Felucca Sailing in Luxor on the Nile

[Enya]

Just back from Egypt where I stayed for a week in the Sheraton at Luxor. Each hotel seems to have several feluccas for hire at reasonable rates. Each day I went out for an hour and learnt to sail one. Cost me £30 for the week (35 LE). Had a competent skipper. Hotel holidays can be boring even if the Sheraton food is pretty good.

Currently prices are very good because of all the political hype but I saw no trouble nor heard of any even though the elections were on. Main hazard in streets is hassle from vendors and caleche drivers.

Worth considering if you and your other half have different priorities for their holidays.

 

[dylanwinter]

Just back from Egypt where I stayed for a week in the Sheraton at Luxor. Each hotel seems to have several feluccas for hire at reasonable rates. Each day I went out for an hour and learnt to sail one. Cost me £30 for the week (35 LE). Had a competent skipper. Hotel holidays can be boring even if the Sheraton food is pretty good.

Currently prices are very good because of all the political hype but I saw no trouble nor heard of any even though the elections were on. Main hazard in streets is hassle from vendors and caleche drivers.

Worth considering if you and your other half have different priorities for their holidays.

pix or vid?

 

[Lakesailor]

That's a good idea. Any wind? When we went we drifted a lot and then got a tow.


(From videotape)

 

[Enya]

I was concentrating on sailiing so did not take pictures. I chose between 3 and 4 each afternoon when I could see there was wind. When there was a lull on one occasion the Skipper and his assistant rowed to where there was more wind. Boat was about 6 m long and draft 1.5.down but llifting keel. The tiller was heavy and though one leans into with ones back, I would not like to be doing it in a blow. Fine if you have the weight and sail easily scandalised with one crew.

Made me start thinking about daysailing and lateen rigs and junk rigs too.

 

[dylanwinter]

 

[Davegriff]

Assuming that's Mrs Lakesailor, when you gonna buy her some proper boaty shoes?

 

[st599]

I got the train from Cairo to Luxor a couple of years ago, after a brief work stint in Cairo.

Then spent a couple of days sailing a felluca to the next train station. Had New Years eve camping on the banks of the Nile with some Aussies of a similar mindset.

 

[Lakesailor]

Assuming that's Mrs Lakesailor, when you gonna buy her some proper boaty shoes?

She can buy her own shoes.

We hadn't planned a boaty trip, but our taxi driver (tip: get an English speaking one who will shuttle you about during your stay) said his brother-in-law (always some relative ) had just finished painting it and did we want a felucca to ourselves? It seemed rude to decline.