The sailing season beckons. Come on in, the water is lovely!
India is a sailor’s dream. 7,600 km of coastline, plenty of natural harbours, calm waters for the leisurely sail, a bit of stormy water for the adventurous. Plus innumerable lakes and rivers. But the only ones who know about the beauty of its waters are the Navy, a few cruise ships, oil rigs and fishermen. And a handful of enthusiasts who keep popping into the water every sailing season.
People who left the sport are getting back to it too, like Prakash H. Khatiwala (70). “I used to sail 25 years back, but I got busy running my chemical business and forgot about sailing. Then I was at a boat show a couple of years back and decided to get back into the water. I had a boat custom-made for me and now the wife and me sail every Sunday. We started in January this year and are eagerly waiting for October so we can get back on to the water.”
Where to sail
Mumbai, Maharashtra; Goa; Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Kochi, Kerala; Lakshadweep;
the Andamans; lakes and rivers in your city
When to sail
October to mid-May
Where to learn
(This story appears in the 25 September, 2009 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)