Welcome to the beautifull island of Nosy Be, Madagascar!
Where, how? Well let me explain. In 2015 I decided to go sailing and after spending a few thousand miles on other peoples boats I decided it was time to buy one for myself. As there are so many brands and types on the market, it took me almost 2 years to find out what would suit me best: a Super Maramu.
Amel Super Maramu 2000
In Europe there where quite a few available, but all had problems: rigging not replaced and other maintenance issues or out of the water for a long time: simply too much risk and no value for money. The search continued. Suddenly there was a promising one offered by a broker in South Africa. They told me I could contact the owner later because the ship was sailing from the Seychelles to Madagascar. Well that sounds good, a yacht that is actually used on the ocean, not stuck in a marina or on the hard. We made an appointment in Nosy be, Madagascar. He kindly invited me to stay some time on boardso that I could see, test and inspect everything plus a test sail to Hell Ville.
After a week of inspecting and testing: decision time…the hull and all the equipment is in good condition, could not find any problems just minor things.
Its decision time…. Do I need to see more? NO. Will I find a better one for this money? NO. Do I want to buy? YES, JFD!
We spent another week together sailing in the Nosy be area and have a lot of fun on shore as well. Then the owner decides that it is time for him to go back home. After a farewell to his ship I bring him to the airport. I return alone to the ship. Operating the dinghy clearly needs more practice. The first night alone on board is really strange! This is my ship, is this a dream?
