Documents
The following government papers obtained at any port of entry, should be treated as documents:
1. The currency transfer receipt.
2. The health certificate.
3. The Security permit (entering the River Nile).
4. The custom's list showing the yachts equipment.
5. The insurance policy (Suez Canal).
These documents or any one of them, should be shown when demanded by the local authorities, when applying for visa renewal, or when applying for departure permit.
DEPARTURE REGULATIONS.
Yachts departing Egypt should do so from a port of entry.
Departure Permit. Should be applied for from the Coast Guard Authorities.
Papers and Documents. All permits, documents and currency transf-er receipts previously obtained on arrival or transfer, should be submitted, together with passports and the crew list, to the Authorities. Any changes in the crew members must be entered in the crewjst.
Departing. Yachts should depart as soon as the departure permit is obtained. However, in case of difficulty, viz; engine trouble, serious damage, foul weather, or absence of favourable winds, departure can be postponed for 24 hours. If, for the same reasons, the departure is delayed longer than the i
SPECIAL REGULATIONS.
In addition to the documents previously obtained at the port of entry, certain measures are taken for yachts intending to enter the River Nile. -
Customs Check List. Customs' representatives will make a list of the main particulars of the yacht and its engine I engines, including outboard engines / motors. This list will include important equipment and instruments such as: binoculars, sextants, radios and the like. The list will be annexed to the skipper's passport and stamped. On departure, the customs' representatives will check the yachts equipment and instruments against the list's items, before issuing the "Customs Clearance Certificate". A "Departure Permit" will accordingly be issued.
Security Permit. A security permit to enter the Nile has to be applied for through the C.G. Authorities at the port of entry. You are advised to apply for it as soon as you arrive at the port of entry.
GENERAL NOTES
Except in ports of entry, you are not allowed to leave your yacht or go ashore anywhere on the Egyptian coast, whether it is a harbour or a shelter. In case of absolute necessity, the authorities present may grant you permission to go ashore.
The details of procedures and charges set out in this Guide are as accurate as possible at the time of going to press (Feb, 1987). But it is possible that you may find changes in the cost of services, dues, or fees as time goes on. This is invariably due to an updating of tariffs already included in this Guide. It is the ongoing policy of the Authorities to improve the system and facilities, and we are confident that you will appreciate the motivation behind any new procedures or alterations you encounter.
YACHT AND EQUIPMENT
There is no restrictions on the type or size of yachts visiting Egypt, provided they carry the proper "yacht's papers".
Except for yachts intending to transit the Suez Canal or enter the River Nile, no special gear or equipment is needed.
Suez Canal. As a rule, yachts and small craft should have their own means of propulsion capable of producing speeds of at least five knots.
The River Nile. Due to certain navigational restraints and limited facilities, yachts should fulfil the following requirements:
1 . A strong hull, to withstand the unavoidable strandings and chaffing against stone banks and the sides of barges.
2 . A reasonably powerful engine, to overcome rather strong currents and be able to get free from stranding.
3 . Removable masts. i i
4 . Maximum draught of 1.75 metres, or a centreboard lifting keel. |
5 . Reliable echo sounder. f i
6 . Fenders, in sufficient number. \
7. A hose, of about 30 metres for taking on fresh water, otherwise : "jerrycans" are to be used. I
Awnings. Sun awnings are very useful, especially when cruising on the River Nile, or during your stay at any port on the Red Sea.
SUPPLIES AND REPAIRS
Gear and Rigging. Yacht's gear, rigging and equipment are rare on the local market.
Navigation Charts. Admirality charts, maritime publications and certain instruments are found at "MARINKART" in Alexandria, Suez and Port Said.
Fuel. Available in all ports of entry, Rosetta, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.
Fresh Water. Available everywhere.
Lubricants and Paints. Available in almost all the ports of entry.
Provisions. Fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and groceries are available everywhere. Also available are a wide variety of local and imported soft drinks, liquors, and canned food. Pork and Ham are found at certain butchers' shops in the main cities.
