Tunisia

[lornagrace]

Hi All,
in the next few 12 months I'm thinking of moving my 10.4m yacht to Tunisia for the next couple of years, to get it closer to the Atlantic for the next stage in it's sailing life.

any pointers or recommendations both for and against would be greatly appreciated, such as best ports, closeness to airport and amenities,

kind regards

Phil

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I kept a 9m Catalac in Monastir from '94 to '99 when Tunisia was a dictatorship under Ben Ali. The marina there was small but provided a very good service, including a hoist, small engineering works, sail repairs and anti-fouling. Security was good and I had no trouble leaving the boat unattended for weeks on end (I worked in Sfax a few hours drive further south). The locals then were warm, friendly and helpful.
I returned in 2006, and was there when the Arab Spring kicked off in 2011, Ben Ali was deposed, and everyone was optimistic for the future. It didn't last. Tunisians I had known and been friendly with for years became more and more distant. The rise of ISIS resulted in a stronger observance of Islamic dress code for women and obligatory attendance at prayers for men.
By 2012 I felt decidedly uncomfortable with the security situation where I lived and worked and asked to be reassigned. (Got back to my billet one evening to find BBC on channel 911. Got issued a new set of orange overalls, everyone elses were blue)
What it's like today I don't know.

Pantelleria is an overnight sail away. A one town island, very steep and volcanic. Great seafood and wine (pre-phyloxera vines, for those in the know). A mecca for Italian divers; reputed to have the largest and tamest Napoleon fish in the Mediterranean.
Lampedusa used to be a very popular holiday destination for Italians. Not now I believe, as it's overrun with refugees from all over Africa and beyond arriving by boat from Libya and Tunisia seeking access to Europe.
Linosa is the closest Italian island to North Africa. Not much there. Rumour had it that Ghadaffi's sons used to pop over for pizzas, or so the cafe proprietor told me.
Malta has got everything you need, but it wasn't cheap when I visited. Anchorages are only suitable for picnic stops not for long term stopovers.
Gozo. Nothing there except peace and quite when I visited. Probably covered in hotels by now.

 

[MontyMariner]

I holidayed in Djerba a few years ago. The marina looked good and there's a nearby airport, but it is quite a way into the Med.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

If you wanted to be nearer the Atlantic I might suggest Gibraltar as an alternative.