Anse La Raie lies at the northern tip of Mauritius, a forty minute drive north of the capital Port Louis. It is located only 6kms from the shopping and nightlife of Grand Baie, which also has many bars and restaurants. The countryside in the north is a mix of sugar cane plantations, with the interior hills leading to traditional villages built along the coastline.
The Sailing in Anse La Raie
Anse La Raie offers a quieter alternative to Le Morne with less windsurfers and kiters on the water, as well as a great deal of space. It is situated on the edge of a lagoon even bigger than that of Le Morne. The outer reef is located 2.5kms from the launch areas, and extends 20km in a south easterly direction. The lagoon is deeper than that of Le Morne, and deep enough for windsurfers and kite foilers to sail at all states of the tide, making this area the very best for long downwinders and long distance cruising.
The wind blows here from the right in a side shore direction. The outer reef protects the lagoon from the big ocean swells, providing relatively flat water with small chop on the inside. The water is up to 4m deep, so not shallow, except at the launching areas. There is also little current which adds to the safety of the area.
The mornings typically provide flat water conditions for beginners, before the wind increases midday for intermediate to advanced.
The southeast tradewinds blow most consistently between the months of April to October, at an average strength of 15 to 30 knots – force 4 to 6 beaufort. This is actually the winter season, where the air temperature is between 20 and 26 degrees centigrade, and the water between 23 and 26 degrees.
Ans La Raie also has a greater variety of amenities than Le Morne, with shopping markets, bars and restaurants all located within easy reach.
Best Suited To
Anse La Raie provides ideal conditions for all levels and disciplines except for wave sailing. Although the waves can be ridden where the ocean swells break on the outer reef, Le Morne in the south of Mauritius offers better options for those searching for great surf.
However, there are more shopping opportunities nearby than Le Morne, and there is the bars and nightlife only 6kms away in Grande Baie.
Hazards
There are a few rocks to avoid in the shallows when launching from the kite centre, but apart from that, the area is very safe.
Pros
- Flat water lagoon deep enough at all tides to sail
- Lots of space to cruise big distances
- No strong currents
- Blue Water
- Consistent trade winds
- Well stocked kitesurf and windsurf hire and teaching centres
- Rescue services
- Close proximity of hotels
- 6kms away from the busy shopping and nightlife of Grand Baie
Cons
- Very expensive rescue services if not hiring equipment locally
- Not very suitable for wave riding
- Some rocks to avoid
- Limited areas to launch
