Windswept weekend

Azure waters and baywatch style action to beat the funk out of your impending week. Novice and non-swimmer Fiona Fernandez and photographer Bipin Kokate went sailing, kayaking and windsurfing off the apollo bunder coast

While on board the Beneteau 6.5, on a 45-minute sailboat ride to the port of Mandwa, I could imagine what it must feel like to in globetrotting TV journalist Samantha Brown's shoes. The photo-ops were ideal -- sea gulls chasing us, and luxury yachts bobbing around the harbour. You'd be forgiven to believe this was Santa Monica Bay. We were on our way for a day of sailing, surfing and kayaking with Aquasail, as their powdered-white powerboat cruised past the Arabian Sea's waters, leaving Mumbai's foggy skyline eight nautical miles behind.u00a0

Along the way, we dropped off our co-passengers on to a Beneteau 7.5s; this family wasu00a0 on their second lesson in introductory sailing. As I settled into my windswept avatar, Director Aquasail Zia Hajeebhoy, filled me in on why they wanted to be more than just another boating company. "Shakeel (Kudroli; champion sailor and multiple-medal winner) and I wanted to create a base of people who not only buy good boats but also learn to enjoy and experience boating. We ensure that our clientele stay informed and gain the confidence of sailing their own boats; it's all about developing a hobby," she said.

Just then, our sailing instructor Abhishek invited me to take over the controls. Gulp. After a crash course in the safety measures and instructions, I was actually steering a powerboat for three full minutes. This is how Daniel Craig must feel while on a rescue mission? A fast-approaching passenger boat rudely disrupted the joyride, and the controls were swiftly handed back to the expert.

As many as 3,000 people went sailing between January and May 2009, said Zia, who's been sailing for over 20 years. With a fleet of nearly 30 boats, including more than eight types for windsurfing, kayaking and sailing, she is positive that Mumbaikars will warm up to this new hobby. They are a team of 30, comprising instructors, tindalls (seafarers from the fishing community nearby), maintenance staff, marketing and administration personnel. The instructors are trained from the Sea Cadet Corps (Training Ship Jawahar, a voluntary non-government organisation that provides sea training to Indian youth).

By now, Mandwa's shoreline surfaced in the horizon. Sunday class beckoned. We proceeded to the Aquasail centre, nearby. A presentation section with training manuals, sailing flags and charts greeted us at the well equipped base where we wolfed down our dal-rice-roti-chicken masala lunch, before heading back to the beach.u00a0

< LESSON 1>u00a0u00a0SAILING
Those guys on Nat Geo make it look remarkably easy. Terms like portside, gybe and foresail had to be quickly memorised. First up, we sailed on a Fun Boat; lightweight, plasticky and barely intimidating. As a gentle breeze toyed with our boat's sails, Abhishek explained, "These boats are designed to introduce people to sailing, without the stress." Soon we left the shore behind and I took my first lessons in sailing -- directions flew thick and fast. Next, I was introduced to two bigger boats -- the Hoby Cat (short for catamaran) and its equally stylish cousin, the Hoby Bravo. Zia and fellow-instructors Jo and Tulsi sailed the Bravo while we took the Cat. Controlling the rudder in either direction, maneuvering a gybe and a tack, negotiating the mainsail; all of it fulfilling.u00a0
Later, we sailed a Beneteau First Class 7.5 -- one the big daddies among boats, for nearly 30 minutes. We veered and bounced away as the wind Gods worked overtime to ensure we had a memorable last leg. Sailing this prized boat was the high point of the trip, never mind the heart-stopping moments whenever we tilted a near 90 degrees. Zia chipped in about teamwork being integral to sailing. "These are ideal for our corporate training programs. Everybody must stick to their roles; it's the perfect teambuilding exercise."

< LESSON 2> KAYAKING
As I memorised my instructor Jo's notes about paddling in a kayak (small human-powered boat), it seemed like a cakewalk. Left, right, left... Once our two-seater kayak hit the water, it was more about timing, balance and synchronisation with your partner. It isn't complicated and can be mastered in a few sessions. Kayaking can be quite an enjoyable, calming experience, if you sit back and soak in the moment. It was easily, my most relaxing lesson.u00a0u00a0

< LESSON 3> WINDSURFING
Now, this isn't as glamourous as Baywatch made it look. With a sail, a hand bar and prayers for support, there's nothing much you can do once you are on a windsurf. Arms straight, knees slightly bent and feet firmly positioned on the grips below -- it was my toughest lesson. Iu00a0 surfed for nearly two minutes, unsupported and surprised at my "seaworthiness". But it all came to a watery end when my sail decided to give up
on me. Finally, as the shadows threatened to take over, and after four hours of water-inspired fun, adventure and thrilling takeaways, we set sail for Mumbai. For Zia and her dedicated team, it was just another day in their out-of-office office.

Log on to aquasailindia.com for further details and more Valentine's Day specials

What you can sign up for
Introduction to sail (1.5-2 hour sessions): Rs 1,500 per head (7 days a week from the Gateway).
Learn to sail (40-hour course): Rs 40,000 per head (7 days a week, as per client convenience).
Learn to dinghy sail (7-15 years): Rs 12,000 per head (February 6 and 7).
Learn to Windsurf (2-day course): Rs 15,000 per head (February 6 and 7; also February 13 and 14).
Splash (A fun day out for the family with a taster of all boats): Rs 4,000 per head; Rs 2,000 (kids) (Scheduled for February 28).
Valentine's Day Special: Sunset sails on the Beneteau 7.5 will run for 1.5- 2 hours long.