Joe,
It was just a thought I had. I suppose if ISON was near it's brightest it would make for a interesting sight but as you say there is other things happening so it wouldn't be worth trying to hunt it down.
I'd love to get to see the eclipse anyway but if I'm completely honest I think the best we can hope for is to travel to see only a partial eclipse. Central Africa doesn't exactly fill me excitement, even if it is an amazing place.
A yacht would be nice, lucky you.
Ian,
I have had a passing look at those islands before for another reason(can't remember what though).
It will probably be a matter of geography in the end and whatever the best option is closest.