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A unique excursion in Mauritius on board of an authentic schooner dated the 19th century, built in 1852 in Spain! |
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General Information
In order to avoid misunderstanding and to offer a better service to your and our clients, please take the following details into consideration:
- Confirm bookings for exclusive tours (groups, incentives, special events) must reach your ground handler in writing.
- Bookings for sunset cruises, wedding ceremonies should be made well in advance. Short time are also possible but without any guarantee of availability of the boat. As our “standard” cruises for individuals take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, a sunset cruise or a wedding ceremony can also be organized on these days but not before 17.00h.
- Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers are actually possible in front of some hotels, close to them or at other places (Caudan Waterfront, Black River). However, we make you attentive to the fact that our prices can be notably increased because of the longer mobilization of the boat.
- Dress code on board is very casual. Shoes must be generally be taken off on board. Exception: wedding ceremonies and official occasions.
- A photograph from the company “Pixel Photoshop Ltd. is also available on request.
Information on "Isla Mauritia"
Here are some technical facts:
- Isla Mauritia is a schooner (2 masts).
- Built in 1852 in Spain (Majorca).
- Full length: 32m.
- Maximum width: 8m.
- Draft: 3m.
- Mast: 25m.
- Number of passengers allowed: up to 75.
- Total length of ropes: 3'000m.
- Sails' area: 350 sqm.
- Engine: 8 cylinders diesel.
CLIENTS MUST GET THE BEST!
What are the reasons for which clients should not miss our sailing cruise on the “Isla Mauritia“? Here are our strong points:
Historical heritage
The "Isla Mauritia“ is truly a magnificent example of the world's nautical history. It is the last vessel of its category in the world, which is still active. Thanks to some modifications, we are able to offer this vessel for day sailing cruises so that everyone gets the opportunity to set his clock backwards and experience the old age romance.
Shipbuilding
The "Isla Mauritia" was built in 1852 (genuine certified) by the famous Sollier's shipyards in Spain (Majorca). They needed about two years to transform 90 tonnes of wood (Spanish pine) into an elegant schooner. Day after day and once a year for a complete check-up, our ship is most carefully maintained in accordance with its original condition.
Sailing cruise
Cruise does not necessarily mean destination to us... We actually centre our sailing cruises on the product, in other words "Isla Mauritia" the floating museum. On board of this old sailing boat, experience the ages of old romance, sheer excitement of traditional sailing and the very good quality of our services; it will ideally complete your stay in Mauritius.
Service
With approximately 40 to 50 people on board, all crew members will do their best to provide a personalised and attentive service for you in a friendly, jolly and relaxed atmosphere.
Crew
The crew members are professional sailors with more than 7 years experience on ocean sailing boats; all of them are holders of the Royal Society Life Saving Certificate and know all the details of their respective tasks. Think that if the ocean is their garden, "Isla Mauritia" is their home! They are versatile and function as stewards, entertainers, animators to create a very pleasant atmosphere on board. But do not imagine that discipline is neglected! The whole work process takes place according to strict rules. Fun is for the passengers, not the crew...
Experience
We have been working very hard for more than 24 years with the intention of associating the traditional Mauritian hospitality with the spirit of the present time. Our warmest wish is to maintain this level and our years of experience make the difference.
Safety
Safety on board is our highest priority. "Isla Mauritia" is equipped with radar, GPS, VHF-radio, first-aid kits and life jackets. We respect all the international standards.
InsuranceOur insurance has been contracted with La Prudence Mauricienne for personal goods and properties.
"ISLA MAURITIA" SAILING CRUISE - OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Standard Sailing Cruise
Arrival at Grand Bay the meeting point situated in front of Yacht Charters office.
09h35 Embarkation on board small boats, which bring passengers on board of the historic schooner “Isla Mauritia”
10h00 The skipper welcomes everyone and gives necessary briefing on the trip and the security measures on board.
