Morocco?

[Tim Good]

Ok so we'd intended to sail direct to Canaries tomorrow but the discussion has arisen as to whether it is worth popping into Morocco. Has anyone ever sailed there and could share their experiences of where what how and when please?

 

[Amphitrite]

Did that in 2004 on the way to the Canaries - so my info might be a bit dated. Following some nasty weather we went into Mohammedia for a few nights - small marina tucked away in a corner of the commercial port, some bureaucracy getting in and out. town uninteresting, but short train trip to Casablanca (which at the time was closed to yachts). Then continued to Safi - no yacht facilities, but where allowed to moor to the wall next to the tugs - nice, busy town with market, no tourists. Overall friendly people, but speaking french helped a lot. Would go for it again.

 

[Fatbeard]

There's a story ...

A certain Gentleman, being due for Gibraltar, with two "hitch hikers" picked up in Tangiers...

Dark night ... dark port ... dark customs guy.
-1 bottle of whiskey.
Customs guy vanishes.
Port clearance break their own necks trying not to see the party as their vehicle crosses.

This level of service may be lacking in the UK and, as a question, in theory, and only to gauge the value in this transaction contra our books... what would it cost to obtain this level of service from a UK port?

One more question... Have you remembered to pack something for special occasions, emergencies, medical situations etc? I would go for single malt.

 

[rib]

We went to the spanish port last year and went deep into the mountains to a spectacular blue village,a experience but worth doing

 

[Roberto]

Did that in 2004 on the way to the Canaries - so my info might be a bit dated.

2010 update
We stopped at Tangiers, Asilah, Rabat/Salé, Mohammedia, El Jadida, Jorf Lasfar, Safi, Essaouira and Agadir.
Liked least Rabat and Agadir as marinas very aimed at local rich people. El Jadida the shortest wall I ever moored to, about 4-5m long, impressive fish market opposite with giant tunas, 3m long hammersharks, blood everywhere
Last year I wanted to cruise the rest to the south (Laayoune, Tan tan, Dakhla, etc) but then we decided something different. Would definitely go again, probably will.

 

[dansaskip]

I stopped off at Rabat in 2014 en-route to the Canaries, a dangerous entrance not to be attempted if a big swell but the pilot boat will guide you in (or tell you not to enter). It is like no-where else that I have visited. Yes as Roberto says the marina is aimed at local rich people but I didn't find it very expensive and its a fascinating place to visit. Some French helps but the officials speak good English. Just make sure your documents are all in order, but that goes for everywhere really and expect to be searched both entering and leaving.