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Crossing the Indian Ocean by Sail

The story of the first sailing explorers in the Indian Ocean is fascinating, dating back millennia. This ocean has long served as a vital crossroads for trade, culture and navigation between the civilizations of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

1. History of the First Explorers Crossing the Indian Ocean
  • The first Austronesian navigators (around 2000 BC)

Origin: The first sailing explorers of the Indian Ocean were the Austronesians, originally from Taiwan and the Philippines.

Navigation: They sailed west to Madagascar and the east coast of Africa. Using balancing canoes and advanced navigation techniques, they established colonies in Madagascar around 500 AD.

  • The Phoenicians (around 600 BC)

Origin: The Phoenicians, originally from what is now Lebanon, are often considered the first navigators of the Mediterranean and probably explored the coasts of the Indian Ocean.

Exploration: According to certain historical sources, during the reign of Pharaoh Nékao II, the Phoenicians bypassed Africa from the south to reach the Indian Ocean, thus making a complete tour of Africa.

  • The Arabs and Persians (from the 1st millennium BC)

Origin: The Arabs and Persians played a crucial role in exploration and trade in the Indian Ocean.

Navigation: Mastering navigation with the help of the monsoon, they established maritime trade routes dependent on Arabia, Persia, India and East Africa. These routes were used for trade in spices, gold, ivory and other valuable goods.

  • The Indians (circa 3rd century BC and after)

Origin: Ancient India also had a central role in the navigation of the Indian Ocean.

Exploration: Indian navigators established colonies and trading posts along the coasts of Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula and East Africa, and pioneered the use of the monsoon for navigation.

  • The Chinese (Tang and Ming Dynasty, 7th – 15th century)

Origin: During the Tang Dynasty, China began sending naval missions to the Indian Ocean.

Zheng He: The most famous Chinese explorer was Zheng He, who led seven expeditions between 1405 and 1433. His fleets reached the coasts of East Africa, establishing contact with distant kingdoms and trading valuable goods.

  • Europeans (from the 15th century)

The Portuguese: Vasco da Gama, in 1498, became the first European to reach India by sea, bypassing the Cape of Good Hope. This marked the beginning of an era of European domination in the Indian Ocean.

The Dutch, English and French: Following the Portuguese, other European powers explored and colonized parts of the Indian Ocean, establishing trading posts and controlling maritime trade.

 

The history of exploration in the Indian Ocean is diverse and fascinating, encompassing numerous cultures and civilizations that played a key role in connecting vast regions globally. These pioneering explorers not only forged trade routes but also facilitated cultural and technological exchanges throughout the Indian Ocean.

2. Maritime routes, types of ships used for sailing in previous centuries

Sea routes in the Indian Ocean have been crucial for trade and cultural exchange for several centuries. These routes connected East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Southeast Asia, and even China. Here is an overview of the sea routes and types of sailing vessels used in previous centuries:

Maritime Routes in the Indian Ocean

  • Maritime Silk Road:

This route mainly linked China to India, Southeast Asia, Arabia, and East Africa. It was used to transport spices, silk, porcelain, and other valuable products.Ships generally followed monsoon winds to sail between these regions.

  • Spice Route:

Mainly between Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia), India, Arabia and East Africa. Spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, were the main goods traded. Navigators used knowledge of monsoon winds to travel more quickly and efficiently.

  • Arabian Road:

This road connected the Arabian Peninsula to the African coasts (Zanzibar, Mombasa) and to India. It was important for the trade in gold, ivory, and slaves, as well as for the spread of Islam.

 

Types of Sailing Vessels

Dhow: These Arabian sailing ships are known for their large triangular sails (Lateen sails). They were widely used in the Indian Ocean for transporting goods.

Use: Trade, fishing and transport of goods along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and as far as India.

Jonk (Junk in English): Junks are Chinese sailing ships with a sturdy hull and several masts equipped with batten sails. These rectangular sails were very maneuverable and allowed sailing in different directions.

Use: Used for trade between China, Southeast Asia, and India.

Zawraq: Arab-Persian, it was a small sailing boat used for coastal transport and fishing. It had a narrow hull and was often equipped with a triangular sail.

Use: Mainly for local transport along the Arabian and Persian coasts.

Baghlah: Arabic, larger than the traditional dhow, the baghlah had two or three masts with lateen sails. It was used for long distance travel.

Use: Transport of heavy goods between India, Arabia, and East Africa.

Catamaran: From South Asia (India, Sri Lanka),  it is a type of boat made up of two parallel hulls. In ancient India, catamarans were simple wooden rafts, propelled by oars and sometimes equipped with sails.

Use: Coastal fishing and passenger transport in shallow waters.

 

These ships were suited to the specific sailing conditions of the Indian Ocean, including monsoon winds, which were essential for maritime travel at the time.

3. Sportsmen and Indian Ocean Crossing Records

In recent times, the Indian Ocean has witnessed remarkable feats of endurance and exploration by adventurers, particularly in the domains of sailing and rowing.

In 1971, Swedish adventurer Anders Svedland achieved the inaugural successful solo crossing of the Indian Ocean by paddling from Australia to Madagascar. Subsequently, other individuals undertook similar solo crossings, including Simon Chalk in 2003, Ukrainian Pavel Rezvoy in 2005, and John Williams in 2007.

Noteworthy achievements in oceanic exploration include Raphaëla le Gouvello‘s windsurfing journey across the Indian Ocean in 2006. Starting from Exmouth, Australia, on April 9, 2006, she completed the 6,000 km voyage to Barachois in Saint-Denis in 59 days without external assistance, marking a historic milestone.