Repairs. Small and medium carpentry, hull, rigging, mechanical, and electrical repairs are possible at workshops in Alexandria, Port Said, Suez and Cairo. Facilities for major repairs are only found at public shipyard companies in Alexandria and the Suez Canal Authority workshops in Port Said. Electronic equipment repairs are available in Alexandria, Port Said and Suez.
Slipways. Private and public slipways are available at almost every port of entry. Cost of using the slipway differs from one place to another, as with many services it is advisable to negotiate the cost beforehand.
NAVIGATION CHARTS AND PLANS
Information included in this Guide, is not to be used to amend or to substitute official charts and other recognised maritime publications.
The Plans ot harbours, shelters and approaches included in this Guide, which have been prepared by the author should be used in conjunction with official charts, pilot books, and plans. Other plans have been prepared by the Egyptian Naval Forces, Survey Department.
Charts referred to in this Guide are those issued by the British Admiralty.
PROHIBITIONS
1 . Conveyance of, or trading in opium, drug, and marijuana.
2 . Conveyance of gold or silver bullions.
3 . Acquisition or exportation of Egyptian antiquities.
4 . Taking pictures of bridges, barrages and dams.
5 . Money exchange on the black market.
6 . Collection of corals, shells and marine animals, also spear fishing or taking of the coloured reef fish in the Red Sea.
WORKING HOURS ANS HOLIDAYS.
Daily working hours in Egypt are from 08.00 to 14.00; Friday is the weekend holiday, while Sunday is the weekend holiday for shops, stores and workshops.
Daily working hours during the Moslems' fasting month of "Ramadan" are reduced to five hours; from 09.00 to 14.00.
Official holidays are tabulated in appendix ( 3 )
EGYPTIAN MONEY AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE: are given in appendix
MEASURES, WEIGHTS AhlD CAPACITIES
Linear and square measures; metric system. Weights; in grams, kilograms, and tons. Liquid measure of capacity; in litres.
TOURIST INFORMATION
, Maps. Tourist maps in English, French, or German are available at book shops at the main cities at reasonable prices. In addition to the maps of Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor, two maps are recommended for yachtsmen intending : to voyage the River Nile. The first, "Egypt, road map for sightseeing" (1: : 750.000) is published by "Lehnert and Landrock", Cairo. The second, "A . leisure map of Egypt", with plans of Cairo, the Giza Pyramids, Alexandria, | and Luxor / Thebes, is produced and published by "Clyde Surveys Limited", England. These maps and many others are on sale at "ALAHRAM" Press bookshops in the main cities.
: Handbooks. Numerous tourist books on different subjects of interest are ' available in English, French, and German at bookshops in the main cities.
Tourist Information. E.G.A.P.T issues informative tourist publications in five f foreign languages; English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. These publications are available, free of charge, at the "Tourist Information" main * Offices in the main cities in Egypt and several cities abroad. ( See app. 4).
YACHT CLUBS IN EGYPT
There are nine Yacht Clubs in Egypt, at Alexandria Eastern Harbour, Port Fouad, Port Tewfik, Ismailia and Cairo. In addition to receiving visiting yachts, > these clubs can be very helpful with regarding formalities, repairs, supplies, information, and domestic services.
Visiting yachtsmen are treated as guest members, and are entitled to use , the club house, facilities and services at reduced fees. Fees charged differ from one club to another.
Regular meals are served in some clubs, while snacks and light meals are served in others.
The Yacht Club of Egypt (Y.C.E.) at Alexandria Eastern Harbour, is officially authorised to act on behalf of the owner of a yacht calling on Alexandria, in matters connected with the local authorities.
At ports of entry where there are no yacht clubs, the skipper will have to obtain the necessary papers and documents in person following the procedures already mentioned.
EGYPTIAN NAVAL FORCES
One of the duties of the Navy is to help vessels in trouble. Yachts taking refuge in a harbour or a shelter where there is a Naval base or post, can ask for the Navy's help or advice.
MILITARY STATIONS.
There will invariably be an Army Post or Military Station in the area where there is a shelter. Yachtsmen taking refuge in these shelters can expect offers of co-operation and assistance.
HISTORIC BACKGROUND
Egypt has the oldest recorded history in world civilization.
