Flying Fish Articles Anjouan – 12°09.00'S, 44°24.00'E [Approximate]
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Peter Best - Shemali Blue
2) DATE 1996
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Anjouan, Comoro Islands – 12°09’S 44°24’E
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Mutsamudu is the capital of Anjouan, the second largest island in the Cormores Group. The old town is reminiscent of Zanzibar with its narrow streets leading every which way with small dukas at every corner. The people are friendly and make one feel very welcome. The newer parts of the town have a French flavour and are clean, neat and obviously well looked after.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE Anchor in 5 - 10 metres or more (depending on your draft) SE of the tip of the main breakwater. If you go alongside the quays for fuel or water do not leave your yacht unattended, as opportunist thievery is rife. It is possible to hire locals, at reasonable prices, and we would definitely recommend Maketse, who has a folder of references from many visiting yachts, and will probably make himself known upon your arrival.
6) ENTRY PORTS Anjouan.
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING a) from/to same country
b) from/to abroad Ship’s papers and passports. When clearing out arrange with the Port Captain for Port Clearance and, at the same time, ask him to call Immigration, who will come to the yacht to give exit stamps. The actual Port Clearance form is not given until 30 minutes before departure, but it does not seem to be a problem, as it will be delivered if sufficient notice is given, say, a couple of hours or so.
c) visa requirements In 1996 a five-day visa, obtained on the spot, cost about US$8.35.
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master The Port Captain has an office upstairs in the building shown on the chartlet. b) customs/immigration Immigration is about 2 kms from the port. Take a taxi. c) health authorities d) police 9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS There is an arrival form to fill in at the Port Captain’s office, and that is all. Customs do not seem to be bothered at all, but it is necessary to go to Immigration. 10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN 11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES 12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS BA 2066 13) PORT RADIO SERVICES Try VHF Ch 16 and talk to the Port Captain. 14) WEATHER FORECASTS 15) YACHT CLUB(S) 16) OTHER FACILITIES - a) drinking water Alongside the quays
b) fuel Alongside the quays
f) shops/market Prices of local goods, mainly fruit, vegetables and fish are quite reasonable, and the standard is relatively high. Quality and price compare very favourably with Mayotte, and we would recommend storing perishables here in preference. Imported goods, tins etc, are more expensive, but most things are available.
n) anything else The main language is Comorian, a mixture of Arabic, Swahili and a few others, but French is almost universal and many understand English.
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS We took an island tour, hiring a ‘taxi brousse’ for 6 people, at a cost of approx US$85, for a ride of about seven hours. Some of the scenery is spectacular, with the road winding on a seemingly never ending upward series of hairpins as it goes up the mountain. We stopped at a vanilla factory and would have a seen a ylangylang factory except that it was a Sunday and closed. The town of Domoni on the east coast was worth the visit for the last President’s mausoleum, and the local craft workshops which produce some very fine carving and woodwork.