Ilheus, Bahia

Created by doina. Last modified on 2002-10-12 14:15:42
Contributors: Lilly Vedana, Thomas Mueller, Yacht MIZ MAE
Countries: Brazil

Location: Ilheus, Brazilian East Coast, 14.46,9 S and 39.02,0 W. 60 miles south of Camamu.

Description

A harbor well sheltered from all winds from E over South and all the way to NNW. Ilheus is a major industrial town which flowered during the 1800's when the Cacao rush was on. Today grain is the main export product and large freighters can be seen on the wharf. Tourism is only gaining ground very slowly and the town can hardly be described as beautiful, though there are a large number of old, classic houses to be admired from times passed long ago.

Approach

The dock running from the south to the north is extended by a wave breaker. A working light is marking its end, but make sure you give it a safe berth and don't mix up the lights on Ilheu Grande which is half a mile further to the east.

Once inside the wave breaker it only shallows up slowly. The fishing harbor has its own wave breaker running from the shore in a north easterly direction. This wave breaker might well be submerged in high tides. The yacht anchorage is 3 cable lengths west of this wave breaker, north of the Yacht Club. It shallows up almost ¾ of a mile outside the YC and boats with more than 2 mtr draft will have to stay a fair bit away from the club. It is quite common that the boat man of the YC comes out to greet and advise you.

There are only few resident boats on moorings. Clearance, if you wish to do it, is relaxed. Those who only stay a short time might want to skip it completely.

Services

The Club House, identified by its thatched roof, is offering visiting yachts the use of the facilities, a bar, swimming pool with a magnificent view, a nice restaurant and very limited repair service. Fresh water and diesel are best bought at the fishermen's wharf at high tide though it's better you don't need any !

The YC's dinghy dock is a classic and a daylight approach is recommended.

Ilheus is a big town and all services are available (except hauling out), though it may take some time to find them. With the Yacht Club being some 5 km away from the town center, you will want a taxi, especially after dark as the area is said to be not very safe.

Comments

Ilheus is a rough working city. Prices are extremely low and there are some very poor parts of town. Even down town you will appreciate heavily armed guards and military police in the main shopping area. We didn't wait around for darkness as the yacht club people had advised us to be on the premises before night fall.

We didn't explore the long beach west of the YC, but there are quite a number of bars and night life when waiting for the southerlies to calm down.

Lilly Vedana, Thomas Mueller

Yacht MIZ MAE, May 2002