About the sixth millennium BC, the ancient Egyptians abandoned the vast areas of North Africa and started to settle, in small tribal societies, on the fertile banks of the Nile.
Towards the end of the stone age (6000 - 3200 BC.) these small societies grew bigger and eventually developed into nine successive civilizations; four on the Delta { Lower Egypt) and five on the Nile Basin ( Upper Egypt).
The Egyptian Dynasties began in 3200 BC., and ended by the 31st Dynasty in 332 BC., when Alexander the Great invaded Egypt.
During the first three Dynasties (3200 - 2780 BC.,) Egypt was unified and Hieroglyphic writing developed. The Old Kingdom (2780 • 2280 BC.,) was distinguished by Pyramids builders, expansion of maritime trade with Byblos, Syria and Cyprus, and with the "Land of Punt".
It was during the New Empire (1567 -1085 BC.,) that Egypt expelled the Hyksos, conquered Palestine and Syria to the Euphrates, and defeated the Lybian invaders and the "sea people's" attacks.
The Persians dominated Egypt twice; during the period 525-345 BC., and again from 341 to 332 BC., when Alexander the Great invaded Egypt, established the Macedonian Dynasty of the Ptolemies, and founded Alexandria.
The last of the Ptolemies, Queen Cleopatra, committed suicide after her defeat at the Naval Battle of Actium, in 31 BC., by the Roman Emperor "Augustus", and Egypt was added to the Roman Empire. After the division of the Roman Empire, around 340 AD., Egypt became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Greek-speaking Bysantium.
Moslem Arabs invaded Egypt, 639 - 642 AD., and conquered the country, and most Egyptians converted to the Moslem faith and adopted the Arabic language.
In 1517, Egypt became part of the Ottoman Empire, and in 1798 Napolean launched his famous "Egyptian Campaign". The same year, the French Fleet was destroyed in Abu Qir Bay at the Naval Battle ( Battle of the Nile) by the celebrated Naval Commander Horation Nelson. Two years later, the French evacuated Egypt.
In 1805, Muhammed Ali was appointed Ruler (Wali) of Egypt, and he established his own dynasty the "Aliats", which ruled the country for a century and a half.
The British occupied Egypt in 1882, three years after the opening of the Suez Canal.
The Egyptian revolution broke out on 23 July, 1952, dethroned "Faruk", the last king of the "Aliat" dynasty, and a Republic was proclaimed on 18 June, 1953. Three years later, the last British troops have been evacuated from their Suez Canal bases.
Egypt's maritime history is as old as its civilization. Historians believe that the first true sea voyages were made by the Egyptians w**o worked northward along the coasts of Palestine and Syria, or southward do* i the Red Sea.
On the other hand, historians find it difficult to say when a ^il was first used; but there is an eight thousand years old piece of Egyptian pottery in the British Museum which bears a picture of a boat with a small square sail, the first "sail boat" known in the history of maritime navigation. There are many similar sail boats and various other types in the wonderfully preserved pictures in the tombs and temples of the ancient Egypt.
Most striking of all, are the thirty oars large sail ships illustrated in a remarkable series of pictures carved on the walls of Queen Hatshepsute's i tomb-temple at Thebes in Upper Egypt. These pictures date from around 1500 i BC., and the unique series of vignettes show a sea-borne expedition to the "land of Punt". The cargo these ships carried included precious woods, ivory, silver, panther skins, apes and incense. The pictures provide one of the best records of early sea trading.
THE MEDITERRANEAN COASTLINE
Charts No. 183, 234, 243, 2573, 2574, 2578, 2681, 3356, 3567. Plans enclosed.
Egypt's North Coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is a long stretch of sandy beaches, extending about 500 NM. from "ESSOLLUM" in the far west to "EL - ARISH" in the far east. There is very little shelter and the coast is mostly exposed to breakers and notherly winds.
Except during the short periods of seasonal sand storms, good visibility is maintained all year round.
Tide and current are almost negligible, though there is a slight drift to the east.