10h15 The boat set sail along the North West coast towards ‘Carpenters Bay” while you experience the ages of old romance and sheer excitement of traditional sailing on a classic ship.
12h20 Arrival at ‘Carpenters Bay’, swimming and snorkeling can be done, sun-bathing is also possible on the beach (Snorkeling equipments can be provided on board).
12h45 Lunch is served in a picnic style, beef curry, fish curry with two salads, together with white and red wine, soft drinks and beers followed by ice cream as dessert.
14h00 Live sega entertainment played by the multitalented crew after lunch.
Preparation for the trip back to “Isla Mauritia” by small boat.
14h30 “Isla Mauritia” set sail back to Grand Bay. While having sight seeing enjoy coffee and cake. Soft drinks, fresh beers, some rum and cola are served on the way back.
16h45 Arrival in Grand Bay, slow disembarkation at Yacht Charters jetty with live sega animation and sailors’ song.
Keen snorklers need to bring their own gears
Schedule for Sunset Cruises
16h45 – 17h00 Arrival at Grand Bay / jetty of Yacht Charters Ltd.
17h00 – 17h15 Embarkation on small boats to get on board “Isla Mauritia”.
Welcome on board and short briefing by the crew.
17h15 – 19h15 Isla Mauritia” sets sail towards the north islands or another itinerary will be chosen according to the wind and sea conditions (final decision by the Skipper).
Accompanied with musical entertainment on board drinks and snacks are served.
Passengers enjoy the setting sun in music.
The sailing boat sets sail in the direction of Grand Bay again. After having dropped anchor, the last drinks are served and sega music is played live by the crew.
19h15 – 19h30 Slow disembarkation at the jetty of Grand Bay.
Remarks
According to the seasons (summer / winter) and customer’s wishes, the schedule times are subject to change slightly.
Drinks
South African white and rosé wine. “Pirates delight” (punch), beer, nonalcoholic drinks (Coca cola, Fanta, Sprite, Mineral water)
Snacks
A choice of seven varieties from the following list:
* = 3 pieces per person
- canapés with marlin, ham, cheese or paté*
- chicken, ham or cheese sandwiches*
- roasted or mimosa eggs*
- risoles*
- samoussas*
- gâteaux piments*
- "pinwheel” ham and asparagus
- "porcupine” Cheese and olives
- "porcupine” ham and pineapple
- crackers and peanuts.
Wedding Ceremonies
Introduction
Wedding ceremonies can be held on Isla Mauritia according to the wishes of the couple. The ceremony can just bring together the groom, the bride, a legal representative and a photograph (for example) or, of course, other relatives and guests. The program should be exactly defined in advance with Yacht Charters Ltd. The following one is only a possibility among others.
Program
Arrival in Grand Bay (jetty of Yacht Charters) in the afternoon.
Embarkation on small boats to get on board Isla Mauritia; welcome and short briefing by the crew and the skipper.
Isla Mauritia sets sail towards the north islands or another itinerary will be chosen according to the wind and sea conditions (final decision by the skipper). Musical entertainment on board.
The wedding ceremony will be hold in accordance with the wishes of the couple (time and place). Assistance by crew members if need be.
Drinks and snacks are served accompanied with music.
Live music by some crew members (music pieces chosen by the couple).
Isla Mauritia sets sail in the direction of Grand Bay again. After having dropped the anchor, more drinks are served and the crew plays music live.
Slow disembarkation at the jetty of Grand Bay.
Length of the program
From 1½ to 2 hours. Departure time in Grand Bay to be previously discussed.
Drinks
South African white & rosé wine, "pirate delight” (punch), beer, nonalcoholic drinks (coca cola, sprite, mineral water). Sparkling wine served after the ceremony.
Snacks
Seven different varieties of snacks can be chosen such as canapés with marlin, ham, cheese or pâté: sandwiches (chicken, ham, cheese): ham and asparagus: ham and pineapple: cheese and olive: “gâteau piments” & “samoussas”, crackers & peanuts.
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