Morocco bound

[All_at_Sea]

Hello forumites, we are headed for Morocco this summer, July 17th to August 4th, and wondered if anyone has any recent experiences good/bad to report. we will go to tangiers first and then down the Atlantic coast to casablanca or close to. Has anyone travelled that stretch recently?

 

[capnsensible]

Stopped in Mohammedir just north of Casablanca last September. Very beaurocratic, but very friendly. The port is a bit industrial but there is a small yacht club with a basic marina. Enjoyed it but was prepared to accept non european standards. Essoara (spelling?) further south is a big fishing port, scruffy but captivating, may be a bit too far though. Have heard a new marina is being completed in Casablanca may be worth checking.
Have a good trip.

 

[Amphitrite]

In 2004, Mohammedia was a good and safe but somewhat bureaucratic stop, with a small marina. Short train trip to Casablanca, which at the time was closed for yachts. Further south, Safi is a nice place to visit. The big fishing and commercial port is easy to enter even at night (not all lights lit), and clearing in/out is easy and friendly. No yachting facilities, but safe mooring. The town is very nice with an old bazar dating from the 15th century and very unspoilt.

 

[raven]

Could be worth having a word with Dave Snelson who posts on the Mobo forum. He has a marina apartment in Morocco close to Tetouan on the Med coast - I think the place is known as Marina Smir.

Certainly Dave talks very highly about the quality of the area and the very significant investment that Morocco is putting into it's tourist and associated industies.

The following is lifted from his forum signature and may provide you with some background detail...

http://www.med-holidays.net/Moroccan-Apartment.asp

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Hi

Just FYI - Tangiers is undergoing a large transformation from busy (but scruffy) port to tourist trap. A new port about the size of Algeciras is being built by American contractors further east along the med coast.

As raven rightly points out, we do have a place at Marina Smir and the whole place is again undergoing quite a transformation - although the marina itself is well established.

I would be more tempted by the med rather than atlantic coasts as you are more prtected from some of the rough weather that can blow in along the west. You would also have access north to spain and gib.

If you need more info, just PM me.

Cheers
Dave

 

[Abigail]

Hi this is sent from a cybercafe in tanger. Still struggling with keyboard so apols for howlers and lack of punctuation. Got in here last night from portugal. No probs at all with police etc. Bit of slow building work around YC but not much. Showers excellent. Tanger still scruffy but so far as we have been able to confirm price very cheap. Berthing is bows to. No stern anchor. Tie to next boat. V helpful guardien will meet you. V little space for visiting yachts as lots of those horrid little ,otorised runabouts you see everywhere on these coasts.

We are still havering about the Atlantic coast but will decide after train cruise to Fez.

Sarah & Pip

 

[All_at_Sea]

Thanks for all that, still going to go and take what comes along....if anyone sees us along the way come and say hello, tatty Nic 38, Pinta, full of kids - just can't get rid of them!

 

[Amphitrite]

Have a good trip...

Abigail: Keep us updated on Morrocco, I would love to go back and always look for fresh information!