I. PORTS OF ENTRY
1. ALEXANDRIA.
Lat. 31° 12' N., Long. 29° 53' E. Charts No. 243, 2681, 3119, 3356
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC., Alexandria became the capital of Egypt, until it fell to the Moslem Arabs in the year 642 AD.; Cairo then took its place as the Egyptian Capital. Completed during the reign of the first two Ptolemic Emperors, Alexandria had two harbours: the Eastern Harbour known as the "Grand Harbour", and the Western Harbour "Eunostos" ( bon retour) known as the "Old Harbour".
During the rule of "Muhammed Ali Pacha", the Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt, (1805 -1849 AD.,) the importance of the Eastern Harbour started to decline, and by 1900 the Western Harbour had become the main port of Egypt, and the city of Alexandria was referred to as the "second capital".
Pharos Lighthouse ( 4th Century B.C.) ALEXANDRIA
The Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the lighthouse was built in 280 BC., by Sostratos at the western edge of the Eastern Harbour. It was severly damaged by an earthquake and finally destroyed in the eighteenth century. It is said that the burning Pharos light could be seen at a distance of over 20 NM. from seaward, and its reflected flame was used to set fire to enemy ships trying to approach the harbour. In its place, Khalifa "Quaid Bey" built a fort carrying his name, now a conspicuous landmark easily identified from seaward.
ALEXANDRIA EASTERN HARBOUR
Lat. 31° 12'.8 N., Long. 29° 53'.5 E. Chart No 243, 2681, 3119 Plans 2a and 2b enclosed.
The Eastern Harbour is strongly recommended, in preference to the Western Harbour as the port of entry for visiting yachts.
Oval-shaped, this harbour has fairly good holding ground. Depths vary from 11 to 3.60 metres. The entrance, 300m., wide, is marked by two lit beacons. The light on the west side of the entrance is flashing green, and that on the east side is flashing red; both visible at 2NM.
APPROACH
Approaching from a westerly direction, Rasel-Tin lighthouse will lead you to "Quaid Bey Fort" about 300m., west of the harbour entrance. During the night, the Fort is lit by strong flood lights, clearly seen at a long distance from seaward
Approaching from the east, Rosetta Lighthouse will lead you to the conspicuous "Tower of Montazah Palace"; then several well distinguished landmarks will aid safe navigation towards the harbour entrance, the most important of which is a television mast surmounted by a fixed red light.
Near the entrance, a series of conspicuous land objects encompassing the harbour come into view. Running from east to west, those are: Minaret of Ibrahim Mosque, the Unknown Soldier Monument, and the Minarets of Abu-el-Abbas Mosque During the night, Abu-el-Abbas Mosque is lit by strong flood lights, seen at a long distance while approaching from the east. A fixed red light is exhibited on top of a high wireless pole, seen clearly while approaching from northerly direction.
MOORING
The western section of the harbour, to starboard of the entrance is a designated "anchorage area" for yachts and small craft. You can't miss the obvious crowd of fishing vessels and sailing boats.
Visiting yachts, may however, anchor anywhere inside the harbour, but take care as there are some shallow spots and rocky patches to the east side.
The jetty of the Yacht Club of Egypt ( Y.C.E.) is only used to taking on limited quantities of fresh water. Go stern to.
The Eastern Harbour is not completely sheltered, and can be exposed to breakers during northerly winds, especially during the winter and seasonal gales The dates of these gales can be predicted and are listed in App. (1). They can cause a sea swell of appreciable depth inside the harbour. In these conditions guard against the possibility that the yachts anchors might drag, and be ready to take action in due time.
FORMALITIES PROCEDURE
Once berthed, the first callers will be two or three ratings representing the Coast Guard ( C.G. ), the Authority in charge of the harbour.
The Yacht Club of Egypt ( Y.C.E.) a few metres from "Quait Bey Fort", will then send a sailor with the club's visitors book to welcome you; enter in the names of the crew and accompany the skippe- to the Club House. The skipper should take all the passports with him.
The Club Secretary will look after the legal proceedings and government formalities, in co-operation with the various authorities. With the help of the Secretary and his staff; customs, immigration and quarantine forms will be completed and signed by the skipper.
The C.G. representative at the Club, will be detailed to do everything necessary to obtain the visas, and all the entry documents and permits for you.
