Dated 7 Aug 2008

On our way from Bombay to Chagos and now back to Thailand we have stopped twice at Gan (Addo Atoll, Maldives) this year, bypassing Male. Gan worked quite well for us as a convenient stepping stone to Chagos: sheltered anchorage at Gan Harbour (entrance: 00° 41.04S, 073° 08.74E), easy pit stop for provisioning and refuelling, correct and friendly authorities who charge just a nominal fee and an authorized local yacht agent who is helpful, competent and who understands cruisers on a small budget (if you stay longer than 72 hours an agent is compulsory at Gan):

Mr. Mas-ood, MNS Maldives Pvt Ltd

Tel: +960 689 3433 / Mob: +960 790 6609. Fax: +960 689 3432. VHF Ch 16.

Email: mns@dhinet.net.mv or masood_mns@hotmail.com

Clearance, provisioning, refueling, laundry, yacht repairs (electronics and electrics, diesel mechanic, fiberglass, steel, wood), import of spare parts and tours.

He helped us to repair our autopilot and he helped another yacht to fix their broken wind vane. We would like to recommend his reliable and honest service to other cruisers.

Matt Hahnewald SY Kamu II, Cape Town