Sailing Schedules

Current offerings

Start on Réunion Island, highlighted by French cuisine and culture. The southeast trade winds will be in full effect for an exhilarating five-day downwind run to the northern tip of Madagascar. From there we will make our way to Nosy Be island. After clearing in to Hellville, there will be opportunity to explore Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including lemurs and the distinctive baobab trees found throughout the region. Madagascar is widely regarded by cruising sailors as a standout highlight of their circumnavigation. Its dramatic coastline, diverse wildlife, and welcoming coastal communities combine to create a uniquely rewarding and memorable sailing destination.

Réunion to Madagascar, 2026

June 1-12

Travel Logistics

The main international airport on Réunion Island is Roland Garros Airport, serving as a key regional connection point for flights from Europe, Africa, and across the Indian Ocean. From the airport, onward travel to the Port of Pointe des Galets in Le Port takes approximately 30–40 minutes by road along the island’s northwest coast. A range of transport options are available, including taxis, ride services, and local bus connections, allowing for flexible independent travel depending on arrival time. Guests will join Blackfin at 8 AM on June 1 for boarding, orientation, and departure procedures.

Departing Madagascar

Disembarkation will take place in Hell-Ville (Andoany), Nosy Be, the island’s main port and logistical hub. From the yacht, guests will transfer ashore via tender and continue by road to Fascene Airport (Nosy Be Airport), located approximately 25–30 minutes away. Fascene Airport offers regional flights to Antananarivo (Ivato International Airport), Madagascar’s primary international gateway, with onward connections to Europe, Africa, and other global hubs.

Arriving Réunion

Current offerings

Madagascar to Zanzibar, 2026

June 16-27

Arrive into Nosy Be, where we will spend several days exploring Madagascar’s iconic flora and fauna. We then set off on a six-day offshore passage following the south-east trade winds to Zanzibar, Tanzania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for Stone Town. Its atmospheric labyrinth of winding alleys, ornate carved doors, and bustling spice markets reflects a rich cultural tapestry shaped by centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, and European influence.

Travel Logistics

Arriving Madagascar

The main international airport in Madagascar is Antananarivo (Ivato International Airport), serving as the country’s primary gateway for international flights from Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean region. From here, guests connect onward via a short domestic flight to Fascene Airport (Nosy Be Airport) on Nosy Be. Upon arrival, guests can take a taxi to Hell-Ville (Andoany), approximately 25–30 minutes from the airport, where they will meet Blackfin for boarding, orientation, and departure procedures..

Departing Zanzibar

Disembarkation will take place at Azam Watersports & Marina in Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic waterfront and main maritime hub. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is located approximately 15–20 minutes away and serves as the principal gateway to Zanzibar, offering regional connections across East Africa and onward international flights via major hubs such as Nairobi, Doha, and Dubai.

Offshore & Coastal Sailing

Small group sailing trips designed to reconnect you with nature’s wild beauty.

Sailing Programs

1. Longer offshore passages

2. Coastal, island-hopping voyages.

All trips are participatory and involve shared responsibility onboard - but they differ significantly in duration, daily rhythm and proximity to land.

(scroll down for details)

Shorter Passages (2-10 days)

Coastal trips are well suited to those new to sailing, travelers looking for a balance between sailing and exploring - and anyone who wants a mix of hands-on sailing with time ashore.

For more details about offshore and coastal passages, go to the Frequently Asked Questions on our About page.

Open Ocean (Offshore) Passages

Open ocean sailing can be exhilarating, challenging and deeply rewarding, but it requires curiosity, resilience and a willingness to engage fully with the experience.

These passages are well-suited for aspiring sailors who want real offshore experience before embarking on their own voyages, as well as for couples, friends, families and solo travelers seeking meaningful adventure. No prior ocean-crossing experience is required, but participants should be prepared for physical effort, teamwork and extended time at sea.

Beyond seamanship, long passages provide an opportunity for something increasingly rare: time, space and reflection. Many guests come during periods of transition - career changes, life milestones or personal crossroads. The rhythm of passage-making offers a powerful setting for clarity and perspective, and the ocean in her many moods can be an amazing source of inspiration and guidance.

Wild Journeys

Aboard Blackfin, we sail not just across oceans, but forward in our own stories, guided by wind, weather - and the enduring wisdom of the sea. Read more about Blackfin and Captain Ben Reader here.

Sailing with Ben on the Blackfin was the adventure of a lifetime. Incredible food, wild moments on the water - and a deep sense of trust the whole way through. Ben is an extremely knowledgeable captain, but also one of the most patient, grounded people you'd want to be at sea with.

Evan Rilling, surfer and chef

★★★★★

★★★★★

Sailing with Ben on the Blackfin was a dream come true. And once was not enough. I sailed down the coast of New Zealand and came back to sail down the East coast of Australia toward Tasmania. Blackfin is a beautifully appointed boat and Ben's breadth of knowledge will impress expert sailors and novices alike.

Shelley Gill ~ author, adventurer & whale detective

Get in touch

Ready to set sail? Come sail your story forward aboard Blackfin!

WhatsApp:

+1 (316) 297-5770

Email:

sailblackfin@gmail.com