RIVIERA 43 OPEN SETS THE BENCH MARK FOR CHARTERS IN THE SEYCHELLES

Since the stunning new Riviera 43 Open Flybridge was delivered to the Seychelles for  owners uShaka Charters recently – charters have gained popularity especially among locals and holiday makers who appreciate the versatile fishability of this luxurious 45-footer.

Skipper Francis reports a sudden burst of interest with four fishing trips and two transfers from the North Island back to Mahe – taking place in the last month.  

This new Sport Fisher is ideal for chartering as she is perfect for serious big game fishing or cruising.  She’s perfectly set up with state-of-the-art features to suit the most seasoned angler with a huge live-bait well, outriggers in the gunwhales, rocket launcher rod holders fitted onto the flybridge and much more.

A number of anglers can fish from her huge cockpit at the same time without feeling confined – and even having a Reelax 80 lbs fighting chair fitted doesn’t compromise on space.

While a half days fishing takes place around 15-miles offshore there have been those who prefer a whole day at the drop-offs between 20 – 40 miles out to sea – targeting a range of species from Sailfish and Marlin to bottom fish.

And she boasts all the comforts and niceties one would expect for luxuriously comfortable cruising in idyllic island surroundings. The spacious alfresco layout of this luxurious craft also lends itself to great socializing without excluding anyone – even the chef in the galley can be part of the fun.

Bright sunny weather and only a slight chop has been norm over the past few weeks with encouraging fishing results. One group went out for the day recently and had a really good outing hooking a Sail Fish, a Dog Tooth Tuna, Amber Jack, Grouper, Shark and Red Snapper.

Even though the season is changing and it is expected to become very windy especially in July and August, Francis says fishing carries on regardless and in fact even more fish have been known to be caught at this time. In fact he adds that there’s really no bad time of year in the Seychelles and fishermen will fish and they will catch fish.

He adds that with interest growing in trips to islands about 70-miles away – live-aboard charters are also becoming a distinct possibility in the near future – she sleeps 6 – 7 people. This will certainly attract those night fishermen interested in catching sharks and a whole variety of bottom fish. And to make it even more appealing -  Blue LED underwater lights at the transom transformS the water behind the boat into a cauldron teeming fish – just ripe for the catching.

Whether you are a board for a morning or a few days, you will find yourself in the capable hands of Francis who takes care of the piloting and smooth running of the boat and deckhand Aaron who is in charge of the lines, rigging and general fishing assistance.

Long distances to the deep or exotic destinations are easily reached cruising at 28 knots with a top speed of around 31 knots and a range of 350 - 500 nautical miles from 1800-litre tanks depending on speed. You won’t even notice the ultra-quiet Volvo IPS motors which are vibration and emission-free.

Ushaka is not used for dive charters but arrangements are made for enthusiasts on board with the dive centre in Mahe.

Interested parties should keep an eye on their website for more information and bookings:  www.seychellesyachtchart.com .