Yachts are again cruising in the Red Sea in larger numbers, entering and leaving from the north, via the Suez canal, and thus able to explore this large interesting area while remaining many hundreds of miles from the areas at risk of Yemeni and Somali pirates. The Red Sea makes a particular attractive winter destination for yachts based in the eastern Mediterranean in summer, that want to continue sailing through winter, without travelling to the Caribbean to do so.
Hurghada is a popular and friendly resort, and the four-year old marina one of Egypt’s newest and smartest. It’s around 180 miles south of Suez city, on the western shore of the Red Sea, at the southern end of the Gulf of Suez.
Depths in the marina vary from 3-4 m and there’s space for up to 200 yachts of 10-50 metres in length. Superyachts are also able to moor on the seaward side of the dock. All boats must have a reservation prior to arrival, and are not allowed to enter the marina after sunset. Egypt has more prescriptive navigation regulations than many countries, so written permission is also required to move the boat within the port, and is needed before departure. This is normally arranged through an agent, for a modest fee.
On shore facilities include fuel, chandlery and dive store, provisions, medical centre, banking, a wide selection of bars and restaurants, many with free wifi internet access. The marina is a 10 minute taxi ride to Hurghada International Airport, which has charter and scheduled flights to scores of destinations throughout Europe.
The climate is dry and pleasant year-round, particularly in winter – even in January average afternoon temperatures rise comfortably above 20 degrees Celsius, and there’s an average of 280 hours of sun during the month. Similarly, the water temperature remains warm enough for diving and snorkelling throughout the year.
