The new pier in Galle harbour.

There is now a choice of agents for yachts clearing into Galle. Previously the Windsors were the only agents but recently GAC Shipping have begun to offer their services to yachts. GAC Shipping has operated in Galle for many years but only for the clearance of ships; this year they started clearing yachts.

At the time of writing GAC Shipping was slightly more expensive than the Windsors but we were very happy with the extra level of service we received. Sailing yachts have a fixed clearing fee of US$200 (US$175 with the Windsors), but motor yachts have to clear with GAC, as they are treated as ships by the Port Authority; they also have to pay aUS$150 pilotage fee--but they don't get a pilot!

GAC's vehicle is available to collect you (or your laundry/jerry cans/gas bottles etc.) from the dock to take you to the harbour security gate, and we always got an immediate response to radio calls--VHF Channel 71. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most days, one of their representatives will call by the boat to see if you need anything.

The procedure on arrival is to radio Port Control who will organise for the navy to come and clear you for entering the harbour. At the same time you can call GAC Shipping who will begin the customs, harbour and immigration paperwork.

It is worth launching your dinghy and going into the harbour to complete the paperwork and to have a look at the mooring options. If you have a preference that can be accommodated GAC will speak to the harbour master on your behalf and try to get you berthed where you request.

Edgar and his tuk tuk, the safest way to travel in Galle.

A new ship sized concrete dock has been built where most charts show the northern row of yacht buoys. The north side of this is available for yachts, rafted two out. The pontoons and buoys on the south side of the harbour are still available, but the new alongside berths are preferable as they give more shelter. Do not take the berth nearest the shore as the surge can be dramatic. No water (except by jugs from the toilet block) or power is available, but GAC can arrange to have fuel delivered to your boat at 40c a litre.

Anchor outside the entrance waiting for navy clearance or for a suitable berth to be allocated. Anchor near the yellow buoys opposite the entrance and allow room for ships to manoeuvre in and out. Due to the swell in this anchorage, most yachts move to behind Watering Point for a calm and peaceful nights sleep, then move back next morning to be near the harbour entrance to go ashore.

At the time of writing (Jan 2003) the harbour entrance is still chained across at night, but the navy has stopped depth charging the harbour at night to dissuade Tamil divers. If you arrive at dusk or at night, anchor behind Watering Point.

One thing to consider when timing your arrival at Galle is that the harbour is quiet small and at times is full so that boats have to wait for someone to leave before they can enter. Usually this does not happen or if it does the delay is only until a boat leaves the next day but when we arrived there were 8 boats waiting to enter the harbour and some had been waiting 5 days. The problem was that one of the rallies was in the harbour. Ten boats all arriving at the same time tends to clog things up so it's worth finding out what the rally's time table is so that you can avoid being there at the same time.

We used Marlin (he works out of the GAC office) as our tour arranger/flag maker/laundry service etc., and received excellent service. His colleague and tuk tuk driver Edgar was also the safest we used.

Contact Information for GAC Shipping:
VHF ch 71--24 hours / 7 days
general@gaccmb.eureka.lk
www.gacsrilanka.com
GAC Marine Services
No. 45 Gibberts Lane
Magalle Galle
Sri Lanka