Cabedelo / Jacare : New East Coast Yachting Centre Announced

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-05-23 13:36:16
Countries: Brazil

Phillipe Fessard an experienced French sailor, has opened a new yachting centre at Praia do Jacaré, on the Rio Paraiba behind the port of Cabedelo, close to Joao Pessoa, (6 58’S., 34 50’W.). The buoyed channel to Cabedelo is well marked for either day or night entry, with at least depth of more than 8 meters.

Since the 1970s Praia do Jacaré (Crocodile Beach – but there are now no crocodiles) has been a stopover for yachts heading either north or south along the Brazilian coast. It is a safe and secure anchorage up a tidal river with good holding. It is located at the easternmost point of Brazil and has the unique situation of being at the point where the Trade Winds and ocean currents divide. It is possible to sail either north to the Caribbean from here, or south to Salvador.

The location of Jacaré is unique along the Brazilian coast, as one can sail south to Salvador and easily sail north again with the trade winds still easterly as long as you don’t sail close to the coast, (where anyway a lot of local fishing boats and nets make night watches difficult) and reasonable weak current along this part of the coast all along the year. No hurricane season, no tidal wave!

It is a small center in a beautiful and tranquil setting that eases a yacht crew into the Brazilian way of life after a long ocean passage.

With the opening of Jacare Yacht Village, small marinas with pontoon berths for 40 yachts, Praia do Jacaré yachting facilities will be greatly improved. The pontoon berths have fresh water and electricity.

The "Captain Phillipe Bar" is already open, as well as the restaurant, laundry and WIFI Internet access, diesel fueling dock, pool and gymnasium exercise area. Haul-out facilities with a dry storage area is a future project: This will be an important service for yachts sailing this coast, as at present there are no secure long-term dry storage facilities between Trinidad and Rio de Janeiro.

Repairs can be done at Brazilian prices and a yacht can be left ashore for extended interior travel or during a visit to the crew’s home country (2 years extended visa for the boat available regarding new Brazilian law). A sail maker, official “North Sail” agent, is also available on site. The airport at Joao Pessoa, the provincial capital, is only 10 kilometres away, with national and international airline connections. Car rental is available. VHF channel 68 radio watch will be maintained.

Prices for the marina and dry storage will be at reasonable Brazilian rates. The daily rate for a 42-foot yacht at a pontoon berth is US$6.00, with a discount of 30% for a monthly rate.

Praia do Jacaré is a local tourist destination, known for its dramatic sunsets over the mangrove nature preserve across the river and its many attractive waterfront bars and restaurants, many featuring live music. With the addition of Jacare Yacht Village it will become an internationally known yachting destination, also because this is the shortest Atlantic crossing way from Cabo Verde to Americas…

For more information: Philippe Fessard, Tel: 00/55.83.248.36.38