In 2009, British adventurer Sarah Outen became the youngest person to row solo across the Indian Ocean, taking 124 days to complete the Australia-Mauritius route. Subsequently, in 2012, Britons James Adair and Ben Stenning achieved a boatless crossing of the Indian Ocean, while Laurence De Rancourt and Laurence Grand-Clément set a new record by rowing from the west coast of Australia to Mauritius in 84 days.

In 2013, Maxime Chaya, Livar Nysted, and Stuart Kershaw completed their east to west crossing of the Indian Ocean in just 58 days, surpassing their original goal of 90 days. Emmanuel Coindre set a world record in 2014 by solo rowing across the Indian Ocean in 56 days, adding to his impressive oceanic accomplishments.

Subsequent feats included Sophie Bernier‘s kite-surfing journey between Mauritius and Reunion Island in 2014, and the rowing expedition of Fanch Landron and Olivier Bouchereau from Reunion to Madagascar in 2015. The same year, Francis Joyon‘s team set a record for sailing from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Cape Leeuwin in Australia in just 5 days, 11 hours, and 23 minutes.

In January 2024, Charles Caudrelier broke the solo crossing record of the Indian Ocean, surpassing the previous record set by Thomas Coville during his 2016 round-the-world attempt. Charles completed the journey from Cape Agulhas to Cape South-East in 8 days, 8 hours, 20 minutes, and 36 seconds, achieving an average speed of 30.7 knots.

Furthermore, Sophie Bernier and Fanch Landron completed their row across the Indian Ocean in 86 days, departing from Australia on April 25, 2024, and arriving at Pointe-des-Galets port on July 22, 2024, after a challenging journey lasting 2 months and 25 days.

4.Towards a return of the tall ships of ocean freight in the Indian Ocean?

The notion of reintroducing tall ships to the Indian Ocean has ignited interest, driven by a fusion of nostalgia, environmental consciousness, and the allure of adventure tourism.

The resurgence of substantial sailing vessels in maritime trade, notably within the Indian Ocean region, is garnering attention amidst the current environmental paradigm shift. Several factors contribute to this emerging phenomenon:

  • Tall Ships and Heritage:
    Tall ships, emblematic with their grand sails and historic importance, symbolize a romantic epoch of exploration and commerce. Events like tall ship regattas have gained global acclaim, suggesting potential for similar gatherings in the Indian Ocean.
  • Sustainability:
    In an era marked by heightened environmental consciousness, sailing ships present an eco-friendly alternative to motorized vessels. Harnessing wind power aligns with global initiatives to curb carbon emissions, positioning tall ships as an appealing choice for sustainable maritime transportation and tourism.
  • Contemporary Voyages:
    Certain groups and enthusiasts are actively engaged in reviving traditional maritime paths using tall ships. These voyages not only promote sailing as a recreational pursuit but also honor the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Indian Ocean.

 

The resurgence of large sailing vessels in maritime trade, particularly within the Indian Ocean, is an idea gaining traction in the current ecological transition. Several factors underpin this trend:

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint:
    Larger sailing ships, primarily wind-powered, offer a significantly greener alternative to conventional maritime transport dependent on fossil fuel-consuming combustion engines. Given the mounting pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, sailboats could serve as a sustainable solution.
  • Technological Advancements:
    Advancements in technology have enhanced the efficiency of modern sailboats. Utilization of composite materials, automated sails, and sophisticated navigation systems optimizes the performance of these vessels.
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    Escalating fuel costs and stringent emissions regulations, such as those mandated by the International Maritime Organization, are propelling exploration of alternatives like sailboats, leveraging wind as a free and renewable resource.
  • Escalating Interest in Short-Haul Routes:
    Within the Indian Ocean, linking numerous island and coastal nations, sailboats could contribute to a localized transport system, truncating distances and travel durations compared to lengthier international maritime routes.
  • Pilot Initiatives:
    Multiple ventures are underway to experiment and cultivate this mode of transportation. Endeavors to construct contemporary cargo sailboats are already in progress, with certain vessels in the prototype phase or undergoing trial runs.

 

In essence, while the resurgence of large sailing ships in maritime trade is not yet widespread, it is evident that this option is being seriously contemplated, especially in regions like the Indian Ocean, where wind conditions and geographical layout render this mode of transport enticing and feasible.

Although the era of tall ships has largely faded, there is a burgeoning movement toward their renaissance in the Indian Ocean. Whether for cultural festivities, sustainable transit, or adventurous pursuits, tall ships may once again grace these historic waters.

TOURISMER establishes its presence as an emerging global entity within the realm of Responsible Tourism. Its mission is to guide travelers through the regions bordering the Oceans, fostering the advancement of indigenous communities and traditions.

The initial focus lies on the Indian Ocean, chosen for its remarkable biodiversity and the vibrancy of the coastal communities residing in its vicinity. This initiative aims to introduce a unique form of tourism that could potentially spur the progress of these local areas.

Immersive experiences with Tourismer

Tourismer’s stays offer a unique experience, transcending traditional vacations by immersing travelers in diverse cultures in the Indian Ocean.

Each destination offers distinct charm. Guests can savor local cuisines, participate in traditional festivals, and engage with communities in meaningful ways, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage.

Tourismer’s stays are not just about seeing new places but about connecting with them on a profound level, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Travel with Tourismer

Date: September 9, 2024