces of nature, no winches like on today's sailboats, everything is done by hand, and 4 sailors are not too many to maneuver this schooner.
They all speak Sakalava, the dialect of Madagascar's west coast, but some like our captain Tina are beginning to master French. On board there is GPS, depth sounder, and marine charts of this great coast, however, this is more for comfort than safety, as our crew is well versed in navigating these waters which represent their living terrain.
Since their tender childhoods, they have sailed on these sailing cargo ships that have crisscrossed the Mozambique Channel and Madagascar's west coast for over a century. No way to mislead them, they know their exact position. Most sailed before they could even walk.
Like any self-respecting sailor, they are very superstitious, Madagascar's west coast like the entire country is riddled with 'Fady' (taboos) that must absolutely not be violated. This means that in certain places it is strictly forbidden to relieve oneself, or to dress in red on board during the rainy season, it attracts lightning, or to sail in front of certain places with peanuts, eggs, ginger, and sometimes even poultry on board. Pork is prohibited, not for religious reasons, but another Fady that their ancestors brought into their beliefs.
During our first cruises, the crew sometimes forgot to warn Laetitia and myself in advance of such and such Fady. Once we had to distribute 5 kg of delicious caramelized sugar-coated peanuts that were supposed to enhance several cruises with coffee breaks to the great joy of the children of a Cape St André village. Or when we had to choose between liver crisis by eating 40 eggs at once or missing an excellent anchorage for the night in a beautiful well-sheltered bay and continuing our navigation.
Your Hosts
"Our shared passion for the sea and traditional sailing brought us together in Madagascar."
— Fred & Laetitia
Fred
Director & Captain
French director based in Antananarivo, Fred has made numerous documentaries about the Indian Ocean for over 30 years. His love for sailing goes back to his childhood.
Available: April, July, August, September
Laetitia
Geologist & Hostess
Geologist and engineer, half Belgian, half Italian. She fell in love with Madagascar over 15 years ago during a humanitarian mission in Morondava.
Languages: French, English, Italian, German
Diving partner only on Nosy Be
Nicolas Jeanmart started diving in Reunion Island over 20 years ago. He has been exploring the marine depths of Madagascar's west coast for a little over 15 years.
Specialty instructor: deep, wreck, night, photo, EFR, DAN Oxygen therapy.
He will be your professional for this activity departing from Nosy Be, as an option and by reservation several months in advance.