A new journey: A grand dream aboard the Nofy Be

Nofy Be (“big dream”) is the name of a sailing boat offering travelers the chance to discover the beauty and authenticity of Madagascar’s west coast. This vessel, crewed by Vezo sailors and accompanied by owners Fred or Laetitia (depending on the season), provides an authentic cruise experience. This unique adventure will soon be part of the trips offered by Détours Madagascar. We interviewed Fred to share this waking “dream” in Madagascar, one you’ll soon be able to experience!

Détours Madagascar:  Thank you, Fred, for granting this interview. We plan to offer our travelers a stay aboard the Nofy Be. Simply because we love your concept—our vision of travel aligns closely with yours. We share the same values: authenticity, respect for Madagascar’s culture and traditions.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us how your project began?

Fred: After 30 years of sailing the Indian Ocean and a round-the-world trip via boat hitchhiking, the Nofy Be story began in 2005. My friend Laetitia and I were enjoying a Caipirinha in Belo sur Mer, watching the merchant dhows sail peacefully back to port. At the time, I owned a wooden sailboat in Mayotte. I said to Laetitia, “You see, I’d love to build a boat like these and share my passion with travelers—an authentic concept… on Madagascar’s west coast.”  Laetitia immediately supported the idea: “Why don’t we partner and build this boat?” It was a childhood dream for me. As a kid, I sailed with my father in the North Sea aboard a plastic First 42 by Bénéteau. I remember telling him, “Dad, when I grow up, I’ll build a big wooden boat, like the pirates!”  After months of waiting and settling parts of our lives, Laetitia and I reunited in Morondava and Belo sur Mer to confirm we were on the same page. Seeing those dhows again in the mangrove, Laetitia said, “Listen, I’m ready. Let’s start whenever you want.” I arranged to meet her a few months later, in July 2006. During that time, she remained in Madagascar, tackling administrative tasks to ensure the ‘big dream’ complied with authorities.  In September 2006, the paperwork and our search for a fondy (a dhow master craftsman) were finalized. I then spent 21 days in the forest to collect 25 tons of wood, enough to build the entire boat. After three years of construction, we finally raised the sails in February 2009 and began our first trials.

Détours Madagascar: Can you share the story of the boat and the plans you used to build it?

Fred: The origins of this boat trace back to Radama II. This king sought French assistance to create a sailing merchant fleet for trade across the Mozambique Channel with Mayotte, the Comoros, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The design comes from the Joachim brothers, Breton shipwrights sent by Napoleon to build schooner-style boats.  

Over time, the Vezo modified the design—not for preference but for economy and efficiency. They adjusted the boat to a standard size, creating an 18-meter vessel, 6 meters wide instead of 5, to carry more cargo. The fondy (master craftsmen) pass down this knowledge orally from father to son, as most cannot read or write. When searching for timber in the forest, the fondy knows each piece by memory. The template I used for our boat is 100 years old.

Détours Madagascar:  How many people can the boat accommodate? For example, if I come with my family, let’s say 7 or 8 of us, would that work?

Fred: Yes, up to 8 people fit comfortably, but for ideal comfort, 6 is best. The crew consists of 4 people (3 Vezo sailors and a cook), plus Laetitia or myself. One of the boat’s owners is always present to welcome the vahiny (guests) and share our story.

Détours Madagascar:  Where does the journey begin? What are the stops along the way?

Fred: Our playground is straightforward: from southwest to northwest Madagascar, 1,500 kilometers of coastline. This area remains largely untouched by mass tourism—an extraordinary region full of virgin landscapes, stunning biodiversity, and cultural treasures.  

From the south: Itampolo, Anakao, Ifaty, Andavadaoka, Morombe, and further north: Nosy Be, Radama Islands, Mitsio Islands, Nosy Iranja, and even Baie du Courrier in the far northwest. Depending on the season, the landscapes vary dramatically.  

In April and May, we sail southwest, catching the southern trade winds. We hoist 180 m² of sails, striving for 60-70% wind-powered navigation—silence, listening to the sea, and enjoying the chef’s meals. We fish, and the seafood is simply incredible! It’s a serene, timeless experience filled with simple pleasures.  

Culturally, we meet the Sakalava (north and south), the Vezo, the Mahafaly, and the Antandroy. Each region has its customs and fady (taboos). It’s a journey rich in culture, shared with our Vezo crew. The Nofy Be is well-known along the coast—it’s been sailing here for 10 years.

Détours Madagascar:What kind of travelers do you usually have?

Fred: We welcome families, groups of friends, and diving enthusiasts. Families especially love it—children are mesmerized by the sails and feel like they’re on a Pirates of the Caribbean ship. I’m no Jack Sparrow, but I aim to create moments they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Détours Madagascar: To conclude, can you share your thoughts on Malagasy tourism?

Fred: I’ve spent 30 years in the Indian Ocean, 15 of those in Madagascar. I’ve filmed many documentaries and know the country well—north, west, east, and south. Madagascar is a stunning, extraordinary country with warm and welcoming people.  

Arriving by boat is unlike arriving by 4x4. By boat, you’re one of them—you’re a sailor. The Nofy Be is part of the landscape, familiar to the locals. This coast is untouched—in some areas, you won’t see a single boat for days.  

In places like the Barren Isles, you’ll only encounter Vezo fishing pirogues. There’s no comparison to destinations like the Caribbean or Maldives, where spots are overcrowded. In northwest Madagascar, particularly around Nosy Iranja, the beauty is unmatched, yet you’ll rarely see other boats.  

On the Nofy Be, time slows down. But for those who need it, we have 4G connectivity and a satellite phone—we’re as well-equipped as a modern catamaran.

Détours Madagascar: Amazing—it truly sounds inspiring! Thank you for your time, Fred.

Fred: You’re welcome. It was a pleasure.

Discover trips aboard the Nofy Be: https://www.voyagemadagascar.com/circuit/l-archipel-des-mitsio-au-fil-de-l-eau-a-bord-de-la-goelette-nofy-be/