The tropical Sri Lanka

LOGBOOK

Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated just thirty or so kilometers to the south-east of India, with a population of 21 million, the majority of whom are Buddhist. It is a rather large island, with an area of 65,000km² - the size of Ireland – which will allow you to spend a perfect holiday on its palm-fronded beaches, as well as discovering some remarkable archaeological treasures and trekking on some exceptional footpaths... The former Ceylon gained independent from the United Kingdom in 1948, and is now a country where peace has reigned since 2009, after more than 20 years of murderous civil war. The stable political situation over the last five years, the election of a new moderate president at the beginning of 2015, and ideal climate and cruising conditions on the west (November – April) and east (April – October) coasts – 1,340km of coastline – make Sri Lanka a magic destination for charter lovers. The number of tourists has increased by 20% per year since the end of the civil war. There should be around 2.5 million in 2016, as against just 500,000 in 2009. Sri Lanka is well served by the airlines, with direct flights from Paris (11h) or, with a stopover, via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi...at attractive prices from Europe, which undeniably appeal to tourists looking for a change of scene and tropical sunshine. Sri Lanka has two distinct seasons, offering excellent cruising conditions - on the west and south coasts from October to March and on the east and north coasts from April to September. The temperature is hot and tropical all the year round on the coasts, varying between 28° and 35°C, whilst the annual average water temperature is 28°C. From October through March, the prevailing north-easterly winds make the north and east coasts un-navigable. On the other hand, the south and west coasts, protected by the mountains in the center of the country, benefit from a light offshore breeze (N-E, 10 – 15 knots) and a calm, flat sea. At the end of the day, the sea breeze sometimes provides stronger conditions, with south-westerly winds which can reach 20 knots. Between April and September, the trend is reversed, with prevailing south-westerlies giving rough conditions on the south and west coasts. On the other hand, the north and east coasts, protected by the mountains in the center of the country, benefit from a light offshore breeze (S-W, 10 – 15 knots) and a calm, flat sea. At the end of the day, the sea breeze sometimes provides stronger conditions, with winds which can reach 20-25 knots.

Lush forests and ragged coastlines…

TYPICAL ITINERARY

The island’s east coast was severely affected by the long civil war which shook Sri Lanka for almost 30 years, up until May 2009. Today it is completely safe, and offers deserted beaches which have been totally protected from tourism. From June through September here Sail Lanka Charter offers a 100% nature cruise to discover this wild coastline. Expanses of white sand, bays with turquoise water, lagoons with multicolored corals and very rich underwater life – this is what awaits you.

...or fine sand beaches will be the daily fare on your stopovers in Sri Lanka.

PRACTICAL SRI LANKA

Formalities: Valid passport (valid 6 months after the return date) and return or continuation ticket. Compulsory 1-month tourist visa, which can be obtained on the internet in 24 or 48 hours (30US$), and can be extended locally. Getting there: From Europe, there are direct, approximately 11-hour flights, solely via Sri Lankan Airlines, from Paris, London, Rome and Frankfurt, and flights with a stopover via Dubai, Abu Dhabi... Weather: The climate is equatorial: hot and wet. In the mountainous areas, it is more temperate. Two monsoons reign over the territory: a little monsoon in the north-east from October through January and a big monsoon in the south and west from May through August. Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (1€ = +/- 154 LKR). Credit cards accepted in the big hotels and restaurants. ATMs widely available. Local charter companies: For the moment, only Sail Lanka Charter (www.sail-lanka-charter.com)

There are no marinas in Sri Lanka, but anchorage areas, where the fishermen gather together…