The Beginner's Guide To Sailing In India

By Author: Niyati
Total Articles: 1
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What is Sailing?
Sailing is a wholesome activity for adventure lovers and aquatic enthusiasts. The feeling of water splashing on the skin and wind blowing through the hair is an amazing and rather fulfilling one. The sport of sailing is all about leveraging the power of wind to maneuver a sea-borne craft piece through a sea or an ocean with the help of a sail. The sail is usually a piece of cloth which is propped up by a mast and it helps in powering the craft so as to rush through the wind.
Sailing usually takes place offshore or out in the ocean. Sailing can be as adrenaline high or as relaxing as you would like it to be. It is an extremely fun activity especially when it is sunset sailing or sailing during the weekends. The fun never seems to stop at those times.

Sailing is also alternatively known as sailboat racing or yachting.

Categories of Sailboat Racing -
There are two categories of Sailboat racing. They are - class and handicap. In the former, all boats look somewhat alike, from the initial boats to the finish, where one wins. However, in the latter, different types of boat race against each other and the scores are decided according to each boat’s handicap which is computed either before or after the race. In the handicap racing, the number of competitors in each boat may vary from a single person to large crews of up to 20.

There are some other categories of sailing as well, they include kitesurfing and windsurfing.

When to Sail in India?
Sailing being a dry season sport, is better in summer months of the year. However, India is an exceptionally large country with two coastlines along the sides. They are east coastline and west coastline. Both have different weather conditions and hence both have different best timings for sailing and yachting. While in the east coastline, the best time of the year to take on the seas would be from June to September. On the other hand, along the west coastline, the best time of the year would be in the winter months, i.e. from late November to February.

What to carry when you go sailing?
Sailing is an aquatic activity and hence all precautions must be taken. One must be prepared for all things that may come their way, even natural disasters as sometimes you just cannot predict them. Some of the most important equipment that you must carry include -
1. Sailing jacket
2. Sailing vest
3. Smocks / spray tops
4. Lifejacket
5. Sunglasses (optional)
6. Sunblock / sunscreen
7. Extra pair of slippers

If you are going for a sailing experience, or even learning how to sail do so with a trusted service provider that follows international safety protocols and has all safety equipment onboard.

Where must you sail in India?
There are several spots you can sail at in India along both coastlines. On the west coastline, you can sail by renting a yacht or sailboat in Mumbai , Goa or Mandwa, also known as Alibaug. the eastern coastline, you can sail from Chennai to the southern coastline.

Safety Concerns regarding Sailing
One need not be extremely fit to indulge in sailing or yachting as it all depends on your abilities to be able to handle yourself in water. People of all ages can and do enjoy sailing – from young to old. However, it is advisable to carry a medical certificate mentioning that you are medically fit before you set out on an adventure.