Letter of Guarantee. By virtue of the Law, the Y.C.E. has to issue a "letter of guarantee" against the sum of L.E. yS, payable by the visiting yacht.
FACILITIES
Fresh water and fuel. Limited quantities are available on the Y.C.E. jetty. The club will charge L E. 5 each time the yacht uses ;he jetty. Larger quantities are obtainable at the neighbouring fishing vessels piers.
Food and Beverage. Available, at reasonable costs, in the nearby markets. There are also commercial supplies of cartage, filter gas, etc., which can be adapted in an emergency
Repairs. The Y.C.E. has a slipway capable of handling only small craft and racing sail boats. In case in need of bottom cleaning or repairs; four private slipways and workshops are available a few metres from the Club. Depending upon the Size/tonnage of the yacht the average cost of occupying the slipway for 48 hours is I.E. 80 ( eighty ). Another L.E. 3 are due for each extra day. Repairs and painting costs are to be agreed upon, in advance, with the owner. Power and fresh water supplies are provided by the workshop sources.
The Yacht Club of Egypt. In order to be granted the full rights of Club Members, or enjoy the Club's facilities and services, »wmtor^eatoseriptiAn
Club facilities and services include: dining rooms, bathrooms with running hot water, terraces, garden jetty, hot and light meals, soft drinks and refreshments. Club services are rendered from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during winter, and from 9 a.m. to midnight during the rest of the year. The V.C.E. is within walking distancp from the city's shoppinaand banking centres, «v^ J ^ cfcu&JUK
Means of Transport. Buses and trams are the main means of public transport in Alexandria. Privately owned metered taxis and colourful horsedrawn coaches ( 'Hantour" in Arabic ) are also available. Negotiate the price with the "Hantour'' driver before hire. Alexandria is linked with inland and coastal cities by rail and road. There is a daily air service to/from Cairo..
Other Facilities and Services. Hotels ranging from the five star to tourist categories. Mail, telephone and telex services. Public, private hospitals and clinics. Travel agencies, public and private, can organise pleasant "package tours" to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada at reasonable prices.
NOTES OF INTEREST
Alexandria is the most popular summer resort in Egypt. Its seafront, 30 km. long, has many sandy beaches
At the eastern fringe of the City lies the ex-Royal Palace "AL -MUNTAZAH", the grounds of which are now open to the public at a small fee. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and beaches. On its seaside, a modern five-star hotel, the "Palestine" ( Phalastein ), operates all the year round and includes restaurants and a night club.
"ABU QUIR" suburb, the ancient Greek Town "Canopus", lies beyond "Al - Muntazah" to the East. The town is famous for its specialised fish and "fruits de mer" restaurants.
To the West of Alexandria, lies the long stretch of sandy beach at "EL - AGAMI".
Further west, 120km., from Alexandria, is the "ALAMEIN" Cemetery, the monumental burial place of the victims of the famous Battle of El - Alamein during the Second World War.
Other sites of historic interest include; the Roman Amphitheatre, the huge granite Pompey's Pillar, and the Graeco Roman museum.
Sporting Clubs. "Smouha" and "Sporting" are the largest, the latter includes a golf course second to none in the Middle East. The Sea Scouts Club, on the Eastern Harbour, includes a closed swimming pool.
The yacht racing season organised by the Y.C.E. in the Eastern Harbour, begins on the first of May, and lasts until the beginning of October. Racing is organised for the following classes: Dragon, 470, Lazer, Cat Dinghy ( a local one design ). Visiting yachtsmen can take part in these races, as helmsmen or crew; provided they hav the experience and the capacity to do so. Just contact the Club's Sailing Commodore and he will make the necessary arrangements. Another interesting event, is the annual International Regatta usually held in the first week of October in Abu Qir Bay.
DEPARTURE
Yachts departing Alexandria are required to notify the Y.C.E. Secretary at least three days prior to the intended date of departure. The Secretary will take the necessary steps to obtain your departure permits.
The total sum owed to the Y.C.E. is to be paid in cash, at the end of your stay against a "Club settlement bill" or receipt.
- PLAN (2b)
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