Atlantic Moroccan Ports Updates

Created by doina. Last modified on 2004-03-11 21:48:04
Countries: Morocco

Casablanca Yacht Club was pulled down and the area is not accessible to yachts. However yachts can now either anchor or go into the marina (and I use that term loosely)located at the northernmost end of the harbour inside the breakwater wall. Excellent holding /shelter and there is a fellow who runs the marina who will deliver you to the relevant officials in his car for a small fee.

Note: Watch for the mostly submerged steel wreck in the middle of the bay. Come down one side or the other of it to enter. Plenty of depth up to the Marina. However there is a hump just in front of the marina which stops any vessel of more than 5 ft draft entering the marina on low tide. Once in the marina you are ok for 6ft at low. Sounds trickier than it is but the marina manager will come out to help.

El Jadida is small but quite good shelter along the dock. There is a helpful dockmaster.

Jorf Lasfar is a commercial port but you can seek shelter there if you need to. Anchor up near the small fishing port right up in the head of the harbour. We sat out 2x 50kt lows in succession there.

Mohamadia is a no go port now despite all guides. And anchoring out is exposed.

Safi was another good port however you are put alongside their Coast Guard boat which wasn't ideal esp as were rafted 7 abreast in yet another 50 kt blow.

In general Morocco was a little bit of work (officials) but the people and towns do make it worth the extra hassle. Learn a little French, it does help!

Ian Eatherley